Freight is a critical component of the New South Wales economy. It is currently estimated to be worth nearly $66.0 billion a year to the economy. The economic growth and prosperity of New South Wales depends on the safe, efficient and reliable movement of goods. The NSW Government Future Transport 2056 strategy estimates that by 2056, 12 million people will live in New South Wales, and freight volumes will double in the Greater Sydney area and increase b

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

Business continuity and disaster recovery planning assists organisations to prepare for and ensure they can respond to an incident or crisis. This includes natural disasters and pandemic events like COVID-19. Ideally, business continuity plans would ensure organisations are prepared to respond effectively to the impact of incidents or crises on a wide range of areas including service delivery, safety and availability of staff, availability of IT and othe

In February 2019 the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation launched the NSW Cyber Security Policy to ensure all NSW Government Departments and Public Service Agencies are managing cyber security risks to their information and systems. The policy mandates a number of requirements that are a minimum that all agencies must implement. In addition agencies must assess their level of cyber maturity. This audit will examine whether agencies are complyi

In 2017, the NSW Government announced a Regional Development Framework which provides a scaffold for better coordination, decision making and effort on the ground. The NSW Government recognised the need to be more strategic and better coordinated if it is to make a difference, particularly in addressing some of the serious issues facing regional NSW such as pockets of youth unemployment, social disadvantage, changing economic opportunities and increased

People living in many regional areas of New South Wales have few or no public transport options, with many relying on taxis and buses servicing small areas. Residents who want to participate in employment, education, recreation or access health services outside their areas must use private vehicles. This limits the mobility and opportunities of many people who do not have access to private vehicles. As part of its Future Transport 2056 strategy the NSW G

Local Health Districts manage large volumes of private patient information and have their own systems for data management with differing approaches to data protection. Clinicians in busy hospital environments require timely access to data and systems to effectively treat patients. Increased accessibility may in turn increase the risk of poor data and system security practices. Recent experience in other jurisdictions has also demonstrated that operationa

Schools collect and maintain detailed student data, including sensitive personal information. Schools can also require or encourage students to use third party software applications for learning and other school related activities. This audit will examine how effectively schools ensure student data is secure – both within their own systems and when provided to third parties. This audit may also examine the effectiveness of information security governance

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.