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Reports

Published

Actions for Managing Contaminated Sites

Managing Contaminated Sites

Planning
Industry
Environment
Compliance
Internal controls and governance
Management and administration
Project management
Regulation
Risk

NSW Government agencies with large landholdings need to better manage their contaminated sites. When contaminated sites are reported to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) there are long delays in assessing the extent of contamination. The EPA also lacks the management controls to ensure that all significantly contaminated sites are actively monitored and key milestones for remediation are met.   Parliamentary reference - Report number #

Published

Actions for Cost of Alcohol Abuse to the NSW Government

Cost of Alcohol Abuse to the NSW Government

Treasury
Justice
Health
Premier and Cabinet
Management and administration
Regulation

The NSW Government does not estimate or report the total cost of alcohol abuse. The Audit Office of New South Wales’ sponsored research estimates it costs the government over $1 billion a year, or around $416 from each NSW household.   Parliamentary reference - Report number #235 - released 6 August 2013

Published

Actions for Making the Best Use of Public Housing

Making the Best Use of Public Housing

Community Services
Internal controls and governance
Management and administration
Regulation

There are 55,000 eligible applicants on the social housing waiting list, with some people waiting for more than ten years to get a house. The waiting list could be more than 86,000 by 2016 unless things change.   Social housing only meets about 44 per cent of need in New South Wales even though we have the largest social housing portfolio in Australia. Social housing falls into three groups. About 80 per cent is public housing which is owned and ope

Published

Actions for Management of the ClubGRANTS Scheme

Management of the ClubGRANTS Scheme

Industry
Compliance
Management and administration
Regulation

The ClubGRANTS scheme gives tax rebates to clubs for supporting their local community. Since 2002, $417 million of ClubGRANTS tax rebates have been given to clubs. The scheme recognises the valuable role played by registered clubs in their local communities. However, the public must have confidence that the scheme is delivering genuine services to the community.   Parliamentary reference - Report number #229 - released 2 May 2013

Published

Actions for Coal Mining Royalties

Coal Mining Royalties

Industry
Treasury
Compliance
Internal controls and governance
Regulation

Department of Industry and Investment cannot assure the people of NSW that all royalties owed are being paid in full. This is because it does not have sufficiently robust systems and processes to identify what is owed and to make sure it is paid.   Parliamentary reference - Report number #208 - released 30 November 2010

Published

Actions for Protecting the Environment: Pollution Incidents

Protecting the Environment: Pollution Incidents

Planning
Environment
Compliance
Management and administration
Regulation
Risk

The department has a systematic approach to receiving, investigating and responding to reports of pollution incidents. However, the department does not analyse and report on the extent of environmental harm caused by pollution incidents reported to it, whether its response has minimised harm to the environment, whether its regulatory approach has improved compliance, particularly by Environment Protection Licence (EPL) holders (licensees).   Parli

Published

Actions for Working With Children Check

Working With Children Check

Community Services
Compliance
Internal controls and governance
Management and administration
Regulation
Risk
Workforce and capability

To be effective the WWCC has to be thorough. Gaps in the checking process such as employers not checking everyone they should mean that people who may pose a risk to children are not identified. We found that the WWCC does not reliably identify all those who may pose a risk to children. Audit conclusion and recommendations Working With Children Check 3 In addition, we found the Commission does not monitor the compliance of employers, the self-employed or

Published

Actions for Environmental impact assessment of major projects in NSW

Environmental impact assessment of major projects in NSW

Environment
Management and administration
Regulation
Service delivery

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

Published

Actions for Internal financial reporting including a better practice guide

Internal financial reporting including a better practice guide

Whole of Government
Financial reporting

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 repor

Published

Actions for Controlling and reducing pollution from industry

Controlling and reducing pollution from industry

Planning
Environment
Compliance
Management and administration
Regulation

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