Report highlights: Premier and Cabinet 2023
What this report is about
Results of the Premier and Cabinet portfolio of agencies' financial statement audits for the year ended 30 June 2023.
What we found
Unqualified audit opinions were issued for all Premier and Cabinet portfolio agencies.
What the key issues were
The Administrative Arrangements Orders, effective 1 July 2023, changed the name of the Department of Premier and Cabinet to the Premier's Department and transferred parts of Department of Premier and Cabinet to The Cabinet Office.
The number of monetary misstatements identified in our audits decreased from 15 in 2021–22 to 12 in 2022–23.
The total number of management letter findings across the portfolio of agencies increased from ten in 2021–22 to 20 in 2022–23.
Thirty per cent of all issues were repeat issues. The most common repeat issues related to deficiencies in controls over financial reporting.
What we recommended
Portfolio agencies should:
- ensure any changes to employee entitlements are assessed for their potential financial statements impact under the relevant Australian Accounting Standards
- prioritise and address internal control deficiencies identified in Audit Office management letters
Fast Facts
Premier and Cabinet portfolio supports the Premier and Cabinet in delivering the government's objectives and facilitating stewardship of the public service.
- $0.2b property, plant and equipment as at 30 June 2023
- $0.8b total expenditure incurred in 2022–23
- 100% unqualified audit opinions issued on agencies’ 30 June 2023 financial statements
- 8 moderate-risk findings identified
- 12 monetary misstatements reported in 2022–23
- 30% of reported issues were repeat issues
Further information
Please contact Ian Goodwin, Deputy Auditor-General on 9275 7347 or by email.