One of the federal departments with chief responsibility for budget and financial reporting has conceded it has underpaid some parliamentary staff.
Ministerial and Parliamentary Services, which sits within the Finance Department, has confirmed there have been periods over the past four years where the rate paid to some electorate officers “has been less than the award”.
So far about 60 employees are believed to be affected. The impact is being described internally as limited and is being blamed on a payroll rounding error.
In an email sent to staff, seen by SBS News, the department has confirmed it is auditing the pay of current and former workers who may be owed money.
The department has also engaged global auditing firm KPMG to conduct checks and balances on the process.
Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said his department acted quickly.
“Any underpayment is unacceptable and should be rectified as soon as it is identified,” Senator Birmingham said.
“The Department of Finance is taking swift and appropriate steps to ensure all affected staff will be paid the correct amount from this current pay cycle.”
