7 March 2002

More Time to Submit Views on Independence of Australian Company Auditors

In his keynote address last week to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, Senator the Hon Ian Campbell announced that the deadline to provide a submission on audit independence will be extended to Friday, 15 March 2002.

"On 4 February 2002, I released a statement inviting submissions on the report prepared by Professor Ian Ramsay on the Independence of Australia Company Auditors to be provided by Friday, 1 March 2002."

"There has been a high level of interest in the issues surrounding the report, and I have been approached by a number of groups who wish to provide their views in the area. Allowing extra time for submissions will contribute to a considered and well-balanced approach to these important issues," Senator Campbell said.

"I have therefore decided to extend the closing date for submissions which are now due by 5.00pm Friday, 15 March 2002."
Submissions should be sent to:

The General Manager
Corporate Governance and Accounting Policy Division
The Treasury
Langton Crescent
PARKES ACT 2600

Att: Wallace Fernandes

As submissions may be made public, any confidential material should be clearly marked.

CANBERRA
7 March 2002

Contact: Tammie Webb, Senator Campbell's Office
08 9325 4227 or 0417 400 227
http://parlsec.treasurer.gov.au