HBA Consulting, led by Ron McLeod, will run an independent workplace audit at the Assembly.

Mr McLeod, who most recently was one of three full-time Royal Commissioners established to inquire the Victorian Black Saturday bushfires, has more than 40 years experience as career public servant including an appointment as Commonwealth Ombudsman. Mr McLeod also led the inquiry into Canberra’s 2003 bushfires.

The appointment was announced this morning by Speaker Shane Rattenbury, who spoke to the leaders of each political party before coming to the decision.

“I have given the appointment careful consideration and am satisfied that the audit team is of the highest standard, will perform their task thoroughly and will deliver a report that provides answers to the questions the Assembly has raised,” Mr Rattenbury said.

“I believe the audit team are strongly equipped to now go and do exactly that.”

Mr Rattenbury said in terms of timing, the “audit team have indicated they will be in a position to advise on the expected length of their work once they have familiarised themselves with the documents provided to them”.

“I expect to be in a position to update the Assembly on timing further during the sitting weeks in March,” he said.

“I have asked the audit team that the investigation be completed in a timely manner, whilst ensuring the job is done properly.”

The independent audit was called by the Labor Government and the Greens after it was revealed that Liberal staffer Tio Faulkner had incomplete time sheets dating back to 2009.