Reports
Actions for WestConnex: Assurance to the Government
WestConnex: Assurance to the Government
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
Actions for Effectiveness of the New Death and Disability Scheme
Effectiveness of the New Death and Disability Scheme
More NSW Police officers are returning to work after being injured and there are fewer medical discharges as a result of the new NSW Police death and disability scheme. The new scheme is also costing less and if early trends continue, costs may fall sufficiently to meet the government’s target. Parliamentary reference - Report number #242 - released 22 May 2014
Actions for NSW State Emergency Service Management of Volunteers
NSW State Emergency Service Management of Volunteers
The SES needs to better understand the location, availability and skills of its volunteers so it can properly plan for emergency events. It needs to improve how it selects and retains the right volunteers and provide more up-to-date and focused training. The SES has improved volunteer safety with injury claims falling by 40 per cent to 70 in the four years to 30 June 2013. The average cost of claims has fallen by 58 per cent to $3,547. The SES attribute
Actions for Volume Ten 2013 focusing on Health
Volume Ten 2013 focusing on Health
Unqualified opinions were issued for all agencies audited in the following report. Some of the reports findings include: Most cultural bodies rely heavily on government grants to fund services The Sydney Opera House Trust earns most of its revenue from commercial operations Less than half of the 2014-16 service agreements between HealthShare NSW and its customers have been signed. HealthShare NSW and health entities should finalise t
Actions for Volume Seven 2013 focusing on Superannuation and Insurance
Volume Seven 2013 focusing on Superannuation and Insurance
Unqualified audit opinions were issued on the NSW Government controlled insurance and compensation entities’ 30 June 2013 financial statements, except the NSW Self Insurance Corporation (SICorp). SICorp’s audit opinion was qualified due to non-compliance with Australian Accounting Standards applicable to general insurance contracts. The auditor’s reports drew attention to the significant uncertainty in estimating outstanding claims liabilities of $14.0 b
Actions for Reducing Ambulance Turnaround Time at Hospitals
Reducing Ambulance Turnaround Time at Hospitals
NSW Health has put in place initiatives to reduce the time ambulance crews have to wait at a hospital before they are able to leave and attend to other calls. Despite these actions, ambulance crews are waiting longer at NSW hospitals. Crews now wait on average nearly 32 minutes at a hospital before handing over a patient, up from about 24 minutes seven years ago. Parliamentary reference - Report number #233 - released 24 July 2013
Actions for Managing Operating Theatre Efficiency for Elective Surgery
Managing Operating Theatre Efficiency for Elective Surgery
Waiting times for elective surgery will continue to increase if NSW Health does not improve its management of operating theatres. On the positive side NSW public hospitals are performing more elective surgery than in previous years and are treating patients substantially within national clinical timeframes. However, more operations will be needed as targets are getting tighter and demand is growing. Parliamentary reference - Report number #232&n
Actions for Management of Historic Heritage in National Parks and Reserves
Management of Historic Heritage in National Parks and Reserves
The National Parks and Wildlife Service is spreading its resources too thinly, running the risk that the heritage significance of important assets will eventually be lost. Parliamentary reference - Report number #230 - released 29 May 2013
Actions for Volume One 2013 focusing on themes from 2012
Volume One 2013 focusing on themes from 2012
This overview summarises the significant findings included in my 2012 financial audit report, volumes three to eleven, and highlights NSW agencies’ overall achievements and challenges. The overview summarises key themes and messages arising from these audits to help readers understand common findings. Agencies and their audit and risk committees can use the overview to self-assess and identify issues that may be relevant to their organisations. It found
Actions for Code Red: Hospital Emergency Departments
Code Red: Hospital Emergency Departments
All three hospitals followed the Department of Health’s guidelines for judging capacity and had systems in place to notify hospital staff and ambulance crews of changes in status. We found discrepancies in the records kept by all three hospitals when compared to the records maintained by the Department of Health. Our view however, is that these records do not need to be a perfect match for the intended purpose, which is to guide ambulance crews to the sh