Charles Cerutty

Charles John Cerutty CMG (25 November 1870 – 19 January 1941) was a senior Australian public servant. He was Commonwealth Auditor-General between 1926 and 1935.

Charles Cerutty

CMG
Commonwealth Auditor-General
In office
4 June 1926 – 22 November 1935
Personal details
Born
Charles John Cerutty

(1870-11-25)25 November 1870
Sale, Victoria
Died19 January 1941(1941-01-19) (aged 70)
Caulfield, Melbourne, Victoria
Nationality Australian
OccupationPublic servant

Life and career

Cerutty was born in Sale, Victoria on 25 November 1870.[1]

Cerutty entered the Victorian Public Service in 1888, and was transferred to the Commonwealth Public Service in 1901, the year of Federation.[2] His first Commonwealth position was as a sub-accountant in the Department of the Treasury.[3]

In June 1926, Cerutty was appointed the Commonwealth Auditor-General. He delivered his final audit report in October 1935.[4] During his time as Auditor-General, he was outspoken often—particularly in regard to accounting methods, and the increasing funds spent on the old-age and invalid pension systems.[4] Following his final report, strong representations were made by some Members of Parliament that his furlough pay should be cancelled in punishment.[5] Cerutty declined to withdraw his report, stating that he had a job to do and had merely placed the facts before all concerned.[6]

During his tenure as Auditor-General, Cerutty strongly opposed the move of his office from Melbourne to Sydney, arguing that its work would be less efficient and economical to carry out from Canberra.[7]

Cerutty died in Caulfield, Melbourne on 19 January 1941.[8]

Awards

Cerutty was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1927.[9]

References
  1. Stewart, Elizabeth, "Cerutty, Charles John (1870–1941)", Australian Dictionary of Biography, Australian National University, archived from the original on 23 August 2015
  2. "Mr. Charles John Cerutty". Advocate. Burnie, Tasmania. 4 July 1928. p. 2.
  3. National Portrait Gallery, Charles John Cerutty CMG 1870 – 1941, archived from the original on 23 August 2015
  4. "The Auditor-General: Mr Cerutty's Final Report". The Central Queensland Herald. 28 November 1935. p. 8.
  5. "Federal Auditor-General: Disciplining Mr. Cerutty". Kalgoorlie Miner. 19 November 1935. p. 1.
  6. "Mr. Cerutty declines to withdraw". Recorder. Port Pirie, South Australia. 16 November 1935. p. 1.
  7. "Auditor-General's office: Removal to Canberra: Opposed by Mr. Cerutty". The Argus. Melbourne, Victoria. 23 November 1935. p. 24.
  8. "Mr. C. J. Cerutty dies: Former Auditor General: Fearless critic of Government policy". The Canberra Times. 21 January 1941. p. 2.
  9. "Search Australian Honours, Name: CERUTTY, James John, Award: The Order of St Michael and St George - Companion", itsanhonour.gov.au, Australian Government, archived from the original on 23 August 2015
Government offices
Preceded by
John William Israel		 Commonwealth Auditor-General
1926 – 1935		 Succeeded by
Herbert Charles Brown
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