QAO issues report on confidentiality and disclosure of government contracts
The Queensland Audit Office (QAO) has finalised its audit report about confidentiality and disclosure of government contracts.
The purpose of the audit was to examine the use of confidentiality provisions in Queensland Government contracts by examining the activities of five departments.
The report identifies some deficiencies in the way agencies are recording and disclosing contracts and also raises concerns with the processes in place for recording the types of confidentiality clauses that are included in contracts.
The report includes recommendations about:
- agencies obtaining guidance and training on use of confidentiality provisions and disclosure of contracts
- evaluating, at a whole-of-government level, the existing arrangements for disclosing reportable contracts, including the ability to record why contracts include specific confidentiality provisions
- agencies meeting the mandatory requirements of the Procurement Guidelines – Contract Disclosure
- agencies improving contract registers or contract management systems to ensure there is a complete record of all awarded contracts.
Crown Law is preparing some guidance material as a reference for identifying and managing confidential information.
A copy of the QAO audit report can be viewed here.