NSW Audit Office Climate Reporting The NSW Audit Office has been placing emphasis on climate reporting in relation to government sectors, seen within Chapter 8 of their ‘State Agencies 2025’ report. When considering this in addition to their 2025 Coastal Management report and upcoming Water Management and Regulation report, consistent findings and recommendations can be […]

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.

Climate change is here, and its effects are increasingly shaping our world. For those of us in all levels of government, this isn't just a global issue; it's a reality we're grappling with every day. As communities look to us for leadership and resilience, how effectively we monitor and report on our climate adaptation efforts has never been more critical.

The rising tide of psychological injuries in NSW workplaces is demanding a critical shift in how we address workplace safety. With proposed legislative changes on the horizon, businesses must prepare for a new era focused on prevention and proactive support. This article explores the impending reforms, the undeniable link between bullying and mental health, and actionable strategies for employers to consider taking to cultivate healthier, more resilient work environments. For professionals navigating the complexities of employee well-being, workplace relations, and organisational health, understanding these changes is paramount.

Government contracts represent significant investments of public funds, designed to deliver essential services and infrastructure. Ideally, contractual agreements should serve as catalysts for streamlined work practices and substantial savings. However, the reality often diverges sharply from this ideal. Too frequently, contracts are signed with enthusiasm and then relegated to dusty filing cabinets, only to be unearthed when a crisis erupts throughout the contract period or after the project’s completion.

Records management is constantly evolving, and as of February 2025, significant changes that will impact public sector agencies have come into effect. These updates, along with common challenges we observe in our audits, highlight the importance of robust and adaptable records management strategies. This blog post will guide you through the key changes and highlight crucial areas of focus.

In September 2021 the NSW Office of Local Government published guidelines for Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R), which included a new requirement to publish a program of Service Reviews. The guidelines also specified an associated new reporting requirement: