This audit assesses the assurance provided to the NSW Government for the initial stages of the WestConnex project.

The audit examined the WestConnex project from concept development to the pre-tender phase for Stage 1A – M4 (Parramatta to Homebush Bay). It did not examine the merit of the project or whether it represented value-for-money.

This audit found a number of shortcomings with the governance of the WestConnex project during its early stages and makes recommendations on how to better govern the remainder of the project to minimise the risk of failure.

Parliamentary reference - Report number #247 - released 18 December 2014

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 - released 4 September 2003

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. And it is very late compared to the Government’s original announcements, as the development/design took longer than planned.

Parliamentary reference - Report number #112 - released 17 June 2003

A staged, systematic and careful approach and extensive business re-engineering effort underpinned the Roads and Traffic Authority's (RTA) steady progress in providing customers with a range of reliable and secure online registration services. The RTA’s consistent and disciplined pursuit of new and challenging e-business opportunities is commendable.

Parliamentary reference - Report number #111 - released 11 June 2003

StateRail has invested significantly over the last five years in passenger safety and security. Security guards on trains from 7.00 pm were introduced in 1998. More recently, additional lighting, 5,700 closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) and emergency help points have been installed on CityRail stations. In addition, CityRail has employed some 100 transit officers to patrol its network and intends to employ another 200 transit officers in 2003. While substantial steps have been taken to reduce crime and improve passenger safety and security, the results have been mixed. Overall, the risk of a passenger becoming a victim of a crime on CityRail has increased.

Parliamentary reference - Report number #106 - released 12 February 2003

The Audit Office is of the opinion that the RTA is taking positive steps in planning for road maintenance and in many instances follows better practice. There are, however, some important improvements which need to be implemented in order to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of that function.

Parliamentary reference - Report number #69 - released 1 December 1999