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Audit Committee Meeting Minutes 26 Feb 2015 Agendas and...Page 1 Minutes 26 February 2015 Members of...

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City of Bunbury 4 Stephen Street Bunbury WA 6230 Western Australia Correspondence to: Post Office Box 21 Bunbury WA 6231 Telephone: (08) 9792 7230 Facsimile: (08) 9792 7184 TTY: (08) 9792 7370 www.bunbury.wa.gov.au Audit Committee Minutes 26 February 2015 Committee Terms of Reference 1. The Audit Committee is to provide guidance and assistance to Council based on the following Terms of Reference: 1.1 To carry out Council’s functions in relation to audits carried out under Part 7 (Audit) of the Local Government Act 1995 1.2 To develop a process to be used to select and appoint a person to be an Auditor. 2. The Audit Committee may also provide guidance and assistance to Council as to: 2.1 Matters to be audited; 2.2 The scope of audits; 2.3 Council’s functions under Part 6 (Financial Management) of the Local Government Act 1995; and 2.4 The carrying out of Council’s functions relating to other audits and other matters relating to financial management. 3. The Audit Committee may evaluate tenders received for the provision of audit services and report to Council with a recommendation for appointment of an auditor for the City of Bunbury and the Bunbury-Harvey Regional Council.
Transcript
  • City of Bunbury

    4 Stephen Street

    Bunbury WA 6230

    Western Australia

    Correspondence to:

    Post Office Box 21

    Bunbury WA 6231

    Telephone: (08) 9792 7230 ◌ Facsimile: (08) 9792 7184 ◌ TTY: (08) 9792 7370 ◌ www.bunbury.wa.gov.au

    Audit Committee

    Minutes

    26 February 2015

    Committee Terms of Reference

    1. The Audit Committee is to provide guidance and assistance to Council based on the following

    Terms of Reference:

    1.1 To carry out Council’s functions in relation to audits carried out under Part 7 (Audit) of the

    Local Government Act 1995

    1.2 To develop a process to be used to select and appoint a person to be an Auditor.

    2. The Audit Committee may also provide guidance and assistance to Council as to:

    2.1 Matters to be audited;

    2.2 The scope of audits;

    2.3 Council’s functions under Part 6 (Financial Management) of the Local Government Act

    1995; and

    2.4 The carrying out of Council’s functions relating to other audits and other matters relating

    to financial management.

    3. The Audit Committee may evaluate tenders received for the provision of audit services and report

    to Council with a recommendation for appointment of an auditor for the City of Bunbury and the

    Bunbury-Harvey Regional Council.

  • Page 1

    Minutes 26 February 2015

    Members of the public to note that recommendations made by this committee are not final and will be subject to adoption (or

    otherwise) at a future meeting of the Bunbury City Council.

    1. Declaration of Opening

    The Presiding Member declared the meeting open at 3:30pm.

    2. Disclaimer

    Not applicable to this committee.

    3. Announcements from the Presiding Member

    Nil

    4. Attendances

    Committee Members:

    Member Name Representing

    Mayor Gary Brennan City of Bunbury

    Cr Jaysen Miguel (Presiding Member) City of Bunbury

    Mr Stephen Foster Community Member

    Mr John Barratt Community Member

    Support Staff:

    Name Title

    Mr Greg Golinski (Minute Taker) Manager Governance

    Mr Andrew Brien Chief Executive Officer

    Mr David Ransom Manager Finance

    Ms Stephanie Addison-Brown Director Corporate and Community Services

    Mrs Aileen Clemens Manager HR and Organisational Development

    Mr Adam Ewing Manager IT

    Mr David Russell Senior Contracts and Procurement Officer

    4.1 Apologies

    Cr Steck

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 2

    4.2 Approved Leave of Absence

    Nil

    5. Declarations of Interest

    Nil

    6. Public Question Time

    Not applicable to this committee.

    7. Confirmation of Minutes

    Committee Decision: Moved John Barratt Seconded Stephen Foster

    The minutes of the Audit Committee Meeting held on 30 October 2014, are confirmed as a true and

    accurate record.

