Industry 2018

The Auditor-General for New South Wales, Margaret Crawford, released her report today on the Industry cluster. The report focuses on key observations and findings from the most recent financial audits of agencies in the cluster.

Cluster agencies received unqualified audit opinions for 41 out of the 47 financial statements presented for audit for 30 June 2018. Six audits remain incomplete. 'While it is pleasing to note that unqualified audit opinions have been issued, the timeliness of financial reporting needs to be improved through better oversight, prompt resolution of issues, and an increased focus on early close procedures', the Auditor-General said.

The report notes the Department of Industry continues to face challenges in its oversight of Crown land. These challenges include incomplete and inaccurate information in the Crown Land Information Database, recognition of Crown land by an incorrect agency or local council, and a growing backlog of unprocessed Aboriginal Land claims on Crown land at 30 June 2018.

The report also notes that TAFE NSW continues to incur extra costs each year to produce reliable financial information due to deficiencies in its student administration system. TAFE NSW plans to replace its Student Administration and Learning Management system at an estimated cost of $89 million.

Further information

Barry Underwood, Director, Office of the Auditor-General, on 0403 073 664 and email barry.underwood@audit.nsw.gov.au.