Audit needs to be debated: Shepherd

The chair of the federal government's commission of audit believes time should be allowed to debate its findings and recommendations.

The audit's interim report into the workings of government and its spending was handed to government in mid-February, and is due make its final report at the end of March.

It recommendations will help form Treasurer Joe Hockey's first budget on May 13.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says the reports will be made public at the appropriate time.

The audit's head, Business Council of Australia president Tony Shepherd, says publishing the reports is a good idea.

"You need to explain to the community what is the need ... and I am sure that will be part of the process," he told Sky News on Wednesday.

He said that in his experience Australian people would accept reform but they needed to know what the issues were and whether the solutions were equitable or required.