The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) final audit report on Norfolk Island reforms has been published. The outcomes of the ANAO audit were tabled in parliament. A copy of the report is available on the ANAO's website at www.anao.gov.au/pubs.
In 2018, the ANAO commenced an audit to determine whether the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities (Department) designed and implemented appropriate governance and administrative arrangements for the transition and delivery of sustainable reforms to services on Norfolk Island. The Department has been working with the ANAO on the audit since this time.
In preparing its report, the ANAO undertook consultation with the Norfolk Island community and relevant New South Wales Government agencies between June and December 2018.
The ANAO considered that the Department's governance framework for the overall management of the reform to services on Norfolk Island was largely effective. In addition, the ANAO found that the arrangements put in place by the Department for the delivery of local government services and the establishment of the Norfolk Island Regional Council were largely effective.
The report provides four recommendations for the Department to improve its management and implementation of reforms on Norfolk Island. The Department acknowledges the ANAO's overall conclusions and is supportive of the recommendations.
Over the last year, the Department has taken steps to improve its governance and processes and is well positioned to address the ANAO's recommendations.
Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities