Following the most recent Performance Audit presented to Parliament on Regional Roads Funding, the Auditor-General stated that he could not “determine independently how well councils use RMS [Roads and Maritime Services] contributions as my mandate does not allow me to follow-the-money into local government and examine their processes and data.”
The Public Accounts Committee has previously recommended that the Auditor-General be given follow-the-dollar powers to enable him to directly audit functions performed by entities, including private contractors and other non-government organisations, on behalf of the State in the delivery of government programs.
In its recent response to this recommendation, the Government told the Committee that it is still considering the recommendation.
“This is an example of where follow-the-dollar powers would be extremely beneficial,” stated Committee Chair, Jonathan O’Dea. “If the Auditor-General had these powers, he would be able to examine how this money was being spent. This would enhance the process and improve accountability measures.”
“The Committee reiterates its support for granting follow-the-dollar powers to the Auditor-General and urges the Government to consider this recent example where the audit process would have been strengthened to the benefit of the NSW public,” said Mr O’Dea.