    CARRIED

    8. Presentations

    8.1 Petitions

    Nil

    8.2 Presentations

    Nil

    8.3 Deputations

    Nil

    9. Method of Dealing with Agenda Business

    Items were dealt with as they appear in the agenda.

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 3

    10. Reports

    10.1 Internal Audit Programme HR – Recommendations Update

    Applicant/Proponent: Internal

    Author: Aileen Clemens, Manager Organisational Development and HR

    Executive: Andrew Brien, Chief Executive Officer

    Attachments: Appendix 1: Internal Audit Recommendations Update – HR

    Summary

    The purpose of this item is to present the Audit Committee with an update as to the implementation of

    the recommendations from the Human Resource (HR) audit conducted by AMD Chartered Accountants

    (AMD) between March and May 2014.

    Executive Recommendation

    That the Committee:

    1. Notes the implementation of all recommendations, with the exception of FN01-01 and FN06-03, which will remain ongoing in perpetuity.

    2. Recommends that Council closes recommendations FN01-01 and FN06-03.

    Background

    The Audit Committee has previously received the final report and recommendations relating to the HR

    audit as provided by AMD. The Committee requested that subsequent updates be provided outlining

    progress achieved in relation to the implementation of the recommendations contained therein.

    Council Policy Compliance

    N/A

    Legislative Compliance

    N/A

    Officer Comments

    The Human Resources Audit encompassed the following areas:

    • Identification of HR requirements; • Recruitment procedures and processes including identification of new positions, advertising;

    interviewing and related procedures, communication to existing staff and setting up of new

    employees;

    • Basis of remuneration; • Staff induction procedures and processes;

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 4

    • Procedures and assessment of staff feedback; performance management and pay reviews; • Payroll recording and payment procedures, including timesheet authorisation, timesheet data

    entry; payroll processing and payment authorisation procedures;

    • Leave accruals, including use of leave forms, authorisation of leave forms, processing and reconciliation of employee provisions on a regular basis;

    • Payroll deductions, including employee authorisation and documentation; • Superannuation and group tax deduction payments; and • Termination payments, including use of termination checklist and review and authorisation prior

    to termination payment.

    Nine recommendations were made, the progress of which is outlined at Appendix 1. Of these, 7 have

    now been completed as detailed within the appendix. Two of the recommendations, FN01-01 and FN06-

    03 are recommended for closure as follows:

    FN01-01 – That all HR work procedures be reviewed annually.

    The nature of this recommendation means that the work will remain ongoing in perpetuity.

    Work procedures have now been converted into Corporate Guidelines consistent with the City’s adopted

    policy framework, and periodic reviews of all Corporate Guidelines will continue on an ongoing basis.

    As this recommendation is also captured within the City’s Audit Regulation 17 findings, where it is a

    statutory requirement to report progress annually to the Audit Committee, to save duplication it is

    requested that this recommendation be closed for the purpose of the HR Internal Audit Programme

    Report.

    FN06-03 – Leave balances should be reviewed quarterly by management to identify employees with

    excessive leave.

    At the last meeting of the Audit Committee held on 30 October 2014, it was requested (via motion) that

    the CEO provide the Committee with a list of accrued leave in excess of 4 weeks at each subsequent

    meeting.

    As with FN01-01, the nature of this recommendation means that the work will remain ongoing in

    perpetuity, and will be the subject of a separate report at each future meeting of the Audit Committee

    (see item 10.5 in this agenda).

    To this extent, it is requested that this recommendation be closed for the purpose of the HR Internal

    Audit Programme Report.

    Analysis of Financial and Budget Implications

    Nil

    Councillor/Officer Consultation

    The attached report is presented to the Audit Committee for information and discussion as necessary.

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 5

    Outcome of Meeting – 26 February 2015

    General discussion took place in relation to this item. The Executive Recommendation was Moved by John

    Barratt and Seconded by Stephen Foster and was carried unanimously as follows:

    That the Committee:

    1. Notes the implementation of all recommendations, with the exception of FN01-01 and FN06-03, which will remain ongoing in perpetuity.

