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Published

Actions for Transport 2020

Transport 2020

Transport
Asset valuation
Cyber security
Financial reporting
Information technology
Infrastructure
Project management

1. Financial Reporting

Audit opinion Unmodified audit opinions issued for the financial statements of all Transport cluster entities.
Quality and timeliness of financial reporting All cluster agencies met the statutory deadlines for completing the early close and submitting the financial statements.

Transport cluster agencies continued to experience some challenges with accounting for land and infrastructure assets. The former Roads and Maritime Services and Sydney Metro recorded prior period corrections to property, plant and equipment balances.
Impact of COVID-19 on passenger revenue and patronage Total patronage and revenue for public transport decreased by approximately 18 per cent in 2019–20 due to COVID-19.

The Transport cluster received additional funding from NSW Treasury during the year to support the reduced revenue and additional costs incurred such as cleaning on all modes of public transport and additional staff to manage physical distancing.
Completion of the CBD and South East Light Rail The CBD and South East Light Rail project was completed and commenced operations in this financial year. At 30 June 2020, the total cost of the project related to the CBD and South East Light Rail was $3.3 billion. Of this total cost, $2.6 billion was recorded as assets, whilst $700 million was expensed.

2. Audit Observations

Internal control While internal controls issues raised in management letters in the Transport cluster have decreased compared to the prior year, control weaknesses continue to exist in access security for financial systems. We identified 56 management letter findings across the cluster and 43 per cent of all issues were repeat issues. The majority of the repeat issues relate to information technology controls around user access management.

There were three high risk issues identified - two related to financial reporting of assets and one for implementation of TAHE (see below).
Agency responses to emergency events Transport for NSW established the COVID-19 Taskforce in March 2020 to take responsibility for the overall response of planning and coordination for the Transport cluster. It also implemented the COVIDSafe Transport Plan which incorporates guidance on physical distancing, increasing services to support social distancing and cleaning.
RailCorp transition to TAHE On 1 July 2020, RailCorp was renamed Transport Asset Holding Entity of New South Wales (TAHE) and converted to a for-profit statutory State-Owned Corporation. TAHE is a commercial for-profit Public Trading Entity with the intent to provide a commercial return to its shareholders.

A plan was established by NSW Treasury to transition RailCorp to TAHE which covered the period 1 July 2015 to 1 July 2019. A large portion of the planned arrangements were not implemented by 1 July 2020. As at the time of this report, the TAHE operating model, Statement of Corporate Intent (SCI) and other key plans and commercial agreements are not finalised. The State Owned Corporations Act 1989 generally requires finalisation of an SCI three months after the commencement of each financial year. However, under the Transport Administration Act 1988, TAHE received an extension from the voting shareholders, the Treasurer and Minister for Finance and Small Business, to submit its first SCI by 31 December 2020. In accordance with the original plan, interim commercial access arrangements were supposed to be in place with RailCorp prior to commencement of TAHE.

Under the transitional arrangements, TAHE is continuing to operate in accordance with the asset and safety management plans of RailCorp. The final operating model is expected to include considerations of safety, operational, financial and fiscal risks. This should include a consideration of the potential conflicting objectives of a commercial return, and maintenance and safety measures.

This matter has been included as a high risk finding in our management letter due to the significance of the financial reporting impacts and business risks for TAHE.

Recommendation: TAHE management should:
  • establish an operating model in line with the original intent of a commercial return
  • finalise commercial agreements with the public rail operators
  • confirm forecast financial information to assess valuation of TAHE infrastructure
  • finalise asset and safety management plans.

Resolution of the above matters are critical as they may significantly impact the financial reporting arrangements for TAHE for 2020–21, in particular, accounting policies adopted as well as measurement principles of its significant infrastructure asset base.

Completeness and accuracy of contracts registers Across the Transport cluster, contracts and agreements are maintained by the transport agencies using disparate registers.

