Across Australia’s third sector, leaders are being asked to deliver more, with less – and to do so with greater accountability than ever before.

As Councils face significant cost pressures alongside legislative constraints on raising own-source revenue, rate increases are often the only viable pathway to achieving financial sustainability. Service reviews are crucial, enabling Councils to design, implement and demonstrate productivity improvements and cost containment strategies aligned with SRV assessment criteria.

The January 2026 Quarterly Risk Compass provides key insights for Audit and Risk Committees—the NSW Audit Office Forward Work Program, capital projects, cyber incident management, and grants administration. Each provides an opportunity to benchmark against better practice and lessons from other entities.

Workplaces are increasingly struggling to manage psychosocial WHS risks as the hazards are complex, often invisible, and deeply tied to how work is designed and managed. Safe Work Australia employers are legally required to identify, eliminate, or minimise these risks, but many find it challenging to balance work demands, consult effectively with workers, and implement consistent control measures.

Rightsizing Fraud & Corruption Controls: Centium can assist agencies to ensure their fraud and corruption controls are risk based, proportionate, tested, and demonstrably effective per ANAO requirements.

The October 2025 Quarterly Risk Compass identifies four critical audit priorities—AI governance frameworks, major project delivery scrutiny, procurement ethics and value-for-money, and citizen-centric service delivery—that are reshaping internal audit focus across government and organizational sectors.

The convergence of digital and physical infrastructure means the security of our national assets is more than just a matter of protection—it's a foundation for community resilience, public trust, and uninterrupted government services. For Federal, State, and Local government entities, safeguarding critical infrastructure—including water supply, energy networks, transport systems, public facilities, and sensitive data—is essential. These assets underpin daily life, economic stability, and the well-being of every Australian.

The NSW Auditor General released his Local Government 2024 report in March this year, and it highlighted some of the financial vulnerabilities that we know exist within the sector.

One of the key financial benchmarks used to track council performance by the NSW Auditor General and the NSW Office of Local Government is the operating performance ratio. This ratio provides an indication of whether the Council is carrying ongoing deficits, and the benchmark is a break even average over three years.

Procurement and contract management have evolved far beyond simple business functions. Today, they serve as strategic levers – capable of driving measurable success and mitigating serious risks such as mismanagement, fraud and corruption. This dual focus is particularly vital for government bodies and small to medium-sized organisations, where budgets are finite and accountability is paramount.