Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Public Auditing Function, dated 25 November 2003:

The Ad Hoc Committee on Public Auditing Function was established by resolution of the House (see Minutes of Proceedings of National Assembly, 24 June 2003, p 700) and mandated to introduce a bill on the objects contained in a legislative proposal reviewing the public auditing function, which was submitted to the Speaker by the Audit Commission (see Announcements, Tabling and Committee Reports, 2 June 2003, p 518).

The Ad Hoc Committee wishes to submit a progress report, as follows:
- Prior notice of the introduction of the draft bill was given in the Government Gazette, No 25064, dated 5 June 2003, by this Parliament, and an explanatory summary of the draft bill was published in the same Gazette.
- The Gazette also contained an invitation to interested persons and institutions to submit written representations on the draft legislation to the Secretary before 25 June 2003. The Committee duly considered the submissions and conducted public hearings thereafter.
- In addition, the Committee consulted with the chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI), the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence, the Auditor-General, the Speaker of the National Assembly, The Presidency, the National Department of Intelligence, the National Department of Defence, the South African Police Service and the National Treasury. In this regard, the Committee wishes to take this opportunity to thank those who willingly provided invaluable input.
- The Committee has now approved the final draft of the bill, and will introduce the bill when it is ready for publication by publishing a final report and submitting a copy of the bill to the Speaker in terms of Rule 243.
- In conclusion, we recommend that, upon introduction, Members be afforded an opportunity to debate the bill in the House.

Report to be considered.