10 September 2003
AUDITOR GENERAL TABLES ANNUAL REPORT
In his annual report on the operations of his Office during 2002-03,
tabled in State Parliament today, WA Auditor General Des Pearson pays
tribute to his staff for their continuing contribution to improving accountability
and performance across the Western Australian public sector, sometimes
under difficult circumstances.
Mr Pearson indicates that during the year structural changes in the public
sector had an immediate influence on the core business of his Office,
affecting both the number and complexity of audits undertaken.
A further outcome of the changes was an increased expectation by Parliament,
agencies and the public regarding the scope of matters and issues examined
by his Office, with a steady rise in the in the number of specific requests
for investigation or review across a diverse range of audit and accountability
concerns.
In such an operating environment, with additional stresses coming from
the broader corporate world and funding issues compounding the situation,
the challenges for this office were manifold, says Mr Pearson.
Under these taxing circumstances the professionalism and dedication of
his staff came to the fore, and “… ultimately, our broader corporate
goals and targets were effectively achieved, the demands placed on the
office were effectively addressed, and WA taxpayers certainly got excellent
value for the $10.8 million expended by the Office.”
The report shows that during the year through its combined operations
Mr Pearson’s Office completed 276 financial statement audits and
199 performance indicators audits at around 250 agencies with an estimated
turnover of approximately $33 billion; conducted 10 Controls, Compliance
and Accountability audits across 16 public sector agencies; and undertook
five comprehensive Performance Examinations and one Follow-up Examination.
This work identified 120 matters of significance, which were reported
to Parliament in 12 reports tabled during the year.
Ends/.
Media Contact: Peter Villiers, Manager Reporting and Communications
Tel: (08) 9222 7558. Mobile: 0417 936 171 Fax: (08) 9322 5664
4th Floor Dumas House 2 Havelock Street West Perth
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