    2. Recommends that Council closes recommendations FN01-01 and FN06-03.

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 6

    10.2 Internal Audit Programme IT – Recommendations Update

    Applicant/Proponent: Internal

    Author: Adam Ewing, Manager Information Technology

    Executive: Stephanie Addison-Brown, Director Corporate and Community

    Services

    Attachments: Appendix 2: Internal Audit Recommendations Update – IT

    Summary

    The purpose of this item is to present the Audit Committee with an update as to the implementation of

    the recommendations from the Information Technology (IT) audit conducted by AMD Chartered

    Accountants (AMD) between March and May 2014.

    Executive Recommendation

    That the Committee:

    1. Receive the information as presented, noting that four (4) recommendations remain incomplete.

    2. Request that a subsequent report be provided to the next meeting of the Audit Committee detailing progress for the recommendations that remain outstanding.

    Background

    The Audit Committee has previously received the final report and recommendations relating to the IT

    audit as provided by AMD. The Committee requested that subsequent updates be provided outlining

    progress achieved in relation to the implementation of the recommendations contained therein.

    Council Policy Compliance

    N/A

    Legislative Compliance

    N/A

    Officer Comments

    The Information Technology Audit encompassed the following areas:

    • Planning the IT environment; • Development and delivery services; • Operation of the IT environment; • Organising and monitoring IT processes;

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 7

    • Ensure appropriateness of internal control policies and procedures and ensure these are adhered to in respect to IT systems, including access controls, backup procedures and recovery

    procedures;

    • Review system security ensuring access restricted based on level of personnel; • Assess identification and risk in respect to IT planning; • Document procedures in respect to identifying IT needs and related procurement procedures; • Review system support and ensure appropriate back-up personnel trained and available; • Review of virus detection procedures; and • Review procedures and plans for determining the needs for changes/improvements to existing IT

    systems and processes in place to implement such changes.

    Fourteen recommendations were made, the progress of which is outlined at Appendix 2. Of these, 10

    have been completed and 4 are in train as detailed within the appendix.

    Recommendations FN01-01, FN02-02, FN03-01, and FN03-02 on pages 2, 5, 6, and 7 of the appendix

    remain outstanding, and will be completed as per the timeframes stipulated.

    Analysis of Financial and Budget Implications

    Nil

    Councillor/Officer Consultation

    The attached reports are presented to the Audit Committee for information and discussion as necessary.

    Outcome of Meeting – 26 February 2015

    General discussion took place in relation to this item. The Director Corporate and Community Services

    advised that she is now responsible for IT following the recent corporate restructure, and has held

    discussions with the IT team as to the progress and implementation of the outstanding

    recommendations. As a result, the Director is satisfied that appropriate processes are in place to ensure

    completion of the outstanding items by the revised dates, noting the final implementation of FN03-02 is

    subject to funding being allocated in the 2015/16 financial year.

    The Executive Recommendation was Moved by Mayor Brennan and Seconded by John Barratt and was

    carried unanimously as follows:

    That the Committee:

    1. Receive the information as presented, noting that four (4) recommendations remain incomplete.

    2. Request that a subsequent report be provided to the next meeting of the Audit Committee detailing progress for the recommendations that remain outstanding.

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 8

    10.3 Review of Terms of Reference – Audit Committee

    Applicant/Proponent: Internal

    Author: Greg Golinski, Manager Governance

    Executive: Andrew Brien, Chief Executive Officer

    Attachments: Nil

    Summary

    The purpose of this report is for the Audit Committee to review its terms of reference.

    Executive Recommendation

    That the Audit Committee recommend that Council Adopt the amended terms of reference for the Audit

    Committee as presented within this report.

    Background

    Point 5 of Decision 335/13 from the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 26 November 2013 was that each

    Council Committee commences a review of its terms of reference in March 2015, to enable a complete

    review of the operations to be completed prior to the next Ordinary Elections.

    Council Policy Compliance

    N/A

    Legislative Compliance

    Subdivision 2 of Division 2 of Part 5 of the Local Government Act 1995 deals with committees and their

    meetings.

    Officer Comments

    The Local Government Act 1995 (the Act) requires that all local governments establish an Audit

    Committee. The Audit Committee plays a key role in assisting a local government to fulfil its governance

    and oversight responsibilities in relation to financial reporting, internal control structure, risk

    management systems, legislative compliance, ethical accountability and the internal and external audit

    functions.

