Most Australian state and territory governments have trade and investment offices located overseas, which operate alongside the Australian government's international Austrade offices. The NSW Government has an international network, with offices and staff located in the Americas, Greater China, India, the Middle East, North Asia, ASEAN, and the UK, Europe and Israel. These offices aim to attract international businesses to NSW and assist NSW-based businesses to operate internationally.

This audit may examine areas including the effectiveness of international offices in achieving the NSW Government's trade and investment goals, and the accountability and governance of the offices.

Audit background

According to the Department of Regional NSW, approximately $500 million dollars has been committed to the Regional Digital Connectivity Program (RDCP) through the Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund. The RDCP aims to improve mobile, internet and digital services for rural and regional areas of NSW. Of this funding, over $300 million was allocated to improving mobile phone coverage in regional NSW through investment in shared and multi-carrier mobile infrastructure. A further $100 million in funding was allocated to internet connectivity which aims to provide fast and reliable internet connectivity for rural and regional communities, prioritising areas currently on a satellite internet service.

Audit objective

This audit will assess if the Department of Regional NSW is effectively administering the Regional Digital Connectivity Program (RDCP) to meet program objectives. The includes considering how effectively the Department of Regional NSW identifies priority areas, distributes funding in line with program objectives, and measures the performance of the RDCP.

Estimated tabling period

June 2024

Agencies audited

Department of Regional NSW