On behalf of the Government I wish to acknowledge the dedication and the tireless and exceptional work of the Auditor-General, Mike Blake.
Mr Blake has informed me today that he wishes to retire next year.
Mr Blake’s contract was due to expire in 2017 and the Government will immediately begin the process of appointing a new Auditor-General. It is the Government’s and Mr Blake’s intention that he remain Auditor-General until a suitable replacement is found.
The importance of the role of Auditor-General is often understated, but through the hard work and dedication of Mr Blake and his team, he has made a significant contribution to the openness, transparency and accountability of all the governments he has worked with.
Mr Blake said that he has enjoyed his time as Auditor-General.
“Particularly pleasing has been the support that my Office and I have received from respective governments and parliaments during my term for which I thank all involved. It has been an honour and pleasure to serve the Tasmanian Parliament.
“It has also been an honour and pleasure to work with a great team of people at the Tasmanian Audit Office and with the many wonderful people in the State entities we audit. However, I am of the view that it is time to hand over to someone new,” Mr Blake said.
Mr Blake has served as Tasmania's Auditor-General since May 2004. Mr Blake previously served as Deputy Auditor-General in Western Australia and was the Northern Territory’s Auditor-General immediately prior to taking up his current position in Tasmania.