Foreword

This year marks the PBO’s fourth year of operations. Feedback from stakeholders suggests that the PBO is continuing to help level the playing field for all parliamentarians and enhancing the transparency of the budget and fiscal policy settings.

It is important that the PBO does not rest on its laurels but seeks to continue to improve the value that it adds to the proper functioning of the democratic process. The PBO’s 2015–16 work plan outlines the initiatives that the PBO is taking to build on its performance to date.

The work plan sets out the steps the PBO is taking within its current budget to improve its responsiveness to requests from parliamentarians for costings and budget analyses, particularly given the expected increase in demand in the lead up to the next general election.

The fiscal sustainability challenges facing Australia remain significant. As documented in the work plan, the PBO’s published research will continue to highlight the impact of current fiscal policy settings on the robustness of the medium-term budget outlook.

Download the full report above.