    The current terms of reference for the City’s Audit Committee are as follows:

    1. The Audit Committee is to provide guidance and assistance to Council based on the following

    Terms of Reference:

    1.1 To carry out Council’s functions in relation to audits carried out under Part 7 (Audit) of the

    Local Government Act 1995

    1.2 To develop a process to be used to select and appoint a person to be an Auditor.

    2. The Audit Committee may also provide guidance and assistance to Council as to:

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 9

    2.1 Matters to be audited;

    2.2 The scope of audits;

    2.3 Council’s functions under Part 6 (Financial Management) of the Local Government Act

    1995; and

    2.4 The carrying out of Council’s functions relating to other audits and other matters relating

    to financial management.

    3. The Audit Committee may evaluate tenders received for the provision of audit services and report

    to Council with a recommendation for appointment of an auditor for the City of Bunbury and the

    Bunbury-Harvey Regional Council.

    2013 saw a number of amendments made to the Local Government (Audit) Regulations (the Regulations),

    following which the Department of Local Government amended the local government guidelines relating

    to Audit in local government.

    The revised guidelines contain a model terms of reference for Audit Committees which, whilst not totally

    dissimilar to those currently employed by the City, are more detailed and include specific reference to the

    recent amendments to the Regulations, namely Audit Regulation 17.

    The model terms of reference is outlined below and is recommended for adoption by the Committee as

    revised duties and responsibilities for the City’s Audit Committee.

    The Committee may also wish to discuss and make recommendations as to the membership composition

    of the Committee, however Officers consider that the current arrangement of 3 Councillors plus 2

    community members is appropriate.

    Proposed Terms of Reference

    The duties and responsibilities of the committee will be:

    a) Provide guidance and assistance to Council as to the carrying out the functions of the local government in relation to audits;

    b) Develop and recommend to Council an appropriate process for the selection and appointment of a person as the local government’s auditor;

    c) Develop and recommend to Council: • a list of those matters to be audited; and • the scope of the audit to be undertaken;

    d) Recommend to Council the person or persons to be appointed as auditor; e) Develop and recommend to Council a written agreement for the appointment of the external

    auditor. The agreement is to include:

    • the objectives of the audit; • the scope of the audit; • a plan of the audit; • 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 supply

    information to, the auditor;

    f) Meet with the auditor once in each year and provide a report to Council on the matters discussed and outcome of those discussions;

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 10

    g) Liaise with the CEO to ensure that the local government does everything 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;

    h) Examine the reports of the auditor after receiving a report from the CEO on the matters to: determine if any matters raised require action to be taken by the local government; and

    ensure that appropriate action is taken in respect of those matters;

    i) Review the report prepared by the CEO on any actions taken in respect of any matters raised in the report of the auditor and presenting the report to Council for adoption prior to the end of the

    next financial year or 6 months after the last report prepared by the auditor is received, whichever

    is the latest in time;

    j) Review the scope of the audit plan and program and its effectiveness; k) Review the appropriateness of special internal audit assignments undertaken by internal audit at

    the request of Council or CEO;

    l) Review the level of resources allocated to internal audit and the scope of its authority; m) Review reports of internal audits, monitor the implementation of recommendations made by the

    audit and review the extent to which Council and management reacts to matters raised;

    n) Facilitate liaison between the internal and external auditor to promote compatibility, to the extent appropriate, between their audit programs;

    o) Review the local government’s draft annual financial report, focusing on: • accounting policies and practices; • changes to accounting policies and practices; • the process used in making significant accounting estimates; • significant adjustments to the financial report (if any) arising from the audit process; • compliance with accounting standards and other reporting requirements; and • significant variances from prior years;

    p) Consider and recommend adoption of the annual financial report to Council. Review any significant changes that may arise subsequent to any such recommendation but before the annual

    financial report is signed;

    q) Address issues brought to the attention of the committee, including responding to requests from Council for advice that are within the parameters of the committee’s terms of reference;

    r) Seek information or obtain expert advice through the CEO on matters of concern within the scope of the committee’s terms of reference following authorisation from the Council;

    s) Review the annual Compliance Audit Return and report to the council the results of that review, and

    t) Consider the CEO’s biennial reviews of the appropriateness and effectiveness of the local government’s systems and procedures in regard to risk management, internal control and

    legislative compliance, required to be provided to the committee, and report to the council the

    results of those reviews.

