Appendix C. Audit context
Click the link below to download a PDF copy of Appendix C: Audit context.
Appendix B. Sector context
Click the link below to download a PDF copy of Appendix B: Sector context.
Appendix A. Submissions and comments
Click the link below to download a PDF copy of Appendix A: Submissions and comments.
3. Internal controls and financial reporting issues
Councils have adequate internal controls for preparing reliable financial reports and performance statements, but there is room for improvement.
Information technology (IT) controls and asset management weaknesses continue to be key areas for improvement across the sector.
2. Financial analysis
The COVID-19 pandemic continued to affect the sector in 2021–22.
The sector’s financial performance only improved because government funding increased. It would have declined without this financial assistance. The growth in council expenses outpaced the increase in their own source revenue.
Councils’ balance sheets remain relatively strong.
Councils face challenges ahead due to the:
1. Audit outcomes
We gave clear audit opinions for financial reports and performance statements across the local government sector. Parliament and the community can confidently use these reports.
Financial reports and performance statements are reliable
The local government sector
The Victorian local government sector consists of 105 agencies, including 79 councils.
Results of 2021–22 Audits: Local Government
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This report summarises the outcomes of our audits of the local government sector's financial reports and performance statements for the year ended 30 June 2022.
Fair Presentation of Service Delivery Performance 2023
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We examined whether the public sector fairly presents its service delivery performance information.
Assuring the Integrity of the Victorian Government’s Procurement Activities
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This audit examined if departments use suitable controls to prevent, detect and investigate fraud and corruption when procuring goods and services.
Managing State-significant Risks
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This audit examined if agencies are working collaboratively to identify and manage state-significant risks and if the Department of Treasury and Finance provides confidence to the Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer on how well agencies manage them.