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28 November 2017
Audit Committee Meeting
Agenda
Members of the public who attend Committee meetings should not act immediately on anything they hear at the meetings, without first seeking clarification of Council’s position. Persons are advised to wait for written advice from the Council prior to taking action on any matter that they may have before Council.
Agendas and Minutes are available on the City’s website www.kwinana.wa.gov.au
Notice is hereby given of the Audit Committee Meeting of Council to be held in the Council Chambers, City of Kwinana Administration Centre commencing at 5:30pm.
Michelle Bell Acting Chief Executive Officer
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 2
Vision Statement Kwinana 2030 Rich in spirit, alive with opportunities, surrounded by nature – it’s all here! Mission Strengthen community spirit, lead exciting growth, respect the environment - create great places to live. We will do this by – ● providing strong leadership in the community; ● promoting an innovative and integrated approach; ● being accountable and transparent in our actions; ● being efficient and effective with our resources; ● using industry leading methods and technology wherever possible; ● making informed decisions, after considering all available information; and ● providing the best possible customer service. Values We will demonstrate and be defined by our core values, which are: • Lead from where you stand – Leadership is within us all. • Act with compassion – Show that you care. • Make it fun – Seize the opportunity to have fun. • Stand Strong, stand true – Have the courage to do what is right. • Trust and be trusted – Value the message, value the messenger. • Why not yes? – Ideas can grow with a yes.
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Declaration of Opening ......................................................................................... 4 2 Apologies/Leave(s) of Absence (previously approved) ...................................... 4 3 Public Question Time: ........................................................................................... 4 4 Declaration of Interest by Members: .................................................................... 4 5 Minutes to be Confirmed: ..................................................................................... 5
5.1 Audit Committee Meeting held on 18 September 2017. ...................................... 5 6 Reports .................................................................................................................. 6
6.1 Review of Audit Committee Terms of Reference ................................................ 6 6.2 Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017 .......................................... 9 6.3 Internal Audit Plan Review for the period 18 September to 27 November 2017
and Internal Audit Plan for the period 28 November 2017 to 19 March 2018 .. 13 7 Urgent Business .................................................................................................. 20 8 Response to Previous Questions ....................................................................... 20 9 Matters Behind Closed Doors ............................................................................ 20 10 Next Meeting ........................................................................................................ 20 11 Meeting Closure .................................................................................................. 20
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 4
1 Declaration of Opening
Presiding Member to read the Welcome
“IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE TO WELCOME YOU ALL HERE AND BEFORE COMMENCING THE PROCEEDINGS, I WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE COME TOGETHER TONIGHT ON THE TRADITIONAL LAND OF THE NOONGAR PEOPLE”
2 Apologies/Leave(s) of Absence (previously approved)
Apologies Leave(s) of Absence (previously approved): Nil
3 Public Question Time:
In accordance with the Local Government Act 1995 and the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996, any person may during Public Question Time ask any question.
In accordance with Regulation 6 of the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996, the minimum time allowed for Public Question Time is 15 minutes.
A member of the public who raises a question during Question Time is to state his or her name and address.
4 Declaration of Interest by Members:
Elected Members are to deliver to the Chief Executive Officer:
(a) written notice of any Declaration of Interest prior to the meeting; or (b) at the meeting immediately before the matter is discussed [Local
Government Act 1995 Section 5.65(1)]. A City employee who has an interest in any matter of which the employee is providing advice or a report directly to the Council or Committee must disclose the nature of the interest when giving the advice or report [Local Government Act 1995 Section 5.7(2)].
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 5
5 Minutes to be Confirmed:
5.1 Audit Committee Meeting held on 18 September 2017.
Moved Cr ....................... Seconded Cr ............................. that the Minutes of the Audit Committee held on 18 September 2017 be confirmed as a true and correct record of the meeting.
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 6
6 Reports
6.1 Review of Audit Committee Terms of Reference
SUMMARY: One of the functions of the Audit Committee includes reviewing the effectiveness of the local government’s systems in regard to risk management, internal control and legislative compliance of the local government. This is achieved in part by the development of a Terms of Reference for the Audit Committee to identify the Committee’s responsibilities. The current Audit Committee Terms of Reference has been reviewed and is provided to the Audit Committee with a view to present to Council for adoption. The reviewed document is at Attachment A. OFFICER RECOMMENDATION: That the Audit Committee recommend that Council adopt the reviewed Audit Committee Terms of Reference (as per Attachment A). DISCUSSION: The Audit Committee Terms of Reference was recently reviewed in February 2017 and as a result, only one amendment is recommended. The proposed amendment is to update the year for which a financial management review in clause 7(h) is to be undertaken as the review was completed in May 2017 and the next review is due in another four years (2021). No further amendments have been identified or are recommended. LEGAL/POLICY IMPLICATIONS: Local Government Act 1995 2.7. Role of council (1) The council —
(a) governs the local government’s affairs; and (b) is responsible for the performance of the local government’s functions.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the council is to —
(a) oversee the allocation of the local government’s finances and resources; and (b) determine the local government’s policies.
5.103. Codes of conduct (1) Every local government is to prepare or adopt a code of conduct to be observed by council members, committee members and employees.
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 7
6.1 REVIEW OF AUDIT COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE
5.104. Other regulations about conduct of council members (1) Regulations may prescribe rules, to be known as the rules of conduct for council members, that council members are required to observe. (6) The rules of conduct do not limit what a code of conduct under section 5.103 may contain. LOCAL GOVERNMENT (AUDIT) REGULATIONS 1996 - REG 16 16. Audit committee, functions of An audit committee — (a) is to provide guidance and assistance to the local government —
(i) as to the carrying out of its functions in relation to audits carried out under Part 7 of the Act.
17. CEO to review certain systems and procedures (1) The CEO is to review the appropriateness and effectiveness of a local government’s systems and procedures in relation to —
(a) risk management; and (b) internal control; and (c) legislative compliance.
(2) The review may relate to any or all of the matters referred to in subregulation (1)(a), (b) and (c), but each of those matters is to be the subject of a review at least once every 2 calendar years. (3) The CEO is to report to the audit committee the results of that review. FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPLICATIONS: There are no specific financial or budget implications as a result of this report. ASSET MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS: There are no specific asset management implications as a result of this report. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: There are no specific environmental implications as a result of this report.
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 8
6.1 REVIEW OF AUDIT COMMITTEE TERMS OF REFERENCE STRATEGIC/SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS: This proposal will support the achievement of the following objectives and strategies detailed in the Strategic Community Plan and/or Corporate Business Plan (D16/3339). Plan Objective Strategy e.g. Corporate Business Plan 2016 - 2021
5.1 An active and engaged Local Government, focussed on achieving the community’s vision
5.1.1 Ensure that the City’s strategic direction, policies, plans, services and programs are aligned with the community’s vision
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Community engagement may be required via advertising in a state-wide newspaper if a decision is made to seek appointment of a new external audit committee member. RISK IMPLICATIONS: The risk implications in relation to this proposal are as follows:
Risk Event Poor decision making due to inadequate policies
Risk Theme Failure to fulfil statutory regulations or compliance requirements
Risk Effect/Impact Reputation Risk Assessment Context
Strategic
Consequence Minor Likelihood Possible
Rating (before treatment)
Moderate
Risk Treatment in place Reduce - mitigate risk Response to risk treatment required/in place
Ensure that adequate policies are in place and reviewed regularly.
Rating (after treatment) Low
D13/43967[v5 4] Page 1 of 3
Terms of Reference - Audit Committee 1. History (Regulation 17 Local Government (Audit) Regulations 1996)The establishment of an Audit Committee in the past has been to provide an independent oversight of the financial position of the local government particularly related to the function of auditing; the scope of an audit and the process used to selecting and appointing of an auditor where the Office of the Auditor General does not carry out an audit.
This focus has expanded and an Audit Committee (herein referred to as the “Committee”) now operates not only to support the local government in effective financial management but also to provide effective corporate governance through the review of systems and procedures in place relating to risk management, internal control and legislative compliance.
2. Objectives of the Audit CommitteeThe Committee plays a key role in assisting the City of Kwinana to fulfill its corporate governance responsibilities in managing the affairs of the local government. This includes financial reporting, risk management, compliance requirements, internal and external audits.
The Committee will ensure transparency in the City of Kwinana’s financial reporting and will liaise with the Chief Executive Officer to ensure the effective and efficient management of the local government’s financial accounting systems and compliance with legislation.
The Committee is to facilitate:
a) compliance with laws and regulations as well as use of best practice guidelines relativeto auditing, through external financial auditors and internal operational audits;
b) the provision of an effective means of communication between the external auditor, theChief Executive Officer and Council.
3. Powers of the Audit CommitteeA local government is required to establish an Audit Committee under Section 7.1A of the Local Government Act 1995. The Committee is a formally appointed committee of Council and is responsible to that body. All recommendations of the Committee are to be made by a simple majority. Reports and recommendations of the Committee shall be presented to the next ordinary meeting of Council.
The Committee may be delegated certain powers under Part 7 of the Local Government Act 1995 by Council. The purpose of the Committee is to provide advice and recommendations to Council.
4. Membership and participationThe Committee will consist of five elected members and may include one external member. The members of the Committee must be appointed by absolute majority. All members have full voting rights.
The Chief Executive Officer and employees are not to be members of the Committee, however the Chief Executive Officer is to be given every opportunity to provide expert advice to the Ccommittee and should attend every meeting.
ATTACHMENT A
D13/43967[v5 4] Page 2 of 3
The Chief Executive Officer is not permitted to nominate a person to be a member of a Committee or have a person represent him or her as a member of the Committee. The local government shall provide secretarial and administrative support to the Committee. If a duty has been delegated by Council to the Committee, meetings are required by Regulation to be open to the public.
5. Meetings The Committee should meet at times during the year that most effectively coincide with the requirements of legislation for that year, and operational activities, with a view to providing the necessary reports well before the due dates. An example of a meeting schedule is provided below: Date of Audit Committee Meeting
Agenda Items to Audit Committee
2nd week of March • Statutory Compliance Audit return (legislation requires adoption by Council and submission by 31 March)
• Annual Budget Review if available (not a requirement for the Audit Committee however the report does need to go to Council therefore it is seen as useful for the Audit Committee)
• Investment Policy Review (only required every second year) • When applicable, approval to seek expressions of interest
requests for quotes for the appointment of an auditor for the next period where the Office of the Auditor General is not required to carry out the audit.