    Analysis of Financial and Budget Implications

    There are no financial or budgetary implications impacting from the recommendations of this report.

    Councillor/Officer Consultation

    This report is presented to the Audit Committee for consideration.

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 11

    Outcome of Meeting – 26 February 2015

    The Executive Recommendation was Moved by Mayor Brennan and Seconded by Stephen Foster and was

    carried unanimously as follows:

    That the Audit Committee recommend that Council Adopt the amended terms of reference for the

    Audit Committee as presented within this report.

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 12

    10.4 WALGA Procurement Audit – Recommendations Update

    Applicant/Proponent: Internal

    Author: David Russell, Senior Procurement Officer

    Executive: Andrew Brien, Chief Executive Officer

    Attachments: Appendix 3: Procurement Audit Recommendations Update

    Summary

    The purpose of this report is to provide an update to the Audit Committee regarding the Procurement

    Probity Review that WALGA Procurement Consultancy Service provided in May 2013.

    This report and attachment provides the committee with details as to which recommendations have been

    implemented, and which recommendations are still outstanding.

    Executive Recommendation

    That the Audit Committee receive the update relating to the implementation of recommendations from

    the WALGA Procurement Audit.

    Background

    In April/May 2013 a Procurement Probity Review was undertaken by WALGA which provided 46

    recommendations for consideration by the City of Bunbury to implement.

    The objective of the review was to determine the City’s current level of compliance against relevant

    purchasing legislation and regulations and to offer a series of recommendations that, once implemented,

    would ensure full compliance and also facilitate the City moving towards achieving best practice in

    procurement.

    The below extract from the Council Minutes from 27th

    September 2013 refers (Decision 266/13):

    1. That Council note the outcomes of the Procurement Probity Audit.

    2. Council endorse the 46 recommendations contained in the report; and

    3. The CEO to provide a further report to Council outlining how each of the recommendations has been implemented.

    In relation to the above decision, the following summary is provided:

    Part 1: Completed

    Part 2: Completed

    Part 3: The content of this report update in conjunction with the attached Appendix 3 satisfies the

    Council decision in outlining how each recommendation has been implemented.

    Council Policy Compliance

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 13

    N/A

    Legislative Compliance

    The recommendations accord with the provisions of the Local Government (Functions and General)

    Regulations 1996

    Officer Comments

    Of the 46 recommendations, four (4) were still outstanding at the time of the last Audit Committee

    meeting, which was held on 30 October 2014. Of these, one (FN01-07) has now been finalised, as Council

    reviewed its Local Price Preference Policy on 20 January 2015 (see page 8 of Appendix 3). The remaining

    three (3) findings are being progressed as follows:

    FN01-32: Officers are currently developing an organisational Risk Management Framework, which will

    form the core of the City’s Risk Management Program, and will facilitate the development of processes

    around the identification, monitoring, and review of organisational risk. A draft framework is currently

    being prepared and will be presented to the Executive Leadership Team prior to 30 June 2015 (see page

    33 of Appendix).

    FN01-36: IT Services are organising a demonstration of the relevant module with Civica so that the

    capabilities of the module can be measured and priced for activation within the system. The audit

    recommendation is currently 60% complete through current monitoring of contracts but will be at 100%

    once the Authority system has the module enabled (see page 37 of Appendix).

    FN01-43: The Corporate Governance Department has developed various panels to aggregate spend, and

    to ensure compliance whist obtaining best service and price. The Department has now sourced a provider

    through WALGA (Arc Blue) that can provide an expenditure dashboard which analyses the potential for

    aggregating spend. Work is being carried out on extracting data from Authority so that the information

    can be collated and evaluated (see page 44 of Appendix).

    Analysis of Financial and Budget Implications

    Implementation of the recommendations will continue to aid in reducing operational and capital

    expenditure by adopting best practice in providing a strategic approach to procurement, and will ensure

    that the best prices and quality of service are provided.

    Community Consultation

    N/A

    Councillor/Officer Consultation

    Relevant Officers have been consulted in relation to the implementation of these audit

    recommendations.

