Previously, the legislative mandate for Audit was contained under the Office of Audit and Inquiries, Part 2, Section 10 - 18 of the Public Money and Stores Act 1987. This legislation was repealed when the PERCA and MFEM Acts were enacted in July 1996 as a result of Government's reform program.

The statutory mandate for the function of the Audit Office is enshrined in the Constitution of the Cook Islands, under Article 71 and the Office of Public Expenditure Committee and Audit Act 1995/96, Part 3.

The Director of Audit performs the functions assigned to him by law, with the assistance of staff and of persons appointed by him in terms of Section 21 and 24 of the Office of Public Expenditure Review Committee and Audit Act 1995/96.

THE PUBLIC EXPENDITURE REVIEW COMMITTEE (PERC)
The Public Expenditure Review Committee headed by a Chairperson and two Committee members are private sector professionals in the areas of law, accounting and commerce. The terms, conditions, functions and responsibilities are covered under Part 2 of the PERCA Act 1995/96. The powers and reporting functions of the Committee is covered under Section 15 and 16 of the PERCA Act 1995/96.

The Committee's principal role is to ensure adequate public accountability of the Crown Transaction, interests, and any legitimate issues of public concern that affect the management of public funds is reported to Parliament.

The current members serving on the Committee are:

• Ms Marie Francis- Chairperson
• Mr Michael-Innes Jones - Member
• New member to be appointed