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 Stronger Communities 2023
Stronger Communities 2023
What this report is about Results of the Stronger Communities financial statement audits for the year ended 30 June 2023. What we found Unqualified audit opinions were issued on all completed Stronger Communities portfolio agencies. Machinery of government changes during the year returned the sports-related agencies to the Stronger Communities portfolio. Resilience NSW was abolished on 16 December 2022 with most of its functions transferred to the n
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 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
Actions for Regulation and monitoring of local government
Regulation and monitoring of local government
The Office of Local Government (OLG) in the Department of Planning and Environment is responsible for strengthening the local government sector, including through its regulatory functions. This audit assessed whether the OLG is effectively monitoring and regulating the sector under the Local Government Act 1993. The audit covered: the effectiveness of departmental arrangements for the OLG to undertake its regulatory function
Actions for Managing the affairs of people under financial management and/or guardianship orders
Managing the affairs of people under financial management and/or guardianship orders
Click here for the Easy English version of the report highlights The Easy English version of the report highlights is intended to meet the needs of some people with lower literacy skills, some people with an intellectual disability, and some people from different cultural backgrounds. The Easy English document is not the final audit report that has been prepared and tabled in NSW Parliament under s.38EB and s.38EC of the Government Sector Audit Act 198