Victorian Auditor-General's Office

1 Background

1.1 Performance audits

1.1.1 Purpose of performance audits

One of the key roles of the Auditor-General is to undertake performance audits. Performance audits assess whether public sector agencies are meeting their aims effectively, and using their resources efficiently and economically. They also assess whether agencies comply with relevant legislation.

Performance audits are a key mechanism to provide independent assurance to Parliament and the community on public sector performance.

Appendix C. Audit Act 1994 section 16—submissions and comments

Introduction

In accordance with section 16(3) of the Audit Act 1994, a copy of this report was provided to the Department of Premier & Cabinet, the Commissioner for Privacy and Data Protection and Department of Environment Land, Water & Planning.

The submissions and comments provided are not subject to audit nor the evidentiary standards required to reach an audit conclusion. Responsibility for the accuracy, fairness and balance of those comments rests solely with the agency head.

Responses were received as follows:

Appendix A. Ratings definitions

Ratings for audit findings reflect our assessment of both the likelihood and consequence of each identified issue in terms of its impact on:

  • the effectiveness and efficiency of operations, including probity, proprietyand compliance with applicable laws
  • the reliability, accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.

The ratings also assist management to prioritise remedial action.

Figure A1

Rating definitions and management action

3 Results of IT audits

At a glance

Background

For each of the 45 entities selected for this report, we prepared management letters highlighting any control weaknesses identified by our information technology (IT) audits. For this report, these management letters were analysed to identify the overarching themes and key messages that may have a broader impact.

2 Themes from IT audits

At a glance

Background

Key information technology (IT) audit themes are drawn from testing performed as part of each entity's annual financial audit, as well as discussions with management and analysis of our IT audit findings. These themes are prepared to provide insight and actionable recommendations for public sector entities.

Conclusion

For the 2014–15 financial year, we identified three clear emerging themes from IT audits, and have made a number of recommendations to address them.

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