Report highlights: Members’ additional entitlements 2023

6 December 2023

What this report is about

This report assesses compliance of claims made by members of the NSW Parliament during the 2022–23 financial year with certain requirements outlined in the Parliamentary Remuneration Tribunal’s Determination (the determination).

What we found

The audit selected a sample of members’ claims. The audit does not test every claim made by members. The audit identified 33 departures from the determination. In addition, we identified seven instances where members did not submit their annual loyalty scheme declarations by the date specified in the Department of Parliamentary Services’ (the department) administrative requirements.

What we recommended

The Parliamentary Remuneration Tribunal should provide greater clarity on current processes and implications of departures from the guidelines to members. The department should work with members to provide them additional training or education to better help them comply with the determination.

The department should continue to work with presiding officers, members, the clerk of the Parliaments and the clerk of the Legislative Assembly to enhance reporting of members’ expenditure.

Fast facts

$23.9m of additional entitlements were claimed in the 2022–23 financial year, slightly higher than the 2021–22 financial year
2 publications had not made the required authorisations and attributions
22 claims submitted after 60 days
1 claim submitted during blackout period not allowed
4 Sydney Allowance reconciliations submitted late
4 annual loyalty scheme declarations not submitted
7 annual loyalty scheme declarations submitted late

Further information

Please contact Ian Goodwin, Deputy Auditor-General on 9275 7347 or by email.