• Progress report on the internal audit findings October / 1st week of November
• Review of systems and procedures in place relating to risk management, internal control and legislative requirements (only required every second year)
• End of Financial Year Statements • Auditor’s report • Accepting Audit • Financial Management Review • Progress report on the internal audit findings
To be confirmed • Progress report on the internal audit findings To be confirmed • Progress report on the internal audit findings Additional meetings may be convened as required and approved by Council at the discretion of the presiding person.
6. Quorum A quorum shall consist of at least 50% of the number of offices of committee members, unless a reduction is approved by the local government under s5.15 of the Local Government Act 1995.
7. Duties and Responsibilities
D13/43967[v5 4] Page 3 of 3
The Audit Committee is to report to Council and provide appropriate advice and recommendations on matters relevant to the Terms of Reference in order to facilitate informed decision-making by Council.
Other duties and responsibilities of the Committee are as follows:
a) Identify and recommend to Council a list of those matters to be audited (in relation toexternal and internal audits).
b) Develop and recommend to Council an appropriate process for the selection andappointment of a person as the local government’s auditor where the Office of theAuditor General is not required to carry out the audit.
c) Develop and recommend to Council a written agreement for the appointment of theauditor where the Office of the Auditor General is not required to carry out the audit.The agreement is to include:• the objectives of the audit;• the scope of the audit; and• details of the remuneration and expenses to be paid to the auditor; and the
method to be used by the local government to communicate with and supplyinformation to the auditor.
d) Liaise with the Chief Executive Officer to ensure that the local government doeseverything in its power to:• assist the auditor to conduct the audit and carry out his or her other duties under
the Local Government Act 1995; and• ensure that audits are conducted successfully and expeditiously.
e) Examine the reports of the audit (internal/external) and accompanying officer report to:• determine if any matters raised require action to be taken by the local
government; and• ensure that appropriate action be taken in respect of those matters.
f) Review the report prepared by the Chief Executive Officer on any actions taken inrespect of any matters raised in the report of the auditor and presenting the report toCouncil for adoption prior to the end of the next financial year or six months after thelast report prepared by the auditor is received, whichever is the latest in time.
g) Consider biennially, the report from the Chief Executive Officer on the appropriatenessand effectiveness of a local government’s systems and procedures in relation to riskmanagement; internal control and legislative compliance.
h) Undertake a financial management review every 4 years, with the next reviewrequired in 202117.
i) Liaise with the Office of the Auditor General regarding the financial statements andperformance audits of the City.
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 9
6.2 Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017 SUMMARY: The purpose of this report is to provide a summary to the Audit Committee of the changes to the Local Government Act 1995 due to the proclamation of the Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017. OFFICER RECOMMENDATION: That the Audit Committee note the gazettal of the Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017. DISCUSSION: The Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017, provides for the auditing of local governments by the Auditor General. The Act was given Royal Assent on 1 September 2017 and was gazetted on 27 October 2017. The City received a letter dated 22 September 2017 from the Auditor General, Colin Murphy (Attachment A), outlining some key information in regards to the practical impact of the changes made within the Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017 and is summarised below: Financial audits — timing There is a staged transition approach for financial audits to allow for existing contracts to expire. However, by financial year 2020-21, all local governments will be audited by the Office of the Auditor General, regardless of whether or not their existing audit contracts have expired. Financial audits — contract audit firms The Auditor General plans to contract out the majority of local government financial audits to accredited audit firms with the remaining to be conducted by staff within the Office of the Auditor General. Where audits are outsourced, the contracts will be managed by the Office of the Auditor General and the audit opinions will be signed and issued by the Auditor General. It is common practice for Auditors General from across jurisdictions to outsource audits and is something they currently do for state government audits. They have contract management processes in place to ensure that outsourced audits are efficient and cost effective and meet their audit quality standards. Financial audits — fees Fees will be charged for financial audits, as they are now. The Office of the Auditor General fees has been set purely to recoup the full cost of conducting a local government financial audit. The fee is based on the staff hours used on the audit plus any directly related costs such as contract fees and travel expenses. Based on experience in other States, the Auditor General expects some audit fees will be considerably higher than they currently are. This is primarily because the Auditor General will be conducting a much broader financial audit than currently received by most local governments. The Auditor General’s audits will give assurance on the financial statements and greater transparency about financial controls, probity and governance matters.
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 10
6.2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AMENDMENT (AUDITING) ACT 2017 Performance audits The Act also allows for performance audits, which may examine the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of any aspect of local government operations. The Office of the Auditor General has been conducting performance audits of state government agencies since they first received the mandate in 1985. Performance audit topics are selected following a comprehensive topic selection process which may also include requests for audits from Parliament, the government and other key stakeholders and the broader community. The Office of the Auditor General publish their audit program on their website and it will be updated as local government audit topics are determined. Unlike financial audits, which are paid for by each local government to cover the cost of doing the audit, performance audits are funded by government appropriation. The number and size of performance audits are therefore determined by the level of appropriation received and the priority given to these by Parliament. Importantly, like current state government performance audits, the findings and recommendations of these are applicable to all local governments and not just those audited. If and when your organisation will be included as part of a performance audit will only be determined as each audit topic is selected and planned. The Office of the Auditor General Audit Practice Statement, available on their website, provides a detailed guide on what to expect during a performance audit, including information on procedural fairness processes and their ‘no surprises’ approach to reporting. Further information on the Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017 can be found within the Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017 Explanatory Memorandum (Attachment B). The City currently has an audit contract with Moore Stephens (WA) Pty Ltd. This contract is due to end upon the completion of the 30 June 2018 financial audit. Unless otherwise instructed by the Office of the Auditor General, the City will be able to see out the completion of this contract whereby the Office of the Auditor General will then take over the external auditing program for the City. The operational impact on the City is likely to be minimal as audits will still be required and are likely to operate in a similar manner to the current approach. It is envisaged that further information and guidance from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and the Office of the Auditor General will be provided upon finalisation of any amendments to the Local Government (Audit) Regulations 1996. City Officers have received advice from the Office of the Auditor General that there may be some audits that the City is required to undertake that does not fall part of their scope. The Audit Committee will appoint an auditor for works that falls outside the Office of the Auditor General. LEGAL/POLICY IMPLICATIONS: Part 7 – Audit, of the Local Government Act 1995, deals with the audit of the financial accounts of local governments, including — (a) the appointment of auditors; and (b) the conduct of audits.
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 11
6.2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AMENDMENT (AUDITING) ACT 2017 FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPLICATIONS: Budget implications associated with this report have been outlined within the discussion. ASSET MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS: There are no specific asset management implications as a result of this report. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: There are no specific environmental implications as a result of this report. STRATEGIC/SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS: This proposal will support the achievement of the following objectives and strategies detailed in the Strategic Community Plan and/or Corporate Business Plan (D16/3339).
Plan Objective Strategy Corporate Business Plan 2016 - 2021
5.1 An active and engaged Local Government, focussed on achieving the community’s vision
5.1.1 Ensure that the City’s strategic direction, policies, plans, services and programs are aligned with the community’s vision
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: There is no community engagement required as a result of this report.
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 12
6.2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AMENDMENT (AUDITING) ACT 2017 RISK IMPLICATIONS: The risk implications in relation to this proposal are as follows: Risk Event The City’s compliance obligations are not met
due to insufficient knowledge and information.
Risk Theme Failure to fulfil statutory regulations or compliance requirements
Risk Effect/Impact Reputation/Compliance Risk Assessment Context
Strategic
Consequence Minor Likelihood Unlikely Rating (before treatment)
Low
Risk Treatment in place Reduce - mitigate risk Response to risk treatment required/in place
Ensure that Elected Members and City Officers are kept informed of the changes to the Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017.
Rating (after treatment) Low
OAS Office of the Auditor General
Sen/mg the Public Interest
Our Ref: 7576 7th Floor, Albert Facey House 469 Wellington Street, Perth
Mail to: Perth BC Ms Joanne Abbiss p0 BOX 8489
Chief Executive Officer PERTH WA 6849
City Of Kwinana Tel: 08 6557 7500
PO Box 21 Fax: 08 6557 7600
KWINANA WA 6966 Email: [email protected]
Dear Ms Abbiss
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AMENDMENT (AUDITING) ACT 2017
As you are likely aware, the Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017, giving the Auditor General a mandate to audit local governments, was assented to on 1 September 2017. However, the sections of the Act that will allow my Office to commence local government audit still need to be proclaimed. I understand from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSCI) this is likely to occur in October.
While this has been an initiative of Parliament and not something I have actively pursued, I am certainly supportive of the intent behind the Act and look forward to working with you to ensure a successful transition.
I recognise with these changes comes some uncertainty primarily around the impact on your financial audit program and associated activities. This is also a significant change for my Office and is one of the largest changes to the Auditor General’s mandate since the role was established in 1829.
Please be assured that we are well placed to take on local government auditing. My Office is made up of highly trained, professional, qualified and experienced auditors and support staff who are well placed to perform local government financial and performance audits. The expertise my staff has developed auditing various bodies in the public sector is also very relevant to local government and puts us in a strong position to add value to the local government sector.
Financial audits — timing There is a staged transition approach for financial audits to allow for existing contracts to expire. However, by financial year 2020-21, all local governments will be audited by my Office, regardless of whether or not their existing audit contracts have expired.
Financial audits — contract audit firms I plan to contract out the majority of local government financial audits to accredited audit firms with the remaining to be conducted by my staff. Where audits are outsourced, the contracts will be managed by my Office and I will sign and issue all audit opinions.
It is common practice for Auditors General from across jurisdictions to outsource audits and is something we currently do for state government audits. Our contract management processes ensure that outsourced audits are efficient and cost effective and meet our audit quality standards.
For those audits we outsource, we plan to appoint the audit firm whose contract has expired to perform the audit for the 1St year if it meets certain quality criteria. In the 2nd year, the audit will go to tender and all tendering firms must be accredited with us. We have been in contact with existing audit firms to discuss these arrangements.
Financial audits — fees Fees will be charged for financial audits, as they are now. Our fees are set purely to recoup the full cost of conducting a local government financial audit. The fee is based on the staff hours used on the audit plus any directly related costs such as contract fees and travel expenses.
Based on experience in other States, we expect some audit fees will be considerably higher than they currently are. This is primarily because we will be conducting a much broader financial audit than currently received by most local governments. Our audits will give assurance on the financial statements and greater transparency about financial controls, probity and governance matters.
Financial audits — operational and reporting requirements I will be in touch with you again shortly after the Act has been proclaimed with specific detail about our financial audit program, timing and requirements as it relates to your organisation.
Performance audits The Act also allows for performance audits, which may examine the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of any aspect of local government operations. My Office has been doing performance audits of state government agencies since we first received the mandate in 1985. You can View these reports to Parliament on our website.
