The Australian Government committed $200 million to promote the recovery of native wildlife and their habitats as part of the response to the 2019–20 bushfires.

This audit provides assurance to Parliament on the design and implementation of the Wildlife and Habitat Bushfire Recovery Program (the program). The audit also assesses whether the department is monitoring whether the program’s objectives to facilitate the recovery of wildlife and habitat in the fire-affected areas are being met.

The objective of the audit was to assess the effectiveness of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's delivery of the Wildlife and Habitat Bushfire Recovery Program. To form a conclusion against the objective, the following high-level audit criteria were used:

• Were funding priorities supported by appropriate planning arrangements?
• Were effective arrangements implemented to deliver the program?
• Does the department effectively monitor and report on the achievement of outcomes?

Key findings:

• The Department's administration of the Wildlife and Habitat Bushfire Recovery Program was largely effective. The department undertook appropriate planning arrangements. Program documentation, such as risk assessments and project plans, did not cover all sub-programs.
• Planning arrangements to support funding priorities were appropriate. A panel of experts provided scientific input and identified priority natural assets and recovery actions during the design and implementation of the program.
• Arrangements to support the implementation of the program were largely effective. The program was delivered through the existing organisational structure.