[P7_TOM]

That man ‘Iggins writing in the Australian casually, but emphatically underlines the very real clout the Senate Standing Committee has, which they share with the ubiquitous ‘man at the back of the room’.  In this case, the ANAO.  Clearly, Houstoblame and his cosy ‘in-camera’ chat, didn’t work.  Then again, maybe it did, the rate bodies were being hurled under busses at the last committee – anything could have happened.

It is a very good thing for all, particularly for the ASA that the ANAO has taken on the task.  Their audit will not be constrained by departmentally drafted ‘terms of reference’ which allow them to investigate the tea money; nope, the real deal and no man dare say the ANAO are ‘employed’ by ASA.  They may, rightfully, be deemed truly independent of ASA and will conduct an unimpeachable audit, which will, once and for all bury the ‘perception’ of dodgy deals; or, expose the canker and cure it.   The cloud of suspicion has been hanging over the ASA for far too long: time to see it off.

Lets hope there is enough integrity in the ANAO to avoid becoming enmeshed in the influence of certain individuals who can, if allowed make even a sows ear look like a silk purse.  

The terms of reference will tell the tale true.