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 14

    Outcome of Meeting – 26 February 2015

    General discussion took place in relation to this item. The Senior Contracts and Procurement Officer

    provided a further update in relation to recommendations FN01-36 and FN01-43, whereby the Contracts

    module within Authority has now been switched on and is being reviewed by staff, and that a product

    demonstration from Arc Blue is taking place on Friday 27 February, to ascertain the effectiveness of the

    software in aggregating expenditure.

    The Executive Recommendation was Moved by John Barratt and Seconded by Stephen Foster and was

    carried unanimously as follows:

    That the Audit Committee receive the update relating to the implementation of recommendations from

    the WALGA Procurement Audit.

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 15

    10.5 Annual Leave Accruals

    Applicant/Proponent: Internal

    Author: Greg Golinski, Manager Governance

    Executive: Andrew Brien, Chief Executive Officer

    Attachments: Nil

    Summary

    The purpose of this report is to provide the Audit Committee with information relating to Annual Leave

    Accruals for City staff.

    Executive Recommendation

    That the Audit Committee receive the update.

    Background

    At the last meeting of the Audit Committee held on 30 October 2014, the CEO was requested to provide

    the Committee with a list of accrued leave in excess of 4 weeks at each subsequent meeting. This report

    fulfils this requirement.

    Council Policy Compliance

    N/A

    Legislative Compliance

    N/A

    Officer Comments

    The HR Audit undertaken by AMD Chartered Accountants (AMD) between March and May 2014

    contained one particular recommendation (FN06-03) relating to the risk to the City caused by carrying

    excessive annual leave liabilities. As part of monitoring this risk, it was decided that a summary of the

    City’s leave liabilities be provided to the Audit Committee for review at each meeting.

    The tables and graphs overleaf detail the City’s leave liabilities since 30 June 2013. Note that the figures

    represent liabilities in excess of annual entitlements.

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 16

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 17

    The request from the Audit Committee to the CEO to provide a list of accrued leave in excess of four

    weeks was made on 30 October 2014. Processes have since been put into place for affected staff to either

    utilise leave, or submit leave plans detailing how they intend on clearing leave balances in excess of their

    annual entitlement.

    Accordingly, whilst the data for 31 January 2015 may indicate that leave accruals have actually increased

    since 30 June 2014, an accurate time series assessment is not possible until a full 12 months has passed

    since the leave reduction mandate was made known.

    Notwithstanding, recurring reports will continue to be presented to the Audit Committee in this regard.

    Analysis of Financial and Budget Implications

    Financial details relating to outstanding leave accruals are outlined within the body of this report.

    Community Consultation

    N/A

    Councillor/Officer Consultation

    The Manager Finance and Manager Organisational Development and HR have been consulted in relation

    to the development of this report.

    Outcome of Meeting – 26 February 2015

    The Chief Executive Officer gave an additional overview outlining that procedures have been put in place

    to ensure excess leave is utilised. He advised that it will likely take 12 months from the date of

    implementation (October 2014) to see comparative improvement.

    Mayor Brennan Moved and John Barratt Seconded the following motion, which was carried unanimously:

    That the Committee recommend that Council:

    1. Note the report. 2. Note that the Audit Committee is satisfied that strategies have been put into place by the

    Executive to reduce the excess annual leave liability.

    3. Note that the Audit Committee will continue to monitor the excess annual leave liability at each subsequent meeting of the Committee.

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 18

    10.6 2014 Compliance Audit Return

    Applicant/Proponent: Department of Local Government

    Author: Leanne French, Senior Governance and Risk Officer

    Executive: Andrew, Brien Chief Executive Officer

    Attachments: Appendix 4: 2014 Compliance Audit Return

    Summary

    The purpose of this report is for the Audit Committee to consider the Statutory Compliance Audit Return

    (the Return) for the calendar year 1 January to 31 December 2014.

    Executive Recommendation

    The Audit Committee recommend that Council adopt the Statutory Compliance Audit Return for the City

    of Bunbury for the period 1 January to 31 December 2014.

    Background

    Each year the Department of Local Government requires Councils’ to conduct an annual assessment of

    their compliance with key components of the Local Government Act 1995 (the Act) and associated

    Regulations. The 2014 Return is to be provided to the Department by 31 March 2015.