We select performance audit topics following a comprehensive topic selection process which may also include requests for audits from Parliament, the government and other key stakeholders and the broader community. We publish our audit program on our website and this will be updated as local government audit topics are determined.
Unlike financial audits, which are paid for by each local government to cover the cost of doing the audit, performance audits are funded by government appropriation. The number and size of performance audits are therefore determined by the level of appropriation received and the priority given to these by Parliament. Importantly, like our current state government performance audits, the findings and recommendations of these are applicable to all local governments and not just those audited.
If and when your organisation will be included as part of a performance audit will only be determined as each audit topic is selected and planned. Our Audit Practice Statement, available on our website, provides a detailed guide on what to expect during a performance audit, including our procedural fairness processes and our ‘no surprises’ approach to reporting. We will be in contact if and when your organisation is selected as part of a performance audit.
Ongoing communication and further information I will contact you again once the Act has been fully proclaimed with further detail specific to your organisation.
My Office has arranged to attend a number of the upcoming local government zone meetings and we will visit some local governments in the coming months — formally as part of our audit process and informally when we are in the area on other business. We will be adding additional local government information and resources to our website shortly and will be providing you with direct updates as my audit program evolves.
Throughout this process we have been speaking with various stakeholders including a number of local governments and councils, DLGSCI, WALGA, Local Government Professionals and Parliament. 1 was pleased to have presented at the WALGA local government convention in August and my Deputy was fortunate to deliver a presentation at an August meeting of local government financial professionals. Coming up, I am looking forward to also speaking at the WALGA cyber security forum in November.
Looking forward The changes under this new Act bring Western Australia in line with other Australian states and New Zealand. We work closely with our interstate counterparts to share knowledge and learn from their experiences in local government audit. While this is new for WA, your organisation and mine, it is not unprecedented. I look forward to working with you to ensure a successful and mutually beneficial transition.
Yours sincerely
6M COLIN MURPHY AUDITOR GENERAL 22 September 2017
cc Mayor Carol Adams
3—1 page i
Western Australia
Local Government Amendment (Auditing)
Bill 2017
Contents
1. Short title 2
2. Commencement 2
3. Act amended 2
4. Section 1.4 amended 2
5. Section 3.64 amended 3
6. Section 3.70A inserted 3
3.70A. Audit requirements for regional subsidiaries 3
7. Section 5.53 amended 4
8. Section 5.55A inserted 4
5.55A. Publication of annual reports 4
9. Section 5.94 amended 4
10. Section 7.1 amended 5
11. Section 7.1A amended 6
12. Section 7.1D inserted 6
7.1D. Application 6
13. Section 7.3 amended 6
14. Section 7.7 amended 7
15. Section 7.8A inserted 7
7.8A. Application 7
16. Section 7.9 amended 7
17. Section 7.11 amended 7
18. Part 7 Divisions 3A to 3D inserted 8
Division 3A — Financial audit
7.12AA. Application 8
7.12AB. Conducting a financial audit 8
7.12AC. Dispensing with a financial audit 8
7.12AD. Reporting on a financial audit 8
7.12AE. Fees for a financial audit 9
Division 3B — Supplementary audit
7.12AF. Application 9
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
Contents
page ii
7.12AG. Conducting a supplementary audit 9
7.12AH. Reporting on a supplementary audit 9
7.12AI. Fees for a supplementary audit 10
Division 3C — Performance audit
7.12AJ. Conducting a performance audit 10
7.12AK. Reporting on a performance audit 11
Division 3D — Other audits
7.12AL. Audits of accounts of related entities and certain subsidiary bodies 11
19. Section 7.12A amended 11
20. Section 7.13 amended 13
21. Schedule 9.3 amended 15
Division 4 — Provisions for the Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017
49. Terms used 15
50. Minister to publish status of audit contracts 16
51. Audit contracts may be terminated after completion of FY17/18 audit 16
52. Audit contracts are terminated after completion of FY19/20 audit 17
53. No breach of contract 17
54. Transitional regulations 17
22. Superseded provisions to be deleted 18
page 1
Western Australia
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
Local Government Amendment (Auditing)
Bill 2017
A Bill for
An Act to amend the Local Government Act 1995 to provide for the
auditing of local governments by the Auditor General and for related
purposes.
The Parliament of Western Australia enacts as follows:
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
s. 1
page 2
1. Short title 1
This is the Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017. 2
2. Commencement 3
This Act comes into operation as follows — 4
(a) sections 1 and 2 — on the day on which this Act 5
receives the Royal Assent; 6
(b) the rest of the Act, other than sections 4(2) and 7(2) — 7
on a day fixed by proclamation, and different days may 8
be fixed for different provisions; 9
(c) sections 4(2) and 7(2) — on the day fixed by 10
proclamation under section 22(2). 11
3. Act amended 12
This Act amends the Local Government Act 1995. 13
4. Section 1.4 amended 14
(1) In section 1.4 delete the definition of auditor and insert: 15
16
auditor means — 17
(a) in relation to an audit, other than a performance 18
audit — 19
(i) in relation to a local government that 20
has an audit contract that is in force — a 21
person for the time being appointed 22
under Part 7 Division 2 to be the auditor 23
of the local government; and 24
(ii) in relation to a local government that 25
does not have an audit contract that is in 26
force — the Auditor General; 27
and 28
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
s. 5
page 3
(b) in relation to a performance audit — the 1
Auditor General; 2
3
(2) In section 1.4 delete the definition of auditor and insert: 4
5
auditor means the Auditor General; 6
7
5. Section 3.64 amended 8
In section 3.64(e) delete “chairman” (each occurrence) and 9
insert: 10
11
chairperson 12
13
6. Section 3.70A inserted 14
After section 3.70 insert: 15
16
3.70A. Audit requirements for regional subsidiaries 17
(1) Section 7.1 and the provisions of Part 7 Divisions 3A 18
to 4 apply in relation to a regional subsidiary as if the 19
regional subsidiary were a local government. 20
(2) The application of a provision under subsection (1) is 21
subject to any prescribed or necessary modifications to 22
the provision provided for in the regulations. 23
24
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
s. 7
page 4
7. Section 5.53 amended 1
(1) Delete section 5.53(2)(h) and insert: 2
3
(h) the auditor’s report prepared under 4
section 7.9(1) or 7.12AD(1) for the financial 5
year; and 6
7
(2) Delete section 5.53(2)(h) and insert: 8
9
(h) the auditor’s report prepared under 10
section 7.12AD(1) for the financial year; and 11
12
8. Section 5.55A inserted 13
After section 5.55 insert: 14
15
5.55A. Publication of annual reports 16
The CEO is to publish the annual report on the local 17
government’s official website within 14 days after the 18
report has been accepted by the local government. 19
20
9. Section 5.94 amended 21
After section 5.94(t) insert: 22
23
(ta) a report on a supplementary audit prepared 24
under section 7.12AH(1); 25
26
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
s. 10
page 5
10. Section 7.1 amended 1
(1) In section 7.1 delete “Part —” and insert: 2
3
Part, unless the contrary intention appears — 4
5
(2) In section 7.1 insert in alphabetical order: 6
7
audit has the meaning given in the Auditor General Act 8
section 4(1); 9
audit contract means an agreement in writing that — 10
(a) was made under section 7.8(1); and 11
(b) was in force immediately before 12
commencement day; 13
Auditor General Act means the Auditor General 14
Act 2006; 15
audit report means a report prepared by an auditor on a 16
local government audit; 17
commencement day means the day on which the Local 18
Government Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017 19
section 10 comes into operation; 20
financial audit means an audit conducted under 21
section 7.12AB; 22
local government audit means — 23
(a) an audit conducted under this Part; or 24
(b) a performance audit; 25
performance audit means an examination or 26
investigation carried out under the Auditor General Act 27
section 18 (as applied by section 7.12AJ(1) of this 28
Act); 29
supplementary audit means an audit conducted under 30
section 7.12AG. 31
32
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
s. 11
page 6
(3) In section 7.1 in the definition of regulations delete “Part.” and 1
insert: 2
3
Part; 4
5
11. Section 7.1A amended 6
In section 7.1A(3) delete “him or her” and insert: 7
8
the CEO 9
10
12. Section 7.1D inserted 11
At the beginning of Part 7 Division 2 insert: 12
13
7.1D. Application 14
This Division applies in relation to a local government 15
that has an audit contract that is in force. 16
17
13. Section 7.3 amended 18
(1) In section 7.3(1) delete “A local” and insert: 19
20
Subject to subsection (1A), a local 21
22
(2) After section 7.3(1) insert: 23
24
(1A) A local government cannot appoint a person to be its 25
auditor after commencement day. 26
27
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
s. 14
page 7
14. Section 7.7 amended 1
(1) In section 7.7 delete “If ” and insert: 2
3
(1) Subject to subsection (2), if 4
5
(2) At the end of section 7.7 insert: 6
7
(2) The Departmental CEO cannot appoint a person to be 8
the auditor of a local government after commencement 9
day. 10
11
15. Section 7.8A inserted 12
At the beginning of Part 7 Division 3 insert: 13
14
7.8A. Application 15
This Division applies in relation to a local government 16
that has an audit contract that is in force. 17
18
16. Section 7.9 amended 19
In section 7.9(4) delete “government to be dealt with under 20
section 7.12A.” and insert: 21
22
government. 23
24
17. Section 7.11 amended 25
In section 7.11 delete “inspection or inquiry,”. 26
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
s. 18
page 8
18. Part 7 Divisions 3A to 3D inserted 1
After Part 7 Division 3 insert: 2
3
Division 3A — Financial audit 4
7.12AA. Application 5
This Division applies in relation to a local government 6
that does not have an audit contract that is in force. 7
7.12AB. Conducting a financial audit 8
The auditor must audit the accounts and annual 9
financial report of a local government at least once in 10
respect of each financial year. 11
7.12AC. Dispensing with a financial audit 12
(1) Despite section 7.12AB, the auditor may dispense with 13
all or any part of a financial audit if the auditor 14
considers that the dispensation is appropriate in the 15
circumstances. 16
(2) The auditor must consult the Minister before exercising 17
the power conferred by subsection (1). 18
(3) If the auditor exercises the power conferred by 19
subsection (1), the auditor must notify — 20
(a) the Public Accounts Committee as defined in 21
the Auditor General Act section 4(1); and 22
(b) the Estimates and Financial Operations 23
Committee as defined in the Auditor General 24
Act section 4(1). 25
7.12AD. Reporting on a financial audit 26
(1) The auditor must prepare and sign a report on a 27
financial audit. 28
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
s. 18
page 9
(2) The auditor must give the report to — 1
(a) the mayor, president or chairperson of the local 2
government; and 3
(b) the CEO of the local government; and 4
(c) the Minister. 5
7.12AE. Fees for a financial audit 6
(1) The auditor must determine whether a fee is to be 7
charged for a financial audit of a local government and 8
if so, the amount of that fee. 9
(2) A fee determined under subsection (1) must be paid by 10
the local government. 11
Division 3B — Supplementary audit 12
7.12AF. Application 13
This Division applies in relation to a local government 14
that does not have an audit contract that is in force. 15
7.12AG. Conducting a supplementary audit 16
The auditor may audit any particular aspect of the 17
accounts of a local government that the Minister 18
requests the auditor to audit. 19
7.12AH. Reporting on a supplementary audit 20
(1) The auditor must prepare and sign a report on a 21
supplementary audit. 22
(2) The auditor must give the report to the Minister. 23
(3) The Minister — 24
(a) may give a copy of the report to the mayor, 25
president or chairperson of the local 26
government, and to the CEO of the local 27
government; and 28
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
s. 18
page 10
(b) may request the CEO of the local government 1
to publish the report on the local government’s 2
official website. 3
(4) The CEO must publish a copy of the report on the local 4
government’s official website within 14 days after 5
receiving a request under subsection (3)(b). 6
7.12AI. Fees for a supplementary audit 7
(1) The auditor must determine whether a fee is to be 8
charged for a supplementary audit of a local 9
government and if so, the amount of that fee. 10
(2) A fee determined under subsection (1) must be paid by 11
the local government. 12
Division 3C — Performance audit 13
7.12AJ. Conducting a performance audit 14
(1) The Auditor General Act section 18 applies in relation 15
to a local government as if — 16
(a) the local government were an agency; and 17
(b) money collected, received or held by any 18
person for or on behalf of the local government 19
were public money; and 20
(c) money collected, received or held by the local 21
government for or on behalf of a person other 22
than the local government were other money; 23
and 24
(d) property held for or on behalf of the local 25
government, other than money referred to in 26
paragraph (b), were public property; and 27
(e) property held by the local government for or on 28
behalf of a person other than the local 29
government were other property; and 30
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
s. 19
page 11
(f) the reference in the Auditor General Act 1
section 18(2)(d) to “legislative provisions, 2
public sector policies or its own internal 3
policies;” were a reference to “legislative 4
provisions or its own internal policies;”. 5
(2) A performance audit is taken for the purposes of the 6
Auditor General Act to have been carried out under the 7
Auditor General Act Part 3 Division 1. 8
7.12AK. Reporting on a performance audit 9
(1) The Auditor General Act section 25 applies in relation 10
to a performance audit as if — 11
(a) a local government were an agency; and 12
(b) the council of the local government were its 13
accountable authority. 14
(2) The auditor must give a report on a performance audit 15
to the local government. 16
Division 3D — Other audits 17
7.12AL. Audits of accounts of related entities and certain 18
subsidiary bodies 19
The Auditor General Act sections 16 and 17 apply in 20
relation to a local government as if — 21
(a) the local government were an agency; and 22
(b) the council of the local government were its 23
accountable authority. 24
25
19. Section 7.12A amended 26
(1) In section 7.12A(1)(a) delete “his or her” and insert: 27
28
the auditor’s 29
30
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
s. 19
page 12
(2) In section 7.12A(3): 1
(a) delete “is to examine the report of the auditor prepared 2
under section 7.9(1), and any report prepared under 3
section 7.9(3) forwarded to it, and is to —” and insert: 4
5
must — 6
7
(b) before paragraph (a) insert: 8
9
(aa) examine an audit report received by the local 10
government; and 11
12
(c) in paragraph (a) delete “report, or reports,” and insert: 13
14
audit report, 15
16
(3) Delete section 7.12A(4) and insert: 17
18
(4) A local government must — 19
(a) prepare a report addressing any matters 20
identified as significant by the auditor in the 21
audit report, and stating what action the local 22
government has taken or intends to take with 23
respect to each of those matters; and 24
(b) give a copy of that report to the Minister within 25
3 months after the audit report is received by 26
the local government. 27
(5) Within 14 days after a local government gives a report 28
to the Minister under subsection (4)(b), the CEO must 29
publish a copy of the report on the local government’s 30
official website. 31
32
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
s. 20
page 13
20. Section 7.13 amended 1
In section 7.13(1): 2
(a) delete “provision —” and insert: 3
4
provision as follows — 5
6
(b) delete paragraphs (aa), (ab), (ac) and (ad) and insert: 7
8
(aa) as to the functions of a CEO in relation to — 9
(i) a local government audit; and 10
(ii) a report (an action report) prepared 11
by a local government under 12
section 7.12A(4)(a); and 13
(iii) an audit report; and 14
(iv) a report on an audit conducted by a local 15
government under this Act or any other 16
written law; 17
(ab) as to the functions of an audit committee, 18
including in relation to — 19
(i) the selection and recommendation of an 20
auditor under Division 2; and 21
(ii) a local government audit; and 22
(iii) an action report; and 23
(iv) an audit report; and 24
(v) a report on an audit conducted by a local 25
government under this Act or any other 26
written law; 27
(ac) as to the procedure to be followed in selecting 28
an auditor under Division 2; 29
30
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
s. 20
page 14
(c) in paragraph (ae) delete “a report by an auditor;” and 1
insert: 2
3
an audit report; 4
5
(d) in paragraph (a) delete “agreements between local 6
governments and auditors;” and insert: 7
8
an agreement in writing (agreement) made under 9
section 7.8(1); 10
11
(e) delete paragraph (b) and insert: 12
13
(b) for notifications and reports to be given in 14
relation to an agreement, including any 15
variations to, or termination of an agreement; 16
17
(f) in paragraph (ba) delete “the copies of agreements 18
between local governments and auditors” and insert: 19
20
a copy of an agreement 21
22
(g) in paragraph (c) delete “auditor;” and insert: 23
24
auditor under section 7.5; 25
26
(h) in paragraph (d) delete “for —” and insert: 27
28
for the following — 29
30
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
s. 21
page 15
(i) in paragraph (f) delete “by auditors in their reports;” and 1
insert: 2
3
in an audit report; 4
5
(j) delete paragraphs (g) and (h) and insert: 6
7
(g) requiring an auditor (other than the Auditor 8
General) to provide the Minister with 9
prescribed information as to an audit conducted 10
by the auditor; 11
(h) prescribing the circumstances in which an 12
auditor (other than the Auditor General) is to be 13
considered to have a conflict of interest and 14
requiring an auditor (other than the Auditor 15
General) to disclose in an audit report such 16
information as to a possible conflict of interest 17
as is prescribed; 18
19
21. Schedule 9.3 amended 20
(1) Delete Schedule 9.3 clause 32. 21
(2) At the end of Schedule 9.3 insert: 22
23
Division 4 — Provisions for the Local Government 24
Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017 25
49. Terms used 26
In this Division — 27
audit contract has the meaning given in section 7.1; 28
commencement day has the meaning given in section 7.1. 29
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
s. 21
page 16
50. Minister to publish status of audit contracts1
During the period beginning on commencement day and2
ending on the day fixed by proclamation under the Local3
Government Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017 section 22(2),4
the Minister must publish on a website maintained by the5
Department a list of —6
(a) local governments that have an audit contract that is7
in force; and8
(b) local governments that do not have an audit contract9
that is in force.10
51. Audit contracts may be terminated after completion of11
FY17/18 audit12
(1) In this clause —13
FY17/18 audit, in relation to a local government, means an14
audit of the local government conducted under15
section 7.9(1) in respect of the financial year ending on16
30 June 2018.17
(2) This clause applies in relation to a local government after18
the completion of the FY17/18 audit for the local19
government.20
(3) The Departmental CEO may give notice (a notice) to a local21
government specifying the date (the termination date) on22
which the audit contract for the local government is to23
terminate.24
(4) An audit contract in relation to which a notice is given is25
terminated by force of this provision on the termination26
date.27
(5) The Departmental CEO may give a notice on the28
Departmental CEO’s own initiative.29
(6) The Minister may —30
(a) request the Departmental CEO to give a notice to a31
local government; and32
(b) nominate the termination date to be specified in the33
notice.34
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
s. 21
page 17
(7) On request by the Minister, the Departmental CEO must1
give a notice to the local government specifying the2
termination date nominated by the Minister.3
(8) A notice given or request made under this clause must be in4
writing.5
52. Audit contracts are terminated after completion of6
FY19/20 audit7
(1) In this clause —8
FY19/20 audit, in relation to a local government, means an9
audit of the local government conducted under10
section 7.9(1) in respect of the financial year ending on11
30 June 2020.12
(2) An audit contract for a local government, unless earlier13
lawfully terminated, is terminated by force of this provision14
on completion of the FY19/20 audit for the local15
government.16
53. No breach of contract17
Anything that occurs by operation of this Division is not to18
be regarded as a breach of contract.19
54. Transitional regulations20
(1) In this clause —21
specified means specified or described in the regulations;22
transitional matter —23
(a) means a matter or issue of a transitional nature that24
arises as a result of the enactment of the Local25
Government Amendment (Auditing) Act 2017; and26
(b) includes a saving or application matter.27
(2) If there is not sufficient provision in this Division for28
dealing with a transitional matter, regulations under this Act29
may prescribe all matters that are required or necessary or30
convenient to be prescribed for dealing with the matter.31
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
s. 22
page 18
(3) Regulations made under subclause (2) may provide that1
specified provisions of a written law —2
(a) do not apply to or in relation to any matter; or3
(b) apply with specified modifications to or in relation4
to any matter.5
(4) If regulations made under subclause (2) provide that a6
specified state of affairs is taken to have existed, or not to7
have existed, on and from a day that is earlier than the day8
on which the regulations are published in the Gazette but not9
earlier than the day this clause comes into operation, the10
regulations have effect according to their terms.11
(5) If regulations made under subclause (2) contain a provision12
referred to in subclause (4), the provision does not operate13
so as —14
(a) to affect in a manner prejudicial to any person15
(other than the State or an authority of the State) the16
rights of that person existing before the day of17
publication of those regulations; or18
(b) to impose liabilities on any person (other than the19
State or an authority of the State) in respect of20
anything done or omitted to be done before the day21
of publication of those regulations.22
(6) Regulations made under subclause (2) in relation to a matter23
referred to in subclause (3) must be made within whatever24
period is reasonably and practicably necessary to deal with a25
transitional matter.26
22. Superseded provisions to be deleted27
(1) In this section —28
superseded provisions means the following provisions of the29
Local Government Act 1995 —30
(a) section 5.43(c);31
(b) in section 7.1, the definitions of approved auditor,32
disqualified person, qualified person and registered33
company auditor;34
Local Government Amendment (Auditing) Bill 2017
s. 22
page 19
(c) Part 7 Division 2;1
(d) Part 7 Division 3;2
(e) section 7.12AA;3
(f) section 7.12AF;4
(g) section 7.13(1)(ab)(i), (ac), (a)-(e), (g) and (h).5
(2) The superseded provisions are deleted on a day fixed by6
proclamation.7
(3) A proclamation cannot be made under subsection (2) unless the8
Minister is satisfied that there is no reason for the superseded9
provisions to remain in operation.10
(4) This section is deleted immediately after the superseded11
provisions are deleted.12
Note for Part 7:13
The description at the beginning of Part 7 is to be altered by: 14
(a) deleting “the financial accounts of ” ;15
(b) deleting paragraph (a) and inserting:16
(a) the establishment of audit committees; and17
18
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 13
6.3 Internal Audit Plan Review for the period 18 September to 27 November 2017 and Internal Audit Plan for the period 28 November 2017 to 19 March 2018
SUMMARY:
At its meeting held on 18 September 2017, the Audit Committee resolved to amend the Internal Audit Plan and endorsed that the first internal audit quarter, a total of 44 hours, would be spent on reviewing internal processes in the following auditable units:
1. Program and Project Management2. Segregation of Duties/Identity and Access Management3. Governance & Civic Services4. Customer Services5. Identify a number of projects where the Audit Committee will select two, for a
post implementation project review.