Recommendation (repeat): Transport agencies should continue to implement a process to centrally capture all contracts and agreements entered. This will ensure:
  • agencies are fully aware of contractual and other obligations
  • appropriate assessment of financial reporting implications
  • ongoing assessments of accounting standards, in particular AASB 16 ‘Leases’, AASB 15 'Revenue from Contract with Customers', AASB 1058 'Income of Not-for-Profit Entities' and new accounting standard AASB 1059 'Service Concession Arrangements: Grantors' are accurate and complete.

 

This report provides parliament and other users of the Transport cluster’s financial statements with the results of our audits, our observations, analysis, conclusions and recommendations in the following areas:

  • financial reporting
  • audit observations
  • the impact of emergencies and the pandemic.

Financial reporting is an important element of good governance. Confidence and transparency in public sector decision making are enhanced when financial reporting is accurate and timely.

This chapter outlines our audit observations related to the financial reporting of agencies in the Transport cluster for 2020, including any financial implications from the recent emergency events.

Section highlights

  • Total patronage and revenue for public transport decreased by approximately 18 per cent in 2019–20 due to COVID-19.
  • Unqualified audit opinions were issued on all Transport agencies' financial statements.
  • Transport cluster agencies continued to experience challenges with accounting of land and infrastructure assets.

 

Appropriate financial controls help ensure the efficient and effective use of resources and administration of agency policies. They are essential for quality and timely decision making.

This chapter outlines our:

  • observations and insights from our financial statement audits of agencies in the Transport cluster
  • assessment of how well cluster agencies adapted their systems, policies and procedures, and governance arrangements in response to recent emergencies.

Section highlights

  • While there was a decrease in findings on internal controls across the Transport cluster, 43 per cent of all issues were repeat issues. Many repeat issues related to information technology controls around user access management.
  • RailCorp transitioned to TAHE on 1 July 2020. TAHE's operating model and commercial arrangements with public rail operators has not been finalised despite government original plans to be operating from 1 July 2019. TAHE management should finalise its operating model and commercial agreements with public rail operators as they may significantly impact the financial reporting arrangements for TAHE for 2020–21.
  • Completeness and accuracy of contracts registers remains an ongoing issue for the Transport cluster.

Appendix one – List of 2020 recommendations

Appendix two – Status of 2019, 2018 and 2017 recommendations

Appendix three – Management letter findings

Appendix four – Financial data

 

Copyright notice

© Copyright reserved by the Audit Office of New South Wales. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the Audit Office of New South Wales. The Audit Office does not accept responsibility for loss or damage suffered by any person acting on or refraining from action as a result of any of this material.

Published

Actions for Planning, Industry and Environment 2020

Planning, Industry and Environment 2020

Planning
Environment
Industry
Asset valuation
Compliance
Financial reporting
Internal controls and governance
Management and administration

This report analyses the results of our audits of financial statements of the Planning, Industry and Environment cluster agencies for the year ended 30 June 2020. The table below summarises our key observations.

1. Financial reporting

Audit opinions

There are 45 separate entities in the cluster. Unqualified audit opinions were issued for 38 cluster agencies' 30 June 2020 financial statements audits. Four financial statements audits are still ongoing, and three agencies were not subject to audit due to NSW Treasury reporting exemptions.

Timeliness of financial reporting

The majority of cluster agencies subject to statutory reporting deadlines met the revised timeline for submitting financial statements. Twenty‑four of the 26 cluster agencies required to submit early close financial statements met the revised timeframe.

Due to issues identified during the audit, 13 financial statements audits were not completed and audit opinions not issued by the statutory deadline.

Implementation of AASB 16 'Leases'

Significant deficiencies were identified in Property NSW's lease data maintenance and lease calculations.

Recommendation (partially repeat):

Property NSW should:

  • review and document the accounting implications for each lease
  • ensure the accuracy and validity of lease data used for the lease calculations
  • review user access to the leasing system, including privileged users.

