There are many public inquiries and reviews into the government’s policy decisions and administration every year. Key sources of public inquiries and reviews include parliamentary committees, the Coroner, the Ombudsman, ICAC, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission and the Auditor-General. Other sources include statutory reviews of legislation, other reviews that the government has elected to make public and, more infrequently, special commissions of inqu

Efforts to address homelessness in NSW are guided by the NSW Homelessness Strategy 2018-23. This Strategy aims to facilitate collaboration between the Government sector, non-government organisations and the community to reduce the impact of homelessness on individuals and improve outcomes for people and families. The 2018–19 Budget committed $1.0 billion for homelessness services over four years. Under the NSW COVID-19 Stage 2 stimulus in March 2020, the

On 3 April 2020, the government announced the planning system acceleration program, designed to ‘cut red-tape and fast-track planning processes to keep people in jobs and the construction industry moving throughout the COVID-19 crisis.’  Between April and October 2020, the government selected 101 projects and planning proposals in six tranches and fast-tracked assessment so that determination could be achieved in four weeks.  An audit into this area will

The 2019–20 bushfire emergencies, and the COVID-19 pandemic have had a significant impact on the people and public sector of New South Wales. The scale of government responses to both events has also been significant and has encompassed a wide range of activities, service delivery, governance and policy. Significant resources have been directed for emergency responses, and in assisting rebuilding and economic recovery. Some systems and processes have cha

The Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 is important legislation that recognises the rights of Aboriginal people in NSW. The legislation recognises that land in NSW was traditionally owned and occupied by Aboriginal people, and is of spiritual, social, cultural and economic importance. The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is responsible for investigating Aboriginal land claims against statutory criteria outlined in the Act. Crown land that is

The NSW Government makes decisions that involve the spending of significant sums, and that have substantial impacts on citizens. This audit will focus on the advice provided for the redevelopment of the Sydney Football Stadium. This audit may examine the adequacy of planning and risk management approaches and whether these: were informed by appropriate and robust departmental advice complied with relevant procurement and assurance frameworks.

In April 2019, after the NSW State election, the Premier introduced changes to the structure of NSW Government agencies (known as Machinery of Government changes). These changes included the consolidation of government agencies into a structure of eight clusters. This audit will consider issues such as whether the 2019 Machinery of Government changes achieved their effectiveness and efficiency goals and improved public sector administration.

The NSW climate is changing, and extreme weather events are predicted to worsen. These trends impact our environment and communities and create risks to assets and services. The NSW Government’s Climate Change Policy Framework aims to maximise the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of NSW in the context of a changing climate. In addition to implementing emission saving measures, the Framework states that the government will manage the impact o

Domestic and family violence is a crime that takes many forms including emotional and psychological abuse, intimidation, harassment, stalking and sexual assault and can include animal abuse targeting pets, and damaging personal or joint property. The NSW Police Force plays a vital role in investigating domestic and family violence incidents and supporting victim-survivors. This audit will assess the effectiveness of the NSW Police Force in responding to

Water regulation, including licensing and water use plans, aim to achieve sustainable environmental, economic and social outcomes from the management of water resources. Reforms have been made to strengthen regulation, compliance and enforcement. This audit may examine how well the responsible agencies have responded to and implemented the recommendations from the Matthews reports (interim and final), and other external reviews, into water licencing, re