Reports
Actions for Use of the internet and related technologies to improve public sector performance
Use of the internet and related technologies to improve public sector performance
Notwithstanding the considerable effort, it is not apparent that the Government's vision can be fully achieved without increased efforts. Based on the current position, to ensure that the Government's vision can be achieved the Audit Office is of the view that the following key issues need to be urgently addressed:
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more robust mechanisms are needed to monitor, review and report publicly on progress and benefits
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a greater emphasis should be placed on central coordination to ensure that agencies act in a more uniform and integrated manner
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the achievement of significant reform of business processes will require a substantial strengthening of accountability mechanisms and more comprehensive, rigorous and systematic approaches to e-government project and risk management.
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despite an array of guidance material and support provided by central agencies, line agency needs for assistance do not seem to be being met to sufficiently advance matters across the sector at the pace and scope desired
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the Government’s e-government aspirations and funding are not always effectively harmonised. Agencies typically have limited resources available to trial or experience new technologies, and display an aversion to the associated risks.
Parliamentary reference - Report number #87 - released 19 September 2001
Actions for Internal financial reporting including a better practice guide
Internal financial reporting including a better practice guide
The Audit Office observed that there is diversity in the form, content and quality of reports produced by the agencies. This reflects, in the main, that agencies tailor reports to meet local needs and conditions. It is considered that improvement is needed. A more consistent approach to financial reporting through the use of minimum standards is suggested. The Audit Office is of the view that agencies would benefit from a systematic approach to the reporting of outputs and outcomes and using financial and non-financial information to measure, monitor and thereby improve performance.
Parliamentary reference - Report number #85 - released 27 June 2001
Actions for Controlling and reducing pollution from industry
Controlling and reducing pollution from industry
The regulatory framework introduced under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, along with other initiatives progressively being implemented by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), should enhance the overall effectiveness of environment protection in NSW. The Audit Office is of the opinion that the framework is consistent with best practice and once fully implemented, should contribute to the achievement of further improvements in the environmental performance of industry.
However while the legislative framework supports best practice in regulation and enforcement, there are a number of issues which limit the effectiveness of the reforms. Some of the problems, such as the quality of licences and the effectiveness of compliance activities, have been identified by the EPA and may be addressed through recent initiatives.
Parliamentary reference - Report number #82 - released 18 April 2001
Actions for The Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games - Review of estimates
The Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games - Review of estimates
The Olympic Coordination Authority (OCA) has made a concerted and commendable effort in preparing the Games Budget within the definition of expenditure for the Games approved by the Government. OCA has also effectively used the definition of cost to control claims made by government agencies against the estimates to host the Games.
However, because the Games Budget was prepared in accordance with that definition, the Games Budget arguably does not capture the overall expenditure associated with the Games, as required by the Olympic Co-Ordination Authority Act. Accordingly, the taxpayers of NSW do not have a complete picture of the costs for hosting the Games.
Parliamentary reference - Report number #62 - released 14 January 1999