Our audits of the cluster agencies identified there was a lack of thorough quality assurance over the accuracy of lease information provided by Property NSW.

Recommendation:

The Department and cluster agencies should:

  • quality assure and validate the information provided by Property NSW
  • ensure changes made by Property NSW on lease data are supported and that assumptions and judgements applied are appropriate
  • document their review of the data supplied.

Unprocessed Aboriginal land claims continued to increase

In 2019–20, the Department resolved an additional 468 Aboriginal land claims compared to the prior year. However, the total number of unprocessed Aboriginal land claims increased by 914 to 36,769 at 30 June 2020. The number of claims remaining unprocessed for more than ten years after lodgement increased by 10.9 per cent from last year. Until claims are resolved, there is an uncertainty over who is entitled to the land and the uses and activities that can be carried out on the land.

Auditor-General's Reports to Parliament since 2007 have recommended action to address the increasing number of unprocessed claims. To date, the Department has not been able to resolve this issue.

During 2020–21, a performance audit will assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the administration of Aboriginal land claims.

Financial reporting of Crown land managers

The Department will need to provide additional support and guidance to help Crown land managers (CLMs) meet their financial reporting obligations.

Recommendation:

The Department should:

  • in consultation with NSW Treasury, develop an appropriate statutory reporting framework for CLMs
  • ensure sufficient resources are available to help CLMs meet their reporting obligations.

During 2019–20, NSW Treasury established the reporting exemption criteria for the CLMs. Based on available information, the Department determined 31 CLMs would not meet the exemption criteria and therefore are required to prepare annual financial statements.

2. Audit observations

Internal controls

Six high‑risk issues were identified across the cluster in 2019–20:

  • 5 of those were related to financial reporting issues identified in Property NSW, Wentworth Park Sporting Complex Land Manager, Lord Howe Island Board, Planning Ministerial Corporation and Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation
  • 1 issue was related to Lord Howe Island Board's outdated business continuity plan.

One in three internal control issues identified and reported to management in 2019–20 were repeat issues.

Recommendation:

Management letter recommendations to address internal control weaknesses should be actioned promptly, with a focus on addressing high‑risk and repeat issues.

Agencies response to recent emergencies

The unprecedented bushfires and COVID‑19 pandemic presented challenges for the cluster. Agencies established taskforces or response teams to respond to these emergencies.

With more staff working from home, agencies implemented protocols and procedures to manage risks associated with the remote working arrangements, and also needed to address certain technology issues.

The Department is responsible for the new Planning System Acceleration Program, which aims to fast‑track planning assessments, boost the State's economy and keep people in jobs during COVID‑19 pandemic. Between April and October 2020, the Department announced and determined 101 major projects and planning proposals.

Recognition of Crown land

Crown land is an important asset of the State. Management and recognition of Crown land assets is weakened when there is confusion over who is responsible for a particular Crown land parcel.

Auditor-General's Reports to Parliament since 2017 have recommended that the Department should ensure the database of Crown land is complete and accurate. Whilst the Department has commenced actions to improve the database, this remained an issue in 2019–20.

Recommendation (repeat issue):

The Department should prioritise action to ensure the Crown land database is complete and accurate. This allows state agencies and local councils to be better informed about the Crown land they control.

Implementation of Machinery of Government (MoG) changes

Since its creation on 1 July 2019, the Department has largely established its governance arrangements, including setting up the Audit and Risk Committee and internal audit function for the Department and relevant cluster agencies.

The Department still operated three main financial reporting systems in 2019–20, and has commenced the process to consolidate some of the systems.

The recent Regional NSW MoG change led to the transfer of $446 million net assets and $284 million 2019–20 budget from the Department to the newly created Department of Regional NSW on 2 April 2020.