    Seventy eight (78) questions are contained within the 2014 return. A copy of the reviewed Return is

    enclosed at Appendix 4.

    Council Policy compliance

    There is no current Council Policy relevant to this item.

    Legislative Compliance

    Completion of the statutory Compliance Audit Return is a requirement under the provisions of section

    7.13(1)(i) of the Local Government Act 1995 and clauses 13 and 14 of the Local Government (Audit)

    Regulations 1996.

    Officer Comments

    The Chief Executive Officer, Directors and relevant Managers are provided with copies of relevant

    sections of the Return for completion. The final Return is then compiled on-line at the end of the review

    period using information provided.

    Completion of the relevant sections of the Return effectively requires a number of adhoc internal audits,

    which assist the City to ensure that operations meet the statutory requirements of the Act and associated

    Regulations.

    Of the 78 questions in the 2014 Return, 3 areas of non-compliance have been identified as follows:

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 19

    1. Delegations of Authority Question 13 - did all persons exercising a delegated power or duty under the Act keep, on all occasions, a written record as required?

    This was identified as an area of non-compliance following an internal audit of processes, which exposed

    some deficiencies in the record keeping practices of a number of Officers with powers delegated to them.

    More specifically, the requirements outlined in the guidelines and the wording of the legislation vary in

    relation to the specific requirements. The provision does not necessarily require the keeping of a register,

    and other efficient record keeping practices are deemed sufficient. The Department of Local Government

    does however, recommend that such systems provide for accessible accountability of the performance of

    these tasks.

    The Governance team has been working with relevant staff to ensure that sufficient record keeping

    practices are adhered to, with the expectation that compliance with this particular section of the Act is

    achieved in future.

    2. Tenders for Providing Goods and Services Question 1 – did the local government invite tenders on all occasions when it is prescribed to do so?

    Far from being definitive, this question was marked as being non-compliant due to the ambiguous nature

    of the Local Government (Function and General) Regulations when assessing if a tender is required.

    Certainly at a project level all expenditure is fully compliant. However, a review undertaken of operational

    expenditure did identify areas that could be considered as non-compliant, depending on one’s

    interpretation of the legislation. This review remains ongoing, and there is an expectation that

    compliance in this regard will be achieved in future.

    3. Did the information recorded in the local government’s tender register comply with the requirements of regulation 17 of the Local Government (Function and General) Regulations?

    Upon review, it became apparent that 2014 tender register did not include the consideration amount for

    the successful tenderer as required by regulation 17 of the Local Government (Function and General)

    Regulations. This has since been retrospectively applied and will be adhered to in the future.

    On a more positive note, whilst non-compliance was identified in three areas as listed above, the City was

    fully compliant in 75 of the 78 audited sections of the Act and Regulations.

    Analysis of Financial and Budget Implications

    Nil

    Community Consultation

    There is no requirement for community consultation on this matter.

    Councillor/Officer Consultation

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 20

    Officers have been consulted in relation to the relevant sections of the 2014 Return. This report serves to

    bring any issues identified in the 2014 Return to the attention of the Audit Committee.

    Outcome of Meeting - 26 February 2015

    The Executive Recommendation was Moved by John Barratt and Seconded by Stephen Foster and was

    carried unanimously as follows:

    The Audit Committee recommend that Council adopt the Statutory Compliance Audit Return for the

    City of Bunbury for the period 1 January to 31 December 2014.

  • 26 February 2015

    Minutes – Audit Committee

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Page 21

    11. Motions of Which Previous Notice has been given

    Nil

    12. Questions from Members

    12.1 Response to Previous Questions from Members taken on Notice

    Nil

    12.2 Questions from Members

    Mr Foster asked whether the internal audit program was going to continue in 2015 and beyond.

    The Manager Governance advised that this work will continue to be undertaken as part of the

    City’s responsibilities under Audit Regulation 17, and that recurring reports will be presented to

    the Audit Committee as a standing item for future meetings.

    13. Urgent Business

    Nil

    14. Date of Next Meeting

    4:00pm on Thursday 28 May 2015.

    15. Close of Meeting

    The Presiding Member closed the meeting at 3:58pm.


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