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The information contained in this fact sheet is current as at 15 November 2006.

Topic 8 - Government Accountability

8.3 NSW Auditor-General

The Auditor-General forms part of the accountability mechanism whereby the Parliament holds the Government accountable for fulfilling its responsibilities. The Audit Office assists the Auditor-General in fulfilling this role.

The NSW Auditor-General conducts audits of the NSW government in specific areas. These audits can identify substantial flaws in government practices and lead to reform. Audits cover a very wide range of topics, including for example the condition of NSW roads, the clearing of native vegetation and fare evasion on public transport.

The Audit Office's core services are:

• Financial audits
• Compliance audits
• Performance audits
• Protected Disclosures

The Audit Office examines allegations of serious and substantial waste of public money under the Protected Disclosures Act 1994 . Serious and substantial waste includes uneconomical, inefficient or ineffective use of resources which results in a significant loss or waste of public funds or resources. If you have information about serious and substantial waste of public money, you can report this to the NSW Auditor General .

Case Study: Native Vegetation Management Reforms

In 2001-2002, the EDO prepared a submission on behalf of environmental groups, outlining the shortcomings of the Department of Land and Water Conservation in meeting its statutory responsibilities, including its failure to prosecute breaches of the Native Vegetation Conservation Act.

The submission was instrumental in leading to an audit of the Department by the Auditor-General. The report from the Auditor-General's office was handed down in September 2002, and strongly condemned the Department for its lack of action in this area.

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