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Overview

Role of the Auditor-General 

The role of the Auditor-General is to provide Parliament with independent assurance of public sector accountability and performance. This is achieved through reporting to Parliament on the results of its financial and performance audits.

About the Auditor-General Report

The report examines the effectiveness and probity of the Industry Partnership Program in supporting industry development in Queensland. The program was delivered by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning.

The report found that: 

• The program was well designed to support Queensland’s industry development objectives
• The probity and administrative controls over the program were strong, but improvements could be made to future programs
• Program processes lacked flexibility, which made it hard for some suitable businesses to participate
• The program showed some positive initial outcomes, but the department could have tracked and reported results better
• Public reporting on government support for private businesses needs to increase.

Auditor-General recommendations

The Auditor-General makes 8 recommendations, which are mostly directed to the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning. 

Two recommendations apply to all entities involved in administering government grant programs. 

The recommendations focus on the following themes:

• Strengthening risk, application assessment, and compliance processes
• Ensuring grant processes reflect program intent and the program is publicly accountable
• Monitoring, evaluating, and reporting performance

The Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning has outlined its support for all recommendations. 

Referral to Committee 

The committee is responsible under section 94 of the Parliament of Queensland Act 2001 for assessing the integrity, economy, efficiency and effectiveness of government financial management by examining government financial documents and considering reports of the Auditor-General.

The Committee of the Legislative Assembly referred the report to the committee for consideration on 30 October 2025.