Council to establish Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee

28 Jun 2018 2:20 PM -

Leeton Shire Council resolved at its June Ordinary Council Meeting to establish a committee titled the Leeton Shire Council Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

Council’s Director Corporate and Community Craig Bennett said that changes made last year to the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) under a governance and planning amendment will require councils to establish an Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee. This is expected to be a requirement of all Councils by March 2021 but Leeton intends to move more quickly.

“In the Auditor General’s report to Parliament on Local Government 2017, it was recommended that Councils should early adopt the proposed requirements to establish an Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee. The Auditor General stated that an effective Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee was an important part of good governance.”

Chair of Council’s existing Internal Audit Committee Cr Tracey Morris said the internal auditing process provides assurances that a Council’s governance practices and internal control environments are effective, and identifies where performance can improve.

“The Leeton Shire Council Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee will provide professional advice and support on risk management, control, governance and initiatives that will help foster an environment of continuous improvement for Leeton Shire Council as we strive diligently to remain Fit for the Future.”

An Expression of Interest (EOI) process to identify potential independent members for the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee will be undertaken in the coming weeks and a report tabled at the September Ordinary Council Meeting on the appointment of independent members of that Committee. Two Leeton Shire Councillors will also sit on the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

Council also endorsed a DRAFT Charter for the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee go on public exhibition for 28 days from Friday 29^th June until Thursday 26^th July. Public submissions will be open for 42 days.

To download a copy of the DRAFT Audit, Risk and Improvement Charter please CLICK HERE