 

This report provides parliament and other users of the Planning, Industry and Environment cluster agencies’ financial statements with the results of our audits, our observations, analysis, conclusions and recommendations in the following areas:

  • financial reporting
  • audit observations
  • the impact of emergencies and the pandemic.

Financial reporting is an important element of good governance. Confidence and transparency in public sector decision making are enhanced when financial reporting is accurate and timely.

The COVID‑19 Legislation Amendment (Emergency Measures–Treasurer) Act 2020 amended legislation administered by the Treasurer to implement further emergency measures as a result of the COVID‑19 pandemic. These amendments:

  • allowed the Treasurer to authorise payments from the Consolidated fund until the enactment of the 2020–21 budget – impacting the going concern assessments of cluster agencies
  • revised budgetary, financial and annual reporting time frames – impacting the timeliness of financial reporting
  • exempted certain statutory bodies and departments from preparing financial statements.

This chapter outlines our audit observations related to the financial reporting of agencies in the Planning, Industry and Environment cluster for 2020, including any financial implications from the recent emergency events.

Section highlights

  • Unqualified audit opinions were issued for all completed 30 June 2020 financial statements audits. Timeliness of financial reporting remains an issue for 13 agencies.
  • Significant deficiencies were identified in Property NSW's lease data maintenance and lease calculations. Cluster agencies can also improve their management of lease information provided by Property NSW.
  • The number of unprocessed Aboriginal land claims continued to increase. During 2020–21, a performance audit will assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the administration of Aboriginal land claims.

The Department has not yet developed a statutory reporting framework for Crown land managers and will need to provide additional resources to help Crown land managers meet their financial reporting obligations.

Appropriate financial controls help ensure the efficient and effective use of resources and administration of agency policies. They are essential for quality and timely decision making.

This chapter outlines our:

  • observations and insights from our financial statements audits of agencies in the Planning, Industry and Environment cluster
  • assessment of how well cluster agencies adapted their systems, policies and procedures, and governance arrangements in response to recent emergencies
  • review of how the cluster agencies managed the increased risks associated with new programs aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19 and stimulating the economy.

Cluster agencies experienced a range of control and governance related issues in recent years. An increased number of high risk issues and greater proportion of repeat issues were identified as part of our audits. It is important for cluster agencies to promptly address these issues.

Section highlights

  • Six high risk issues were identified during 2019–20 audits. One in three issues identified and reported to management in 2019–20 were repeat issues.
  • The Department has fast tracked the assessment and determination of 101 projects as a part of the Planning System Acceleration Program.
  • There continues to be significant deficiencies in Crown land records. The Department should ensure the Crown land database is complete and accurate.

Published

Actions for Industry 2018

Industry 2018

Industry
Asset valuation
Cyber security
Financial reporting
Information technology
Internal controls and governance
Service delivery

The Auditor-General for New South Wales, Margaret Crawford, released her report today on the Industry cluster. The report focuses on key observations and findings from the most recent financial audits of agencies in the cluster. Cluster agencies received unqualified audit opinions for 41 out of the 47 financial statements presented for audit for 30 June 2018. Six audits remain incomplete. 'While it is pleasing to note that unqualified audit opinions have been issued, the timeliness of financial reporting needs to be improved through better oversight, prompt resolution of issues, and an increased focus on early close procedures', the Auditor-General said.

This report analyses the results of our audits of financial statements of the Industry cluster for the year ended 30 June 2018. The table below summarises our key observations.

This report provides parliament and other users of the Industry cluster agencies' financial statements with the results of our audits, including our observations, analysis, conclusions and recommendations in the following areas:

  • financial reporting
  • audit observations
  • service delivery.

The Department of Industry (the Department) is the lead agency in a cluster of 50 agencies. Other significant agencies in the cluster include Local Land Services, New South Wales Rural Assistance Authority, Technical and Further Education Commission (TAFE NSW), various sporting agencies, Forestry Corporation NSW and Water NSW.

