Reports
Actions for Fare evasion on public transport
Fare evasion on public transport
The Audit Office is of the opinion that whilst agencies have taken steps to combat fare evasion, the current arrangements are not adequate and improvement is required. A significant number of passengers travel without paying the due fare, resulting in many millions of dollars in revenue foregone. Even when infringed, the majority does not pay the fine. To some extent it would appear to be due to the lack of a provision requiring evaders to produce valid
Actions for A guide to preparing performance information for annuals
A guide to preparing performance information for annuals
The Audit Office has recently completed a performance audit of the information published in the annual reports of eight public sector agencies. Although there is much guidance material on preparing annual reports, the performance audit found that the quality of published performance information in annual reports often falls short of what is considered best practice. The aim of this Guide is to assist agencies to prepare annual reports that provide perfo
Actions for Judging Performance from Annual Reports: Review of eight agencies' annual reports
Judging Performance from Annual Reports: Review of eight agencies' annual reports
Agencies have made some notable attempts to nominate objectives and define measures of performance and report against them each year. However, the quality of the performance information varies and in most cases falls short of what is accepted as best practice. The result is diminished accountability, transparency and openness. Agencies still have problems reporting outcomes and results and frequently regress to reporting activities and plans. Few annual
Actions for Management of road passenger transport regulation
Management of road passenger transport regulation
The Audit Office is of the opinion that the Department’s levels of regulatory activity in respect of road passenger transport regulation may have exceeded optimum levels. The Department’s current focus on processing activity limits the Department in achieving all of its desired outcomes. The Audit Office considers that a change in the approach to undertaking and managing road passenger transport regulatory activities would achieve better outcomes for the
Actions for 1999-2000 Millenium date rollover: Preparedness of the NSW Public Sector
1999-2000 Millenium date rollover: Preparedness of the NSW Public Sector
Overall, The Audit Office found that the NSW public sector is not as prepared as it could be. Beginning in May 1996, the Department of Public Works and Services (DPWS) commenced a program to increase awareness of, report on and assist agencies with Year 2000 issues. However, significant areas of risk are still yet to be fully assessed, and action to resolve and implement appropriate solutions are lagging in areas of the public sector. A substantial accel
Actions for Review of Eastern Distributor
Review of Eastern Distributor
Following a resolution of the Legislative Council, the Audit Office has undertaken a performance audit of the Eastern Distributor. For a number of reasons, The Audit Office is not in the position to determine “whether the proposed toll and concession period represents the best deal”. In part this is the result of time constraints which do not allow a careful analysis of many toll and concession options. Similarly, the audit does not answer “whether
Actions for Corporate Governance - Volume One: In principle
Corporate Governance - Volume One: In principle
Volume One: Corporate Governance in Principle, considers relations between the Government and boards, and the extent to which boards add value. Various public sector governance models are examined, including those currently operating within NSW and those from five other jurisdictions. It found the role of boards should be clearly defined, and specific criteria developed, so that boards can be clearly classified as either governing or advisory. Legi
Actions for Corporate Governance - Volume Two: In practice
Corporate Governance - Volume Two: In practice
This Report, Volume Two: Corporate Governance in Practice reports upon how actual corporate governance practices by NSW public sector boards compare with “better practice”. It found criteria and processes for appointing directors to boards are not always transparent. It also found a more systematic and rigorous approach to the range of corporate governance issues is required across the public sector if it is to approach "better practice", there is
Actions for Corporate Governance - Supplement to Volume Two: Survey Findings
Corporate Governance - Supplement to Volume Two: Survey Findings
A Supplement to Volume Two: Survey Findings has also been prepared, presenting The Audit Office’s survey findings in detail. This may serve as a useful benchmark for governance in the NSW public sector. It found that, supporting/enabling legislation, governance structures and boards creation processes should facilitate better governance practice. It also found boards and management should understand their roles, responsibilities and duties and that