A public inquiry will be held into the NSW Parliamentary Budget Office to examine its future role and functions.

 

Premier Barry O’Farrell said a Joint Select Committee, chaired by the Member for Baulkham Hills, David Elliott MP, and comprising Members from both Houses, would be asked to consider a range of issues around best practice, resourcing and oversight of the Office.

 

“The concept of having an independent process to cost election promises is a good one, but we have to ensure taxpayers are getting value for money,” Mr O’Farrell said.

 

The inquiry will look into the purpose of the Parliamentary Budget Office and whether the terms of the Act it is established under are appropriate.

 

The Committee will also inquire into the Office’s functions and powers, structure, staffing, resourcing and accountability and oversight mechanisms.

 

Mr O’Farrell said it was appropriate that a Joint Select Committee conducts a full and open inquiry into whether the Office is in fact the best model for NSW for the purpose it is intended to serve.

 

“For example, is it in taxpayers’ interest to have a full time, fully resourced Office to undertake tasks related to costing political parties’ election promises every four years or is it desirable that the role be expanded so it serves a meaningful purpose outside of election periods?

 

“I want the Committee to conduct this inquiry with an open mind - the NSW Government has not made any decisions about the future of the Office and will be guided by the inquiry as to what steps it will take,” Mr O’ Farrell said.