The Court of Auditors is looking for citizen ideas for audits – take action now!

The Court of Auditors is looking for citizen ideas for audits – take action now!

The Court of Auditors (RH) has called on the population to submit audit proposals by mid-June 2025. This happens as part of an initiative that has been promoting a dialogue between citizens and the institution since 2017. With this measure, the Court of Auditors wants to ensure that the spending of tax money is checked for thrift, cost-effectiveness and expediency. Loud Small newspaper The population should be actively involved in identifying grievances in their surroundings. All submissions will be treated confidentially to allow citizens to participate with confidence.

Topics for audits are selected based on various criteria, including risk potential, expenditure levels and changes in key metrics. Every year, around a quarter of the audits are based on suggestions from citizens, which underlines the importance of citizen participation. The Court of Auditors controls a total of around 5,800 public bodies, institutions, foundations and companies with over 50% public participation at all levels of administration - federal, state and local.

Submission of test proposals

Citizens can submit their suggestions via email, social media or by post. Submissions are possible until June 15, 2025. The contact address for postal mail is: Austrian Audit Office, Dampfschiffstraße 2, 1030 Vienna, password “Citizen Participation”.

In recent years, numerous audits have been initiated based on suggestions from the public. These included, for example, studies by the municipality of Deutschlandsberg, the Vienna Medical Association and the Klagenfurt public utility company. Topics such as the critical assessment of the property exchange of the General Accident Insurance Institute or analyzes of the graduation rates at the Vienna Film Academy are also part of these citizen suggestions.

Results of the exams

Some of the audits carried out led to concrete recommendations, including the economic management of the chamber administration in Vienna or the review of the planning and costs for the indoor swimming pool in Klagenfurt. However, the results of the tests will only be announced with the publication of the respective test report. It is worth noting that not every suggestion leads to an independent review; many are included in exams that have already been planned.

With this initiative, the Court of Auditors not only shows its openness to citizen participation, but also promotes the transparent and responsible use of public funds. Those interested can find further information about citizen participation directly on the Court of Audit website.