The findings and recommendations of the Internal Audit Plan Review for the period 18 September to 27 November 2017 are detailed in Attachment A.
The Audit Committee are recommended to endorse the Internal Audit Plan for the period 28 November 2017 to 19 March 2018 as detailed in Attachment B.
OFFICER RECOMMENDATION:
That the Audit Committee;
1. Select two projects from the following projects provided by the ChiefExecutive Officer for a post implementation review as required by Part Bof the Audit Committee resolution of 18 September 2017:
a. Kwinana Outdoor Youth Space (Community Engagement/CityInfrastructure)
b. Chisham Avenue Crosswalk (City Infrastructure)c. WIFI implementation (City Strategy)d. Streetscape Policy (City Regulation)e. Attain Software (City Legal)
2. Receive the Officers internal audit findings for the period 18 September to27 November 2017, as detailed in Attachment A, and establish actions forthe following units:
1. Program and Project Management2. Segregation of Duties/Identity and Access Management3. Governance and Civic Services4. Customer Services
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 14
6.3 INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN REVIEW FOR THE PERIOD 18 SEPTEMBER TO 27 NOVEMBER 2017 AND INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN FOR THE PERIOD 28 NOVEMBER 2017 TO 19 MARCH 2018
3. Endorse the Internal Audit Plan, at Attachment B, to be undertaken withinthe period 28 November 2017 to 19 March 2018 for the following auditableunits:
1. Finance – Payroll2. Finance – Accounts Payable3. Contracts and Strategic Procurement; and4. Post Implementation Review for ________________ project and
____________ project with the following:a) Objective:b) Key question/areas of review:
i)ii)iii)iv)
4. Endorse the amended Internal Audit Plan for 2017/18 to 2019/20 to reflectthe changes to the organisational structure as detailed in Attachment C.
DISCUSSION:
Due to an increased focus on the accountability of local governments a review of the effectiveness of all business processes is becoming best practice. Internal audit is one way to reduce risk and identify improvements in internal controls. There are many benefits to implementing this value add approach such as:
• Improves the performance of the organisation.• Makes the organisation process-dependent instead of person-dependent.• Identifies redundancies in operational and control procedures and provides
recommendations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of procedures.• Serves as an early warning system, enabling deficiencies to be identified and
remediated on a timely basis (i.e. prior to external, regulatory or complianceaudits).
• Ultimately increases accountability within the organisation.• It can support strategic objectives; for example cost reduction initiatives.
The findings for the period 18 September to 27 November 2017 are detailed in Attachment A. City Officers have recommended actions that the Audit Committee may want to consider for each of the findings.
Attachment B includes key questions and areas of review that could be the scope for the internal audit for the period 28 November 2017 to 19 March 2018, of the following auditable units:
1. Finance - Payroll
Objective of Audit: To evaluate the current state of the City's payroll function. To provide recommendations for improvement to controls that are lacking durability and pose substantial risk and to provide recommendations to improve the efficiency of the payroll function.
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 15
6.3 INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN REVIEW FOR THE PERIOD 18 SEPTEMBER TO 27 NOVEMBER 2017 AND INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN FOR THE PERIOD 28 NOVEMBER 2017 TO 19 MARCH 2018
Key Questions/Areas of Review: a) Check payment report/s to ensure no additional employees have been
included in the pay runb) Check employees payments are recorded in the payroll system correctlyc) Ensure PAYG withholding and gross wages reconcilesd) Review the integrity and security of the creation of the pay data file to the
online payment systeme) Review the security of personnel data (including salary information) in the
organisationf) Review the accuracy of the termination of employeesg) Review the efficiency of current payroll practices and identify improvementsh) Review whether casual employees still meet the criteria of casual (or move
to permanent position)i) Ensure all third party payments for salary sacrificing are currently recorded
for FBT liability where applicablej) Ensure no terminated employees are on the current payrollk) Review all previous audit findings have been completed
2. Finance – Accounts Payable
Objective of Audit: To provide assurance that the Accounts Payable function is being managed effectively and free of any risk of fraud. To provide recommendations (if any) for the improvements in efficiencies of the function and the effectiveness of controls and procedures.
Key Questions/Areas of Review: a) Ensure authorisation procedure is being followed. Analyse whether WALGA
preferred suppliers are valid and currentb) Ensure all goods and services paid have been receivedc) Ensure no cash cheques have been paid - except for petty cashd) Test data to ensure expense classifications are correcte) Review petty cash processf) Review expenditure on Corporate Credit Cards; are officers adhering to the
Use of Corporate Credit Card Policyg) Review the timing of reports to Council are in accordance with the City's
statutory requirementsh) Ensure requisitions and purchase orders are made before work is contractedi) Ensure the evidence of quotes are attachedj) Ensure contract/tender rates agree to invoiced ratesk) Review data integrityl) Review the efficiency of current AP practices and identify improvementsm) Review all previous audit findings have been completed
3. Contracts and Strategic Procurement
Objective of Audit: To ensure that the management of the City's external suppliers, contractors, IT vendors or consultants is providing best value to the City and reducing any risks to the City in the area of contractor management
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 16
6.3 INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN REVIEW FOR THE PERIOD 18 SEPTEMBER TO 27 NOVEMBER 2017 AND INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN FOR THE PERIOD 28 NOVEMBER 2017 TO 19 MARCH 2018
Key Questions/Areas of Review for five (one each directorate) selected contracts: a) Ensure that the required insurances have been received and are in
accordance with the conditions of the respective agreementb) Verify that the contract conditions are being adhered to (including pre
commencement, during and upon completion, qualifications andaccreditations)
c) Sight evidence of signed contract documentationd) Confirm that only authorised officers to sign purchase orders are entered into
the systeme) Confirm that purchasing limits are in line with the authorised officers
purchasing authorityf) Confirm that tenders are in accordance with statutory obligationsg) Selection panel are assessing tenderers objectively and in accordance with
weightings and criteria set out in the tender packageh) Review any conflict of interesti) Review the tender register to ensure compliancej) Review contract register to ensure all contracts are up to datek) Review all previous audit findings have been completed
4. Post Project Implementation Review
Objective of Audit: Audit Committee to determine objective of audit.
Key Questions/Areas of Review: At the August 2017 Audit Committee Meeting, the Audit Committee endorsed the addition of the post project implementation review as an auditable unit. It is recommended that the Audit Committee outline the objective and key questions/areas of review required to carry out the internal audit.
It is recommended that the Audit Committee endorse the Internal Audit Plan 2017/18 to 2019/20 as a result of the organisational structure changes as the Contracts and Strategic Procurement, Governance, Leases/Property Management and Essential Services auditable units have been moved to the City Legal Directorate and this is detailed in Attachment C.
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 17
6.3 INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN REVIEW FOR THE PERIOD 18 SEPTEMBER TO 27 NOVEMBER 2017 AND INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN FOR THE PERIOD 28 NOVEMBER 2017 TO 19 MARCH 2018
LEGAL/POLICY IMPLICATIONS:
Section 7.13 of the Local Government Act 1995 states
(1) Regulations may make provision -(aa) as to the functions of the CEO and the audit committee in relation to
audits carried out under this Part and reports made on those audits;(ab) as to the functions of audit committees, including the selection and
recommendation of an auditor;(ac) as to the procedure to be followed in selecting an auditor;(ad) as to the contents of the annual report to be prepared by an audit
committee;(ae) as to monitoring action taken in respect of any matters raised in a report
by an auditor; (a) with respect to matters to be included in agreements between local
governments and auditors;(b) for notifications and reports to be given in relation to agreements between
local governments and auditors, including any variations to, or terminationof such agreements;
(ba) as to the copies of agreements between local governments and auditors being provided to the Department;
(c) as to the manner in which an application may be made to the Minister forapproval as an auditor;
(d) in relation to approved auditors, for —(i) reviews of, and reports on, the quality of audits conducted;(ii) the withdrawal by the Minister of approval as an auditor;(iii) applications to the State Administrative Tribunal for the review of
decisions to withdraw approval;(e) for the exercise or performance by auditors of their powers and duties
under this Part;(f) as to the matters to be addressed by auditors in their reports;(g) requiring auditors to provide the Minister with such information as to
audits carried out by them under this Part as is prescribed;(h) prescribing the circumstances in which an auditor is to be considered to
have a conflict of interest and requiring auditors to disclose in their reportssuch information as to a possible conflict of interest as is prescribed;
(i) requiring local governments to carry out, in the prescribed manner and ina form approved by the Minister, an audit of compliance with suchstatutory requirements as are prescribed whether those requirements are—(i) of a financial nature or not; or(ii) under this Act or another written law.
(2) Regulations may also make any provision about audit committees that may bemade under section 5.25 in relation to committees.
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 18
6.3 INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN REVIEW FOR THE PERIOD 18 SEPTEMBER TO 27 NOVEMBER 2017 AND INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN FOR THE PERIOD 28 NOVEMBER 2017 TO 19 MARCH 2018
Regulation 16 of the Local Government (Audit) Regulations 1996 states:
An audit committee — (a) is to provide guidance and assistance to the local government —
(i) as to the carrying out of its functions in relation to audits carried out underPart 7 of the Act; and
(ii) as to the development of a process to be used to select and appoint aperson to be an auditor;
and (b) may provide guidance and assistance to the local government as to —
(i) matters to be audited; and(ii) the scope of audits; and(iii) its functions under Part 6 of the Act; and(iv) the carrying out of its functions relating to other audits and other matters
related to financial management; and(c) is to review a report given to it by the CEO under regulation 17(3) (the CEO’s
report) and is to —(i) report to the council the results of that review;and(ii) give a copy of the CEO’s report to the council.
FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPLICATIONS:
There is a budget allocation of $15,000 to conduct internal audits or engage an external consultant to review internal audits during the 2017/2018 financial year.
ASSET MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS:
There were no asset management implications identified as a consequence of this report.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS:
There were no environmental implications identified as a consequence of this report.
STRATEGIC/SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
This proposal will support the achievement of the following objective and strategy detailed in the Corporate Business Plan:
Plan Objective Strategy Corporate Business Plan 2016 - 2021
6.5 Apply best practice principles and processes to maximise efficiencies and qualities
6.5.1 Ensure internal organisational policies and procedures are aligned to the achievement of the corporate and community vision.
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 19
6.3 INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN REVIEW FOR THE PERIOD 18 SEPTEMBER TO 27 NOVEMBER 2017 AND INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN FOR THE PERIOD 28 NOVEMBER 2017 TO 19 MARCH 2018
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
There are no community engagement requirements identified as a result of this report.
RISK IMPLICATIONS:
The risk implications in relation to this proposal are as follows:
Risk Event Internal controls are inadequate causing errors and affecting services to customers
Risk Theme All themes
Risk Effect/Impact All Risk Assessment Context
Strategic/Operational
Consequence Moderate Likelihood Possible Rating (before treatment)
Moderate
Risk Treatment in place Reduce – mitigate risk Response to risk treatment required/in place
Implement an internal audit plan and carry out internal audits
Rating (after treatment) Low
CITY OF KWINANA
INTERNAL AUDIT PLANFOR THE PERIOD 18 SEPTEMBER TO 27 NOVEMBER 2017
Auditable Unit
Audit Requirement
Rating (From Plan)
Frequency Objective of Audit Key Questions/Areas of Review (Scope) Findings RecommendationsAction
Ref:Action
DescriptionResponsible
OfficerDue Date
Action Status
a. Assess the design of processes and controls in place to manage projects against leading practices to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget and with adequate resources, and that benefits can be measured and align to the Strategic Community Plan.
Project viewed: Medina Netball Courts
• Was Prince2 used? If not, what form of system was used?There were components of Prince 2 documents that were not completed, such as Daily Log, End stage reports. There were two Project Initiation Documents created (D16/24991 and D16/24717). The business case was not updated/managed throughout the lifecycle of the project.
Prince2 documentation is available to staff.
Project documentation for individual projects from an internal audit perspective was difficult to locate within CM9 (the City's record keeping system). The titling and storage of relevant project documents are inconsistent with no naming conventions established and inconsistent.
Ensure that the Prince2 processes are followed. This includes utilising the process mapping available to staff on the intranet. The City has tailored the processes to suit a general project and the information is readily available on the City's Intranet at:thehub.kwinana.wa.gov.au/intranet/publish/Corporate/Transformation/Transformation.php
Roles and responsibilities need to be understood and adequate meetings arranged at stage level to ensure that projects are on track for all criteria. Further extensive documentation for roles and responsibilities is available in CM9 under Saved Searches - Transformation.
No grant applications are submitted until the scope has been costed.
Full project documentation needs to be completed and made available, in particular a lessons learnt register.
A better system of recording Projects into CM9 be developed to allow projects to be found and analysed. Projects should be given a specific Name and CM9 Location at Project Start Up to allow documentation to be located. All project documentation should be able to be located through this one CM9 Folder. Created by the Stream SRO.
b. Is the project methodology being followed? • Were work packages and team and stage plans developed and utilised?There were no work packages issued or team and stage plans developed.'The scope in the initial PID was modified during the project and information was not updated in any project documentation.
New employees and those that may move into relevant project management roles should be trained in project management systems adopted by the City. This includes detailing the processes involved in undertaking a project and the documents required to be completed.
Relevant employees need to be given specific roles and responsibilities in line with Prince2 requirements and those officers must understand what is required of them for the project.
Required processes and documentation need to be completed and audited by the Project Manager for the life of the project and reporting undertaken as required by Prince2 methodology. Assign the Integrated Planning and Special Projects Officer with reviewing one project per quarter to confirm that the project has completed the documentation required.
c. What is done when projects are underperforming (scope, budget, time)? The project scope was developed without detailed costs and specification being developed. Therefore the scope that was agreed to could not be delivered within the budget provided. The budget was required to be increased to complete all components of the project. The project manager did not complete the initial project initiation document, it was handed to the project manager after the scope and budget was established.• Was the project underperforming for scope creep, budget or time at any point? How was this monitored?While there was an element of scope creep involved due to unforeseen issues on a historical site, the project was insufficiently funded from the beginning. This was a result of reducing the contingency to less than 5% in order to bring the total cost below $200k in order to make the project eligible for CSRFF funding. The project exceeded budget and required Council to approve further funds to deliver the project in 2017/2018 budget.
The project manager completes the project initiation document which details the scope, time and budget. Therefore the project commences at the planning stage and not at construction stage.
d. How is project risk assessed and managed? • Were risk assessments completed at any stage during the project? When were these done?No risk register was created.
Risk assessments be performed in accordance with the City's Risk Management Policy and Prince2 methodology.
e. Correct program/project approval processes being adhered to The project initiation document was provided to Council as part of budget deliberations and the budget was approved by Council. However the project was not costed sufficiently from the beginning to ensure that it was eligible to receive grant funding.
Engineering representative should have been involved at the planning stage of the project as the project manager and should have provided work packages to the Community Engagement directorate to undertake the community consultation and grant application process.
f. Review all previous audit findings have been completed N/A N/AProject outcome focus - The CEO is to select a number of projects and of those provided two will be selected to be subject to a post implementation review.
To be considered at the November 2017 Audit Committee Meeting TBA
ATTACHMENT A
Program and Project Management
High Every Two Years
To evaluate the current state of Program and Project Management at the City; and to provide assurance that relevant procedures are in place to ensure the successful management of projects at the City
CITY OF KWINANA
INTERNAL AUDIT PLANFOR THE PERIOD 18 SEPTEMBER TO 27 NOVEMBER 2017
Auditable Unit
Audit Requirement
Rating (From Plan)
Frequency Objective of Audit Key Questions/Areas of Review (Scope) Findings RecommendationsAction
Ref:Action
DescriptionResponsible
OfficerDue Date
Action Status
ATTACHMENT A
- Evaluate the process and controls in place to effectively manage segregation of duties including identifying where conflict of duties exist and evaluate the controls in place to manage the risk
The examples below detail the segregation of duties for each area:1. Quality Management Systems - the Officer completing the work instruction is not the approver.2. Work instructions, duties/qualifications identified. Managers are required to review work instructions and processes to ensure that where there is potential for a conflict of duties to separate the task to another Officer.3. Internal and external audits in place. Quality Management Systems audit (occurs every 2 years), financial statements and controls audits (occurs annually), systems and procedures audits (occurs every 2 years)4. Delegations, authorisations and appointments in place. When delegations and authorisations are reviewed, consideration is made to ensure that where a Officer can issue notices or infringements, they are not allowed to withdraw notices or infringements and the Officers who have delegation to withdraw notices and infringements cannot issue notices and infringements.
For the City to continue to carry out internal and external audits in relation to all areas of the organisation.
More communication across the City in relation to what tasks each staff member performs.
Processes need to be continually updated and reviewed to ensure where there is a requirement to separate duties that this occurs.
Evaluate the roles and responsibilities of staff and identify responsibilities that need to be redistributed to avoid segregation of duties (include identifying delegations, legislative requirements, and authorisations of individual roles)
Tasks are outlined in Officers position descriptions . Position descriptions are reviewed annually or sooner if required.
Purchasing – Is there a segregation of duties in regard to writing a requisition, writing a purchase order, receipt of goods and signing off an invoice or can this be done by one person who is within their limit according to the Purchasing Policy?An Officer can raise and self approve a purchase requisition to create a purchase order and also sign off the receipt of the product/service if it is within their authorisation limit. Authority can be set up so that an Officer cannot approve their own requisitions. A concern has been raised that this may cause time delays and impact negatively on productivity and service delivery.
What checks and balances are in place to preventing multiple orders from exceeding the limit for which a Tender would be required?Procurement produce a report of supplier expenditure which is presented at the quarterly procurement meeting to discuss procurement options if exceed the threshold limits (if threshold limits are exceeded a tender or formal request for quote process will commence).
HR continue to encourage all managers to review position descriptions at the annual staff development review.
Procurement currently undertake random audits to ensure procurement compliance in relation to the contract price versus invoices that have been received by the City. Procurement are investigating introducing a compulsory field in the requisition screen that requires an Officer to reference a document number to demonstrate due process was followed and the purchasing decision can be justified.
Procurement continue to produce a report on a quarterly basis to ensure a supplier has not exceed the threshold limits to go to tender or formal request for quote.
Review workflows, approvals and security of access to ensure there is a segregation of duties
The City have process workflows in some of the computer software systems that require approvals by a City Officer that has been granted delegation or according to the organisational hierarchy.
Infringements – While there are some delegations/authorisations in place for the issue of infringements under various Acts, and for the withdrawal of an infringement, what measures are in place to prevent an officer withdrawing an infringement outside the established delegations/authorisations and procedures? Issuing of Infringements - Only the City Assist Officers and Compliance Officer have the ability to issues infringements.Withdrawal of Infringements -The Manager or Director City Legal are not to have authority to issues infringements, but both positions have the authority for withdrawals only.D12/27905[v4] ESA 38 - Infringement processing - AdministrationD12/28561[v2] ESA 39 - Procedure for the FER Portal Access
While there are work procedures in place to ensure that infringements are processed correctly, further review and awareness training should be undertaken to ensure that these procedures are correct and understood.
Review the process that identifies segregation of duties issues Review delegations and authorisations to ensure that only delegated officers are approving the function and Officers are not acting outside of their delegation. Refer to work Instruction D11/5889[v5] - Delegation Review
Attain Software - D16/55143 - Attain User Instruction Manual
The Governance Officer performing a check of correspondence in relation to a certain delegation approved to ensure the Officers delegated are exercising their authority and that they are reporting appropriately.
Review all previous audit findings have been completed N/A N/A- Review delegations and ensure compliance with the requirements of each delegated authority; are the delegations being reviewed annually
1. The annual review of Delegations and Appointments was adopted by Council on 14 June 2017, thereby complying with s5.18 of the Local Government Act 1995. However, sub-delegations from the CEO were not able to be completed until July 2017.
