A Framework for Reforming the Independence and Accountability of Statutory Officers of Parliament: A Case Study of Victoria

Considerable attention has been given to the independence of auditors-general in the literature. However, there are other officers of parliament who also have roles that may require protection from the excessive use of power by the executive arm of government. In response to the recent Public Accounts and Estimates Committee Inquiry into a Legislative Framework for Victorian Statutory Officers of Parliament, the study compares the enabling legislation of four Victorian officers of parliament in terms of their powers, independence, funding and mandate as well as the accountability mechanisms available to parliament in terms of their appointment, tenure and oversight. The four officers are: the auditor-general; the ombudsman; the regulator-general; and the director of public prosecutions. A number of notable differences in the enabling legislation are identified and reform options for strengthening such legislation are presented.