Reports
Actions for Cyber security in local government
Cyber security in local government
What this report is aboutNSW local councils provide a wide range of essential services and infrastructure to their communities and are increasingly reliant on digital technologies.Councils need to manage cyber security risks to ensure their information, data and systems are appropriately safeguarded. Councils also need to be prepared to detect, respond and recover when a cyber security incident occurs.The audit assessed how effectively three selected cou
Actions for Local Government 2023
Local Government 2023
What this report is aboutResults of the local government sector financial statement audits for the year ended 30 June 2023.FindingsUnqualified audit opinions were issued for 85 councils, eight county councils and 12 joint organisations.Qualified audit opinions were issued for 36 councils due to non-recognition of rural firefighting equipment vested under section 119(2) of the Rural Fires Act 1997.The audits of seven councils, one county council and one j
Actions for Regulation insights
Regulation insights
What this report is aboutIn this report, we present findings and recommendations relevant to regulation from selected reports between 2018 and 2024.This analysis includes performance audits, compliance audits and the outcomes of financial audits.Effective regulation is necessary to ensure compliance with the law as well as to promote positive social and economic outcomes and minimise risks with certain activities.The report is a resource for public secto
Actions for Planning and Environment 2023
Planning and Environment 2023
What this report is about Results of the Planning and Environment portfolio financial statement audits for the year ended 30 June 2023. The audit found Unqualified audit opinions were issued for all completed Planning and Environment portfolio agencies. Seven audits are ongoing. The Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (CMCT) did not comply with its obligations under the Government Sector Finance Act 2018 (GSF Act) to prepare and submit f
Actions for Regional NSW 2023
Regional NSW 2023
What this report is about Results of the Regional NSW financial statements audits for the year ended 30 June 2023. What we found Unqualified audit opinions were issued on all completed audits in the Regional NSW portfolio agencies. The number of monetary misstatements identified in our audits increased from 28 in 2021–22 to 30 in 2022–23. What the key issues were Effective 1 July 2023, staff employed in the Northern Rivers Reconstruction Corporatio
Actions for State heritage assets
State heritage assets
This audit assessed how effectively the Department of Planning and Environment (Heritage NSW) is overseeing and administering heritage assets of state significance. Heritage that is rare, exceptional or outstanding to New South Wales may be listed on the State Heritage Register under the Heritage Act 1977. This provides assets with legal recognition and protection. Places, buildings, works, relics, objects and precincts ca
Actions for Special report into the financial affairs of the Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust
Special report into the financial affairs of the Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust
The Auditor‑General for New South Wales, Margaret Crawford PSM, has tabled a special report into the financial affairs of the Catholic Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust. Read the PDF version of the report
Actions for Financial Management and Governance in MidCoast Council
Financial Management and Governance in MidCoast Council
Introduction The Auditor-General's financial and performance audits of local councils aim to improve financial management, governance and public accountability across the local government sector. Annual Local Government reports to Parliament have consistently highlighted risks and weaknesses across the sector in relation to financial management and governance. We will continue to focus on these matters as a priority area in our forward work program. W
Actions for Local Government 2022
Local Government 2022
This report is about Results of the local government sector financial statement audits for the year ended 30 June 2022. What we found Unqualified audit opinions were issued for 83 councils, 11 joint organisations and nine county councils' financial statements. The financial audits for two councils and two joint organisations are in progress due to accounting issues. Fifty-seven councils and joint organisations (2021: 41) required extensions to submi
Actions for Natural disasters
Natural disasters
What this report is about This report draws together the financial impact of natural disasters on agencies integral to the response and impact of natural disasters during 2021–22. What we found Over the 2021–22 financial year $1.4 billion from a budget of $1.9 billion was spent by the NSW Government in response to natural disasters. Total expenses were less than the budget due to underspend in the following areas: clean-up assistance, including co