ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S OPERATING ACCOUNT

The Hon. L. STEVENS (Little Para) (15:06): Will the Attorney-General advise the house about the so-called $4 million overdraft on the Attorney-General's Department's operating account which was raised by the member for Heysen?

The Hon. M.J. ATKINSON (Croydon—Attorney-General, Minister for Justice, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:07): I have obtained advice from my department and it has given me its response to the Acting Auditor-General in May 2007. So, I can see that the Lennonistas are in swift touch with the member for Heysen. The audit recommendation was:

Implement a regular review of the balance of the Attorney-General's operating account to ensure that at no time is the account overdrawn. Response. During October 2006—

October 2006—

there was a changeover of staff which led to the account being overdrawn. This was identified by the Systems Financial Consultant shortly thereafter. The procedures for this position have been updated to ensure the Senior Financial Officer is aware of the need to review the balance of the Attorney-General's operating account daily. The senior finance officer will now sign a register as evidence of this review. This will be independently checked and signed by the Systems Financial Consultant.

And, Mr Speaker, the Auditor-General did not even feel it necessary to include it in his report.