The cluster:

Financial reporting is an important element of good governance. Confidence and transparency in public sector decision making are enhanced when financial reporting is accurate and timely.

This chapter outlines our audit observations related to the financial reporting of agencies in the Industry cluster for 2018.
 

Observation Conclusions and recommendations
2.1 Quality of financial reporting
Unqualified audit opinions were issued for 41 out of 47 financial statement audits. Six audits are continuing.

The number of misstatements identified in financial statements submitted for audit increased from 73 in 2016–17 to 92 in 2017–18.
Conclusion: Agencies continue to address financial reporting issues and ensure significant matters that may impact the audit opinion are appropriately dealt with. The increase in the number of misstatements indicates a renewed focus on quality is required.
2.2 Timeliness of financial reporting
Nineteen out of 37 audit opinions were issued within the statutory deadline. Delays occurred due to the time required to resolve issues identified during the audit, or to obtain appropriate evidence to support balances or disclosures in the financial statements. There were also delays in receiving the signed certification from the agency, required before we can issue an audit opinion.

We reviewed the conduct of early close procedures at 17 agencies. Fifteen of these agencies were assessed as not fully addressing mandatory early close procedures.
Recommendation: Timeliness of financial reporting should be improved through better oversight of the preparation of financial statements, prompt resolution of issues, and an increased focus on early close procedures.
2.3 Key financial reporting issues
Information system limitations continue at TAFE NSW. TAFE NSW implemented additional processes to verify the accuracy and completeness of revenue from student fees. Conclusion: Procedures to address system limitations are costly, causing delays in financial reporting and increased resource commitments for staff, contractors and audit.
Misstatements and internal control issues continue to be identified in accounting for Crown land. The information system used to record Crown land was not designed to facilitate efficient financial reporting. These limitations and other control weaknesses impacted the completeness and accuracy of the Department's financial statements.
Recommendation: The Department should address system limitations and control weaknesses to ensure complete and accurate reporting for Crown land.
Unprocessed Aboriginal land claims continue to increase. Recommendation (repeat issue): The Department should reduce unprocessed Aboriginal land claims.
2.4 Financial information and sustainability
Cluster agencies recorded a combined surplus of $58.0 million compared to a combined deficit of $86.0 million in the previous year.

 

We identified five agencies with potential sustainability issues such as low liquidity or negative net assets. Conclusion: Adequate arrangements are in place to mitigate potential sustainability issues. These arrangements include a commitment from the Department to provide financial support if required. 

Appropriate financial controls help ensure the efficient and effective use of resources and administration of agency policies. They are essential for quality and timely decision making.

This chapter outlines our observations and insights from:

  • our financial statement audits of agencies in the Industry cluster for 2018
  • the areas of focus identified in the Audit Office work program.

The Audit Office Annual Work Program provides a summary of all audits to be conducted within the proposed time period as well as detailed information on the areas of focus for each of the NSW Government clusters.

Observation Conclusions and recommendations
3.1 Internal control
Almost one in three internal control issues identified in 2017–18 were repeat issues. Recommendation (repeat issue): Recommendations to management to address internal control issues from prior years should be addressed promptly to reduce risks and improve processes.
3.2 Information technology controls
User access administration over financial systems remains an area of weakness. Two high risk and 18 moderate risk issues related to user access administration across nine agencies were identified. Recommendation (repeat issue): Agencies' controls over administration of user access to critical systems should:
  • retain documentation of approvals to create, modify and deactivate user access
  • allocate appropriate access rights
  • perform and document regular user access reviews
  • log and monitor privileged/super user account activity
  • deactivate terminated user access on a timely basis.
3.3 Annual work program
Errors continue to be identified in the Crown land database.

