The audit partner has just advised you that he has been approached to accept the appointment of auditor to Games Limited. Games Limited is a manufacturer of gaming machines and has been named in a recent anti-corruption enquiry as having offered incentives to state government members to support a proposed bill which would allow an increased number of gaming machines in licensed premises. No charges have yet been laid against Games Limited or any of its employees. The audit partner explains to you that Games Limiteds auditors were re-appointed for the current financial year at the Annual General Meeting held two months ago. However, Games Limiteds managing director is unhappy with the existing auditing firm as the audit partner assigned to Games Limited has been changed.

Required:

The audit partner is unsure whether he should accept the appointment and has asked you to outline any ethical, legal and other factors to be considered in his decision about whether to accept the appointment for the current year, and to indicate the steps that need to be taken prior to the appointment.