Audit and Risk Committee Reports noted by Council
Published on 05 July 2021
The Audit and Risk Committee is a formally appointed Council Committee, that plays an important role by supporting Council in areas of risk, governance, financial management, and compliance.
The Committee is made up of five members including the Chair (an independent member), two Councillors – Cr Gerard Murphy and Cr Geoff Lovett - and two independent members.
At its June meeting Council received the biannual report on its performance and activities required under the Local Government Act.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor acknowledged the critical role the Committee plays by ensuring key areas of Council activities including financial systems, audit processes, compliance and the management of risk are of the highest standards. He specifically referred to the outstanding leadership provided by its Chair, John Watson.
“We are incredibly fortunate in having John Watson as Chair given his incredibly deep and extensive experience in local government and Council is deeply grateful for John’s continued and much valued contribution and leadership.
“We also thank outgoing independent member Cheryl Fitzgerald for her contribution over the past four years.”
Cr Geoff Lovett who was on the selection panel for the external vacancy reported to Council how delighted the panel was with the high quality of candidates.
“The quality was really excellent and we could have confidently appointed any of our short-listed candidates. It was particularly pleasing that they were really keen to contribute to our Council through the Audit and Risk Committee given the positive things taking place here.”
“We very much look forward to working with Linda McNeill who joins the committee with a strong risk management and governance background” he added.
Central Goldfields Shire General Manager Corporate Performance Mick Smith said the Committee has performed well with all members actively participating in the matters being discussed.
“The Committee has strived to provide sound and constructive advice to the Council and management and is always focused on aiding continuous improvement in practices and processes, compliance with legislative requirements and management of risk.”
Matters considered by the Committee as part of the biannual report include, CEO report, Internal Audit Progress Report, Monthly Finance Report, Defined Benefits Superannuation Scheme, Cyber Security and Local Government Act implementation.