Instances were identified where Crown land was not recognised by the appropriate entity, or was recognised by more than one entity.
Recommendation: The Department should ensure the Crown land database is complete and accurate so state agencies and local government councils are better informed about the Crown land they control.
Approximately 700 managers of Crown land do not submit financial statements required by the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983. NSW Treasury and the Department are continuing work to clarify reporting arrangements for these entities.
3.4 Managing maintenance
Some cluster agencies do not monitor their backlog maintenance. Consequently, the total backlog maintenance in the Industry cluster is unknown. This impacts the reliability and consistency of information about assets and their condition. When backlog maintenance is unknown, it is difficult for agencies to develop an accurate and effective maintenance plan that focuses on areas of highest need. It also means agencies' maintenance plans are reactive rather than preventative.
Effective maintenance planning helps agencies to:
  • quantify and budget asset maintenance costs
  • support service delivery at the lowest possible long-term cost
  • reduce service disruptions and losses due to asset failure
  • identify and respond to risks posed by the age and condition of assets.
Recommendation: Cluster agencies should develop an asset maintenance plan and complete an assessment of the condition of their assets to identify any maintenance backlogs. 
Maintenance budgets in some cluster agencies are not set based on actual maintenance needs. Recommendation: Cluster agencies should set their maintenance budgets based on identified maintenance needs to more accurately budget and prioritise expenditure.

Agencies in the Industry cluster provide services across a wide variety of areas. This chapter outlines certain service delivery outcomes for 2017–18 for the Industry cluster. It provides important contextual information about the cluster's operation, but the data on activity levels and performance is provided by Cluster agencies. The Audit Office does not have a specific mandate to audit performance information. Accordingly, the information in this chapter is unaudited. 

In our recent performance audit, Progress and measurement of Premier's Priorities, we identified 12 limitations of performance measurement and performance data. We recommended that the Department of Premier and Cabinet ensure that processes to check and verify data are in place for all agency data sources.

Published

Actions for Transport 2018

Transport 2018

Transport
Asset valuation
Compliance
Financial reporting
Infrastructure
Management and administration
Procurement
Risk
Service delivery
Workforce and capability

The Auditor-General for New South Wales, Margaret Crawford released her report today on key observations and findings from the 30 June 2018 financial statement audits of agencies in the Transport cluster. Unqualified audit opinions were issued for all agencies' financial statements. However, assessing the fair value of the broad range of transport related assets creates challenges.

This report analyses the results of our audits of financial statements of the Transport cluster for the year ended 30 June 2018. The table below summarises our key observations.

This report provides Parliament and other users of the Transport cluster’s financial statements with the results of our audits, our observations, analysis, conclusions and recommendations in the following areas:

  • financial reporting
  • audit observations.

Financial reporting is an important element of good governance. Confidence and transparency in public sector decision making are enhanced when financial reporting is accurate and timely.

This chapter outlines our audit observations related to the financial reporting of agencies in the Transport cluster for 2018.

Observation Conclusions and recommendations
2.1 Quality of financial reporting
Unqualified audit opinions were issued for all agencies' financial statements Sufficient audit evidence was obtained to conclude the financial statements were free of material misstatement.
2.2 Key accounting issues
Valuation of assets continues to create challenges. Although agencies complied with the requirements of the accounting standards and Treasury policies on valuations, we identified some opportunities for improvements at RMS.

RMS incorporated data from its asset condition assessments for the first time in the valuation methodology which improved the valuation outcome. Overall, we were satisfied with the valuation methodology and key assumptions, but we noted some deficiencies in the asset data in relation to asset component unit rates and old condition data for some components of assets. 

Also, a bypass and tunnel were incorrectly excluded from RMS records and valuation process since 2013. This resulted in an increase for these assets’ value by $133 million.

The valuation inputs for Wetlands and Moorings were revised this year to better reflect the assets' characteristics resulting in a $98.0 million increase.