A calendar of events is in place, however, substantial recent organisation structure changes have delayed the process. There is sufficient processes and checks in place to ensure that in normal circumstances that this can be completed on time.
Sample Council meeting minutes and ensure that the minutes have been completed in the required timeframes
Council minutes have been checked against legislated requirements and processes in place in accordance with LGA s5.25(1)(i) and Admin Reg r13. The process is monitored by Officer and Director.
Include calendar reminders in Outlook to ensure that the timeframes are not missed.
Have the required advertising periods been adhered to? Advertising times checked were adhered to. Create a work instruction detailing the City's statutory requirements and timeframes for different advertising periods.
Review the actions and status of all Council resolutions and Council Requests; report on timeframes taken to complete
A process is in place to document and monitor actions and status updates. Include electronic reminders to relevant officers through CM9 to complete/report on actions and status updates. See D09/41106, D09/41137 & D09/41755.
Ensure that the exercising delegations register is being distributed to Councillors Register of Delegations is provided online and available to all Councillors. Adequate process in place for delegations.
Ensure that the Common Seal is being used in accordance with requirements Common seal appears to be used correctly. Refer to Council Policy - City of Kwinana Common Seal and Progredimur Seal - D13/70353[v3] (reviewed 2016)
Common seal process adequate.
Review all previous audit findings have been completed N/A N/A
Segregation of Duties/Identity and
Access ManagementModerate Every Three Years
To evaluate the current state of the City's segregation of duties and access
management. To provide recommendations for improvement to the controls that are lacking durability
and pose substantial risk
Governance & Civic Services
High Every Two Years
To provide assurance that the City is meeting its statutory obligations and
acting in accordance with relevant legislative requirements
CITY OF KWINANA
INTERNAL AUDIT PLANFOR THE PERIOD 18 SEPTEMBER TO 27 NOVEMBER 2017
Auditable Unit
Audit Requirement
Rating (From Plan)
Frequency Objective of Audit Key Questions/Areas of Review (Scope) Findings RecommendationsAction
Ref:Action
DescriptionResponsible
OfficerDue Date
Action Status
ATTACHMENT A
- Examine whether the right information is being given to the customer and identify improvements
It appears that accurate information is being provided at the Administration building customer service area. Note: the City has a number of customer service areas (one for each facility).
Documentation is up to date for Customer Services processes except for cash handling - which is currently being reviewed by the Manager Finance - for city wide application.
How often is information provided to Customer Services from other teams? How does this information get updated and are Customer Services readily notified when changes occur? There are a number of business units that keep customer service informed of any changes. There are other business units that only provide information after a Customer Services Officer has asked. Information is updated when Customer Services are aware of any changes. Does any training occur in the Customer Services Team for new information?Customer Services staff are trained on the job, and hold regular meetings to share information. Training is undertaken for new processes as required.
Is feedback provided when wrong information provided? Feedback is provided and information is reviewed for correctness and to ensure it is accessible for the Customer Services team.
Establish a process for information sharing and potential information notes for customers in relation to frequently asked questions for each business unit.
Finalise the cash handling procedure.
Improve communication by making each of the business units responsible for the information notes supplied to Customer Services and a review is undertaken annually or sooner if required.
Ensure Customer Services carry out training at least quarterly and ensure there is sufficient relief coverage.
Establish a lessons learnt register to ensure that errors are identified and processes are in place to prevent the error reoccurring.
- Test customer services adherence to charter and knowledge by conducting walk throughs or "mystery shopper" experiences
Has the City engaged any ‘mystery shopper’ experiences?Mystery shoppers are in operation for the Recquatic, however not anywhere else. Customer Service is currently out for quote to undertake a customer service improvement project that will include carrying out mystery shopper experiences and producing evidence that is required to determine whether there needs to be improvements in certain areas.
How does the Officer/Coordinator/Manager monitor improvements?This is only done by observing and sharing of knowledge and skills.
Are team members ‘shadowed’ to assess performance? In relation to the Administration Building customer service area, there is no shadowing that occurs. The coordinator is located within the same area. Both phone and over the counter interactions can be assessed in real time.
Program 'mystery shopper' experiences at regular intervals. Commence the Customer Service Improvement Project
As part of the System Software project, a knowledge base system will be included to determine whether this can be included in the contract.
Explore whether telephone conversations should be recorded for quality management and training purposes.
- Review safety and security of customer services staff All customers are served in the common customer service area. Due to the lack of meeting rooms, angry and difficult customers cannot be taken into another room if the room is currently occupied. There are sometimes concerns for other members of the public safety when this occurs.
Have these procedures been tested?Container OHS04 contains records of every exercise which the Facilities have conducted (if the Chief Warden did as instructed). This is continuous improvement process.
• Safety and review of customer services 1) Evidence of procedures and are they up to date?Each facility has a emergency management plan which includes procedures for what to do in an emergency event (contained in STAFF44 under HR OSH control including revised versions).Each facility has a PowerPoint presentation on the emergency management procedures for employees (Contained in STAFF51 and available through Saved Searches HR OSH Induction & Training).
Difficult customer training undertaken by Customer Services staff including WALGA training.
As part of the Long Term Financial Plan, investigate a new layout for existing building or design for a new building.
Address training requirements for the Chief Warden and Fire Warden. Appoint Officers that are permanent employees (some Officers in these roles for a facility are casual employees).
Continue to hold an annual meeting for each facility for each of the Emergency Planning Committees that discuss the emergency risk assessment, facility emergency plan, training, and schedule of exercises.
Customer Services Moderate Every Three Years
To review current customer services practices, the City's performance against
documented customer services standards and to identify any improvements
CITY OF KWINANA
INTERNAL AUDIT PLANFOR THE PERIOD 18 SEPTEMBER TO 27 NOVEMBER 2017
Auditable Unit
Audit Requirement
Rating (From Plan)
Frequency Objective of Audit Key Questions/Areas of Review (Scope) Findings RecommendationsAction
Ref:Action
DescriptionResponsible
OfficerDue Date
Action Status
ATTACHMENT A
- Review customer satisfaction surveys and identify improvements Customer services satisfaction surveys - Is feedback compiled including any from the City’s online pages, including emails, City websites and Facebook?Customer Services surveys are conducted internally and the last survey was conducted in September 2016. Results were that 39 people considered the service at a good standard. Feedback forms are available on the City's website. These completed forms are automatically submitted to Customer Services team. Forms can also be completed in person. All social media feedback that is received is captured by the Marketing team and forwarded to the relevant Officer/Department for reference (and actioning if necessary).As part of the customer service improvement project, a major focus will be formalising the collection and analysis of customer feedback and satisfaction data. This information will be used to create a deeper level of accountability for teams.
• Customer services charter - Has the charter been recently improved?Customer Service Strategy is being developed. The Customer Services Charter has recently been reviewed.
What date is the next Customer Service Charter to be undertaken?Customer Service Charter and Standards were reviewed in November 2017. A review will occur annually.
Is information being compiled in preparation for this review?The City is in the process of finalising the customer service improvement project which will help collate data, feedback and insights into our customer service processes for the entire organisation.
Review the City's feedback forms.
Conduct a review of the Customer Services Charter by November 2018
Conduct a review of the Customer Services Charter by November 2018
Engage a consultant to carry out the customer service improvement project.
- Review all previous audit findings have been completed N/A
CITY OF KWINANA
INTERNAL AUDIT REPORTFOR THE PERIOD 28 NOVEMBER 2017 TO 19 MARCH 2018
Auditable UnitAudit Requirement
Rating (From Plan)
Frequency Objective of Audit Key Questions/Areas of Review (Scope) FindingsRecommendatio
nsAction Ref:
Action Description
Responsible Officer
Due Date Action Status
City Strategy
Finance - Payroll High Every Two Years
To evaluate the current state of the City's payroll function. To provide recommendations for improvement to controls that are lacking durability and pose substantial risk and to provide recommendations to improve the efficiency of the payroll function
- Check payment report/s to ensure no additional employees have been included in the pay run- Check employees payments are recorded in the payroll system correctly- Ensure PAYG withholding and gross wages reconciles- Review the integrity and security of the creation of the pay data file to the online payment system - Review the security of personnel data (including salary information) in the organisation- Review the accuracy of the termination of employees- Review the efficiency of current payroll practices and identify improvements- Review whether casual employees still meet the criteria of casual (or move to permanent position)- Ensure all third party payments for salary sacrificing are currently recorded for FBT liability where applicable- Ensure no terminated employees are on the current payroll- Review all previous audit findings have been completed
Finance - AP High Every Two Years
To provide assurance that the Accounts Payable function is being managed effectively and free of any risk of fraud. To provide recommendations (if any) for the improvements in efficiencies of the function and the effectiveness of controls and procedures
- Ensure authorisation procedure is being followed. Analyse whether WALGA preferred suppliers are valid and current - Ensure all goods and services paid have been received- Ensure no cash cheques have been paid - except for petty cash- Test data to ensure expense classifications are correct- Review petty cash process- Review expenditure on Corporate Credit Cards; are officers adhering to the Use of Corporate Credit Card Policy- Review the timing of reports to Council are in accordance with the City's statutory requirements- Ensure requisitions and purchase orders are made before work is contracted- Ensure the evidence of quotes are attached - Ensure contract/tender rates agree to invoiced rates- Review data integrity- Review the efficiency of current AP practices and identify improvements- Review all previous audit findings have been completed
City Legal
Contracts & Strategic Procurement High Every Two Years
To ensure that the management of the City's external suppliers, contractors, IT vendors or consultants is providing best value to the City and reducing any risks to the City in the area of contractor management
- Ensure that the required insurances have been received and are in accordance with the conditions of the respective agreement- Verify that the contract conditions are being adhered to (including pre commencement, during and upon completion, qualifications and accreditations)- Sight evidence of signed contract documentation - Confirm that only authorised officers to sign purchase orders are entered into the system- Confirm that purchasing limits are in line with the authorised officers purchasing authority- Confirm that tenders are in accordance with statutory obligations- Selection panel are assessing tenderers objectively and in accordance with weightings and criteria set out in the tender package- Review any conflict of interest- Review the tender register to ensure compliance- Review contract register to ensure all contracts are up to date- Review all previous audit findings have been completed
