NSW Audit Office - Awareness - Issue 2003 03 - April 2003

AWARENESSccounting and Auditing Developments Issue 3 APRIL 2003AUDIT OFFICE 1AUDIT OFFICE UPDATEUPDATE NEW “PLAIN ENGLISH” INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORTACCOUNTING 3This year’s Independent Audit Report will contain different wording and UPDATEa new layout. We have changed the format so that the opinion (the most URGENT ISSUES 5important aspect) comes first. Previously, it appeared at the end. We GROUP UPDATEhave added new subheadings and expanded the content to explain our role more fully, and to highlight agency responsibilities. We have added INTERNATIONAL 6a new section that demonstrates the Auditor-General’s independence, a UPDATEvital benefit given recent corporate collapses. The changes reflect our commitment to communicate more effectively with our stakeholders and MISCELLANEOUS 7to implement the latest professional thinking. An example of the new PUBLICATIONSreport is on our web site at www.audit.nsw.gov.au/clientservice.htm. TREASURY UPDATE 8PREMIER’S 9AUDITOR-GENERAL’S REPORT TO PARLIAMENT MARCH 2003-DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATIONS UNDER THE PROTECTED DISCLOSURES ACT 1994 CIRCULARSAn important but lesser-known role of the Audit Office is to consider AUDIT OFFICE 11allegations made by public officials under the Protected Disclosures Act BETTER PRACTICE1994 (Act).GUIDESThe Act provides protection for public officials against detrimental action if they “blow the whistle” and, in a manner conforming to the requirements of the Act, expose ...