2.3 Timeliness of financial reporting
Residual Transport Corporation did not submit its financial statements by the statutory reporting deadline. Residual Transport Corporation remained a dormant entity with no transactions for the year ended 30 June 2018.
With the exception of Residual Transport Corporation, all agencies completed early close procedures and submitted financial statements within statutory timeframes. Early close procedures allow financial reporting issues and risks to be addressed early in the reporting and audit process.
2.4 Financial sustainability
NSW Trains and the Chief Investigator of the Office of Transport Safety Investigations reported negative net assets of $75.7 million and $89,000 respectively at 30 June 2018.  NSW Trains and the Chief Investigator of the Office of Transport Safety Investigations continue to require letters of financial support to confirm their ability to pay liabilities as they fall due. 
2.5 Passenger revenue and patronage
Transport agencies revenue growth increased at a higher rate than patronage. Public transport passenger revenue increased by $114 million (8.3 per cent) in 2017–18, and patronage increased by 37.1 million (5.1 per cent) across all modes of transport based on data provided by TfNSW. 
Negative balance Opal Cards resulted in $3.8 million in revenue not collected in 2017–18 and $7.8 million since the introduction of Opal. A total of 1.1 million Opal cards issued since its introduction have negative balances. Transport for NSW advised it is liaising with the ticketing vendor to implement system changes and are investigating other ways to reduce the occurrences.
2.6 Cost recovery from public transport users
Overall cost recovery from users has decreased. Overall cost recovery from public transport users (on rail and bus services by STA) decreased from 23.2 per cent to 22.4 per cent between 2016–17 and 2017–18. The main reason for the decrease is due to expenditure increasing at a faster rate than revenue in 2017–18.


 

Appropriate financial controls help ensure the efficient and effective use of resources and administration of agency policies. They are essential for quality and timely decision making.

This chapter outlines our observations and insights from:

  • our financial statement audits of agencies in the Transport cluster for 2018
  • the areas of focus identified in the Audit Office annual work program.

The Audit Office Annual Work Program provides a summary of all audits to be conducted within the proposed time period as well as detailed information on the areas of focus for each of the NSW Government clusters. 

Observation Conclusions and recommendations
3.1 Internal controls 
There was an increase in findings on internal controls across the Transport cluster. Key themes related to information technology, employee leave entitlements and asset management. Eighteen per cent of all issues were repeat issues.
3.2 Audit Office Annual work program
The Transport cluster wrote-off over $200 million of assets which were replaced by new assets or technology.

Majority of this write-off was recognised by RMS, with $199 million relating to the write-off of existing assets which have been replaced during the year. 

RailCorp is expected to convert to TAHE from 1 July 2019. Several working groups are considering different aspects of the TAHE transition including its status as a for-profit Public Trading Enterprise and which assets to transfer to TAHE. We will continue to monitor developments on TAHE for any impact to the financial statements.
RMS' estimated maintenance backlog at 30 June 2018 of $3.4 billion is lower than last year. Sydney Trains' estimated maintenance backlog at 30 June 2018 increased by 20.6 per cent to $434 million. TfNSW does not quantify its backlog maintenance. TfNSW advised it is liaising with Infrastructure NSW to develop a consistent definition of maintenance backlog across all transport service providers. 
Not all agencies monitor unplanned maintenance across the Transport cluster. Unplanned maintenance can be more expensive than planned maintenance. TfNSW should develop a consistent approach to define, monitor and track unplanned maintenance across the cluster.

This chapter outlines certain service delivery outcomes for 2017–18. The data on activity levels and performance is provided by Cluster agencies. The Audit Office does not have a specific mandate to audit performance information. Accordingly, the information in this chapter is unaudited. 

We report this information on service delivery to provide additional context to understand the operations of the Transport cluster and to collate and present service information for different modes of transport in one report. 

In our recent performance audit, Progress and measurement of Premier's Priorities, we identified 12 limitations of performance measurement and performance data. We recommended that the Department of Premier and Cabinet ensure that processes to check and verify data are in place for all agency data sources.