Audit Committee RecommendationPost Implementation Project Review Audit Committee to determine objective Audit Committee to determine questions and scope
ATTACHMENT B
CITY OF KWINANA
INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN2017/18 TO 2019/20
Auditable Unit Objective of Audit Impact Likelihood
Audit Requirement
Rating Frequency Hours /Audit Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4City WideMobile Devices To identify any risks, deficiencies and potential cost savings in relation to the City's mobile devices Minor Almost Certain High Every Two Years 10 10
Program and Project ManagementTo evaluate the current state of Program and Project Management at the City; and to provide assurance that relevant procedures are in place to ensure the successful management of projects at the City
Major Possible High Every Two Years 14 14
Segregation of Duties/Identity and Access ManagementTo evaluate the current state of the City's segregation of duties and access management. To provide recommendations for improvement to the controls that are lacking durability and pose substantial risk
Moderate Possible Moderate Every Three Years 10 10
City/Council Statutory Obligations To confirm that the City is meeting it's statutory obligations Moderate Possible Moderate Every Three Years 6 6
Risk Management/Disaster RecoveryTo provide assurance on the identification of risks and performance of the mitigation/minimisation plans in relation to the risks
Major Unlikely Moderate Every Three Years 7.5 7.5
Business Continuity Management To ensure that the City has sufficient plans, procedures and safe guards in place to ensure business continuity Major Unlikely Moderate Every Three Years 7.5 7.5
Health, Security & Safety To review and provide assurance of the effectiveness of the HSS initiatives in place at the City Major Possible High Every Two Years 10 10 10
ATTACHMENT C
2017 - 2018 2018 - 2019 2019 - 2020
CITY OF KWINANA
INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN2017/18 TO 2019/20
ATTACHMENT C
2017 - 2018 2018 - 2019 2019 - 2020City Legal
Contracts & Strategic ProcurementTo ensure that the management of the City's external suppliers, contractors, IT vendors or consultants is providing best value to the City and reducing any risks to the City in the area of contractor management
Major Possible High Every Two Years 30 30 30
GovernanceTo provide assurance that the City is meeting its statutory obligations and acting in accordance with relevant legislative requirements
Moderate Likely High Every Two Years 10 5
Leases/Property Management To provide assurance around the effectiveness of the management of the City's facilities/venues Major Possible High Every Two Years 25 25
Essential Services (Rangers & Security)To ensure infringements and fines enforcement are in accordance with Council Policies. To ensure that adequate training and qualifications are obtained by Essential Services staff to minimise risk to employees, volunteers, the City and the community
Major Likely High Every Two Years 10 10
CITY OF KWINANA
INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN2017/18 TO 2019/20
ATTACHMENT C
2017 - 2018 2018 - 2019 2019 - 2020City Strategy
Strategic Corporate PlanningTo ensure the City is working towards the vision set by Council and are aligning to the Strategic Community Plan objectives Minor Possible Moderate Every Three Years 10 10
City Strategy and Civic Services To ensure the City has adopted effective employment practices Moderate Likely High Every Two Years 10 5Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) To validate the accuracy of the LTFP and to identify any risks that the LTFP may present for the City Moderate Possible Moderate Every Three Years 10 10
Finance - PayrollTo evaluate the current state of the City's payroll function. To provide recommendations for improvement to controls that are lacking durability and pose substantial risk and to provide recommendations to improve the efficiency of the payroll function
Major Possible High Every Two Years 10 10 10
Finance - APTo provide assurance that the Accounts Payable function is being managed effectively and free of any risk of fraud. To provide recommendations (if any) for the improvements in efficiencies of the function and the effectiveness of controls and procedures
Major Possible High Every Two Years 10 10 10
Finance - ARTo provide assurance that the Accounts Receivable function is being managed effectively and free of any undue risk to the City. To provide recommendations (if any) for the improvements in efficiencies of the function and the effectiveness of controls and procedures
Moderate Possible Moderate Every Three Years 10 10
Finance - Balance SheetTo provide assurance on the integrity and accuracy of the City's balance sheet. To ensure that the Assets, Liabilities, and Equity items are beings recognised and recorded in line with relevant standards and legislative requirements. To identify any risks associated with the balance sheet and the items contained within the balance sheet
Moderate Possible Moderate Every Three Years 10 10
Finance - Fixed AssetsTo ensure that the City's fixed assets can be easily identified and safe guarded. To ensure that the recognition and recording of the fixed assets is in line with relevant standards, policies and legislation
Minor Possible Moderate Every Three Years 10 10
Finance - Budget & Monthly Reporting
To provide assurance that the annual budget process is congnisent with the City's Long Term Financial Plan; that it provides for accurate assumptions and sufficient fundning to ensure that the City's service standards and obligations are met. To ensure that the monthly reporting models meet statutory requirements as well as providing an accurate update and meaningful information to its stakeholders
Moderate Possible Moderate Every Three Years 10 10
Finance - InsurancesTo provide assurance that the City is receiving the best value for their insurances. To identify any risks in relation to insurance and to ensure that the City is appropriately insured to minimise the impact of any risk events to the City. To identify any efficiencies in relation to the processes and procedures for insurance cover and claims
Moderate Possible Moderate Every Three Years 10 10
Finance - RatesTo provide assurance that the Accounts Receivable function is being managed effectively and free of any undue risk to the City. To provide recommendations (if any) for the improvements in efficiencies of the function and the effectiveness of controls and procedures
Major Possible High Every Two Years 20 20 20
Records To ensure there are adequate document management systems and processes in place at the City Moderate Likely High Every Two Years 10 10 10
Customer ServicesTo review current customer services practices, the City's performance against documented customer services standards and to identify any improvements
Minor Likely Moderate Every Two Years 10 10
Marketing & CommunicationsTo ensure marketing and communications programs are in accordance with Council Policy, and to ensure that these programs are achieving optimal results for the City
Minor Possible Moderate Every Two Years 10 10
Marketing & Communications - Internal CommsTo review the City's internal communications to ensure that policies and guidelines are being adhered to. To ensure that there is consistency throughout the City's internal communications
Minor Likely Moderate Every Three Years 6 6
Marketing & Communications - Social Media ManagementTo identify and assess any risks that social media activities brings to the City. To highlight any opportunities for positive promotion of the City through social media and to ensure that effective policies and procedures are in place in regards to social media
Minor Likely Moderate Every Three Years 6 6
Human Resources To ensure the City has adopted effective employment practices Major Possible High Every Two Years 30 30
ICT - Cloud To review the City's cloud services and provide recommendations for any optimisations, cost reductions and efficiencies Moderate Possible Moderate Every Three Years 10 10
ICT - Software/IT asset managementTo review the City's ICT software and asset management and provide recommendations for any optimisations, cost reductions and efficiencies
Moderate Possible Moderate Every Three Years 10 10
ICT - Data Loss Prevention & PrivacyTo review the City's Data Loss Prevention and Privacy policies and procedures and provide recommendations for any optimisations, cost reductions and efficiencies
Moderate Possible Moderate Every Three Years 10 10
Values and Culture To review that the actions of the Staff Values/Culture survey are being implemented Minor Likely Moderate Every Three Years 10 10
CITY OF KWINANA
INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN2017/18 TO 2019/20
ATTACHMENT C
2017 - 2018 2018 - 2019 2019 - 2020City Infrastructure
FleetTo review the use and management of the City's light fleet. To ensure that policies are effectively implemented and adhered to and to recognise and recommend any improvements
Moderate Possible Moderate Every Three Years 6 6
Building AssetsTo ensure that the City's building assets are being maintained for optimal use and in line with the relevant asset management plans, safety standards and maintenance programs
Major Possible High Every Two Years 15 15
EngineeringTo ensure the Engineering services are being performed in accordance with Australian standards, grant funding obligations are being met and any applications submitted are being assessed within reasonable timeframes
Moderate Possible Moderate Every Three Years 10 10
Depot/OperationsTo provide assurance that the City's depot and operations teams are being managed effectively and providing the optimal outcomes for the City. To review current procedures and contracts to ensure the best value for money is being achieved
Major Possible High Every Two Years 20 20
CITY OF KWINANA
INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN2017/18 TO 2019/20
ATTACHMENT C
2017 - 2018 2018 - 2019 2019 - 2020City Engagement
Community ServicesTo review any current procedures, and recommend any improvements; to ensure that programs are being administered safely, efficiently and effectively; and that grant funding is being maximised and obligations relating to grants are being met
Moderate Possible Moderate Every Two Years 5 5
RecquaticTo ensure that any risks posed to the City through the Recquatic are being managed effectively. To review the current state of the programs and utilisation of the facilities at the Recquatic are achieving the optimal results for the City and the Community
Catastrophic Possible High Every Two Years 14 14
Family Day CareTo ensure that the Family Day Care programs are being managed in accordance with required regulations and registrations. To ensure that each program is operating within and adhering to the required safety and risk management standards
Minor Likely Moderate Every Three Years 6 6
LibraryTo ensure that any risks posed to the City through the Library are being managed effectively. To review the current state of programs and utilisation of the facilities at the Library are achieving the optimal results for the City and the Community
Moderate Possible Moderate Every Three Years 10 10
Healthy LifestylesReview the success of programs to ensure that they are continuously improved and achieving the desired results; to ensure that all grant applications and acquittals are meeting funding requirements
Moderate Possible Moderate Every Three Years 6 6
CITY OF KWINANA
INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN2017/18 TO 2019/20
ATTACHMENT C
2017 - 2018 2018 - 2019 2019 - 2020City Regulation
Planning & DevelopmentTo provide assurance that Planning & Development Services are being provided in line with the City's service standards and statutory obligations. To ensure that maximum efficiencies and optimal revenues are being achieved
Major Possible High Every Two Years 20 20
Environmental HealthTo ensure that the relevant environmental health programs are meeting the requirements of the City and services provided are being completed in line with required timeframes and relevant standards and policies
Major Possible High Every Two Years 10 10
EnvironmentTo ensure that the relevant environmental programs are meeting the requirements of the City and services provided are being completed in line with required timeframes and relevant standards and policies
Major Possible High Every Two Years 6 6
Building ServicesTo provide assurance that Building Services are being provided in line with the City's service standards and statutory obligations. To ensure that maximum efficiencies and optimal revenues are being achieved
Major Possible High Every Two Years 20 20
Hrs/Qtr 44 50 56 50 50 56 52 42 50 55 50 45Hrs/Yr 200 200 200
City of Kwinana Agenda for the Audit Committee Meeting to be held on 28 November 2017 20
7 Urgent Business Note: In accordance with Clause 6.7 of Council’s Standing Orders, only items resolved by Audit Committee to be Urgent Business will be considered. Moved Cr ............... Seconded Cr ................ that Audit Committee deal with the ...... items of urgent business as presented in the Addendum to the Agenda.
8 Response to Previous Questions
Nil
9 Matters Behind Closed Doors 10 Next Meeting
19 March 2018 11 Meeting Closure