Media statement - Independence of Auditors General report 2025
Published: 21 Jan 2026
The Northern Territory continues to rank lowest in a comprehensive assessment of the independence of Auditors-General across all Australian jurisdictions, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
The independence of the Auditor-General, from the executive government is a cornerstone of public accountability and transparency in Australia. The Australasian Council of Auditors General (ACAG) has released its updated 2025 report on the Independence of Auditors General, providing a detailed assessment of the legislation and practices that safeguard public sector audit independence.
The Northern Territory has ranked last behind every other Australian jurisdiction, as well as New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.
"This result is disappointing, but it is not surprising," the Auditor-General said. "Our legislative framework dates back to 1995 and has not been substantively updated for more than 20 years."
The report found that the Northern Territory Auditor-General is highly vulnerable in 2 critical areas: audit mandate and operational autonomy. These vulnerabilities directly undermine the integrity and effectiveness of the public sector audit function in the Territory.
The 2024 strategic review of the Northern Territory Auditor-General’s Office, which assessed the NT Audit Act 1995 against better practice, reached similar conclusions.
Both reviews present a compelling case for comprehensive reform and a full rewrite of the Audit Act. The Northern Territory remains the only jurisdiction in Australasia without legislated performance audit powers, an essential tool for assessing whether government programs are operating economically, efficiently and effectively.
To lift the Territory’s standing, the report identifies several core reforms needed to strengthen independence:
- introduce performance audit powers
- expand audit coverage and follow‑the‑dollar powers
- create independent budget, staffing and office autonomy
- moving appointment and oversight functions to Parliament
- guarantee unrestricted access to all information, including Cabinet documents
- strengthen reporting, tabling and follow‑up arrangements.
Successive reviews have recommended modernising the audit mandate and strengthening funding arrangements. These recommendations have been repeatedly overlooked by consecutive governments.
The Auditor-General also noted concerns arising from the passage of the Integrity and Ethics Commissioner Bill 2025, which introduced oversight of the Auditor-General by the Integrity and Ethics Oversight Inspector.
"This change further weakens the independence of the role," the Auditor-General said. "Oversight must protect that independence and ensure the Auditor‑General remains accountable to Parliament only."
To view the 2025 report on the Independence of Auditors General, go to the Australasian Council of Auditors General website.
Auditor-General’s reports, including strategic reviews can be viewed in publications or via Library & Archives NT’s digital repository Territory Stories.
For more information contact:
Jara Dean (he/him/his)
Auditor-General
Phone: 08 8999 7155
nt.audit@nt.gov.au