Published

Actions for Volume Three 2013 focusing on New South Wales State Finances

Volume Three 2013 focusing on New South Wales State Finances

Whole of Government
Asset valuation
Compliance
Financial reporting
Internal controls and governance
Management and administration
Project management

The Total State Sector Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2013 received an unqualified independent auditor’s opinion. This is the first time in over a decade the Total State Sector Accounts have not been qualified.

In looking into the resolution of qualifications:

  • We obtained enough evidence supporting the value of education buildings and their depreciation expense
  • Sufficent evidence has been obtained to support the existence and value of the State archives
  • We obtained enough evidence supporting the completeness of land and infrastructure holdings recognised
  • Improvements are still needed in the accuracy of information used to record the State’s land holdings.

Published

Actions for Volume One 2013 focusing on themes from 2012

Volume One 2013 focusing on themes from 2012

Whole of Government
Asset valuation
Compliance
Financial reporting
Fraud
Information technology
Internal controls and governance
Management and administration
Procurement
Project management
Regulation
Shared services and collaboration
Workforce and capability

This overview summarises the significant findings included in my 2012 financial audit report, volumes three to eleven, and highlights NSW agencies’ overall achievements and challenges. The overview summarises key themes and messages arising from these audits to help readers understand common findings. Agencies and their audit and risk committees can use the overview to self-assess and identify issues that may be relevant to their organisations.

It found more than 85 per cent of the recommendations in my 2011 financial audit reports to Parliament were implemented in 2012. Whilst this is less than 100 per cent, NSW government agencies clearly acted on my significant recommendations. However, NSW government agencies need to do more to follow up more detailed recommendations that are made directly to management.

Published

Actions for Volume Eight 2011 Focus on Transport and Ports

Volume Eight 2011 Focus on Transport and Ports

Transport
Industry
Asset valuation
Financial reporting
Fraud
Information technology
Infrastructure
Internal controls and governance
Management and administration
Procurement
Project management
Workforce and capability

The report includes comments on financial audits of government agencies in the Transport and Ports sectors. The audit of corporations’ financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2011 resulted in unmodified audit opinions within the Independent Auditor’s Reports. A key recommendation from the report is that Sydney Ports Corporation should continue working with other government authorities and industry stakeholders to improve the effectiveness of program initiatives for increasing container freight movements by rail. The Corporation should review the underlying causes hindering growth in the rail mode and develop and implement strategies to address the unfavourable trend.

Published

Actions for Volume Six 2011 focus on Environment, Water and Regional Infrastructure

Volume Six 2011 focus on Environment, Water and Regional Infrastructure

Planning
Industry
Asset valuation
Compliance
Financial reporting
Information technology
Internal controls and governance
Management and administration
Procurement
Project management
Regulation
Risk
Workforce and capability

The Environment Protection Authority’s expenditure for the financial year 2010/11 was $92 million - $76 million of this was for environment protection and regulation. The Office of Environment and Heritage and the Environment Protection Authority commenced 145 prosecutions for environmental offences and 106 were completed in the financial year 2010/11, down from the 134 prosecutions completed in 2009/10. Financial penalties for 2010/11 totalled $969,000 down from $1,403,000 in 2009/10. The average fine decreased from $10,468 in 2009/10 to $9,141 in 2010/11.

Published

Actions for Volume Three 2011

Volume Three 2011

Whole of Government
Asset valuation
Compliance
Financial reporting
Internal controls and governance
Management and administration
Project management

On 31 October 2011, the Auditor-General, Mr Peter Achterstraat, released Volume Three Report to Parliament on the 2010-11 NSW Total State Sector Accounts. The audited budget surplus was $1,340 million. The Auditor-General issued a qualified independent auditor’s opinion as the State could not identify the full extent and value of its land and infrastructure holdings for the eighth year in a row. The government needs to address its processes for identifying, valuing and recording land and related assets it controls as a matter of priority so it can effectively manage the full extent of its land and infrastructure holdings.