Reports
Actions for Dealing with Unlicensed and Unregistered Driving
Dealing with Unlicensed and Unregistered Driving
In our opinion there are inadequacies in the current arrangements for detecting unauthorised driving. For example better information is needed on the extent of unlicensed driving. This may require giving the NSW Police power to conduct random licence and registration checks. In addition, there are technological and legal constraints to the efficient and effective detection of unauthorised driving. Parliamentary reference - Report number #115&nbs
Actions for Freedom of Information
Freedom of Information
Freedom of Information (FOI) Coordinators and their staff were supportive of the legislation. However, the agencies examined can do considerably more to fully achieve the intentions of the Act. On the positive side, all three agencies had processes in place to handle requests and had made a number of changes to improve the effectiveness of the FOI process. Fees and charges had also been kept to a minimum. No processing fees were requested in the majority
Actions for Northside Storage Tunnel Project
Northside Storage Tunnel Project
The Northside Storage Tunnel was the first major public sector construction project using an alliance approach. In our opinion, the outcome of the project suggests that an alliance approach, when applied to a suitable project and managed appropriately, can support positive project outcomes. And in many respects the Alliance worked well. There are, however, a number of issues that we believe need to be addressed for future alliances. Parliamentar
Actions for The Millennium Train Project
The Millennium Train Project
State Rail has made significant improvements since the purchase of the Tangara. It improved measures necessary for handling contracts dealing with technically complex and innovative projects, although some other problems have been encountered, with new lessons to learn. The design and manufacture of new trains requires a significant investment in both time and cost. The Millennium Train has come at a considerably higher price than originally expected. An
Actions for Protecting Our Rivers
Protecting Our Rivers
The Audit Office is of the opinion that responsibility for protecting the quality of river water is not clearly delineated. The current arrangements lack the structure to ensure success. There is no lead entity to co-ordinate efforts to protect river water. New South Wales has no overarching water quality or river health strategy and no water quality management plans to ensure clear outcomes and responsibilities for protecting river water quality an
Actions for Implementing the Ovine Johne's Disease Program
Implementing the Ovine Johne's Disease Program
The implementation of the Ovine Johne's Disease (OJD) program in New South Wales has been prolonged and difficult. In our view, the OJD Program in New South Wales has experienced two major difficulties with its implementation: the lack of a strategic approach to program management, and an ill-defined governance structure. Both the NSW Government and industry need to be better organised and improve the planning, direction and co-ordination of th
Actions for Environmental impact assessment of major projects in NSW
Environmental impact assessment of major projects in NSW
The Audit Office is of the opinion that the basis for environmental impact assessment of major projects in NSW is sound. The key concept of 'environmental significance' is well defined. The system is closely specified. The Department of Urban Affairs and Planning (DUAP) leads a whole-of-government approach to environmental impact assessment and its assessments are comprehensive. However, the Audit Office considers that there are opportunities for im
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: more robust mechanisms are needed to monitor, review and report publicly on progress and benefits a greater emphasis sho
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
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