Audit charter to help maximise council efficiencies and manage risk

By Murray Silby

Mar 1, 2024

**Important:** Cr Dinny Adem has told a Greater Shepparton City Council meeting that the internal audit charter adopted by council might sound boring but is highly important. Photo by Megan Fisher

Greater Shepparton City Council has introduced an internal audit charter to help maximise the management of risk within the organisation.

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The charter was adopted during council’s ordinary council meeting on Tuesday, February 27.

It is a newly developed document that will provide guidance on the way in which internal audit functions will operate within council.

Cr Dinny Adem presented the proposal to council, suggesting the measure might sound boring to some, but that it was also one of the most important documents to be considered.

“Documents like this sometimes go under the radar,” he said.

“It’s just a boring accounting/administrative type motion. However, this is probably one of the most important pieces of work this council does, internally especially.

“An audit committee is really keeping reins on all of our operations from start to finish. If this is not in order and correctly administered, it could lead to all sorts of major problems down the track, which we’ve obviously seen happening around us with other councils.

“It’s extremely important. I’m glad to see that it’s been put in charter form to clearly highlight what’s required.”

Cr Geoff Dobson also supported the motion, telling the meeting the committee would contribute to council efforts to maximise effective and efficient risk management.

“This is one of three key areas,” he said.

“The internal audit, the audit by government sources — the Victorian auditor general has a good look — and of course, we also have the audit and risk committee, who looks at various functions throughout the whole council.

“So I think, in this matter, the ratepayers can be well satisfied that there are people looking over the actions of not only the councillors but council management as well.“

Speaking after the meeting, Mayor Shane Sali said the addition was all about improving council’s functions.

“We’re always looking, and that’s something that we want to share with the community; we’re always looking for efficiencies to make sure people understand their roles, but more importantly, create the most efficient organisation so we can deliver services in the most efficient way,” Cr Sali said.

“I’m really keen to see what that brings out, and I’m glad that councillors endorsed it, but more importantly, that the executive team is eager to bring that in.”

The motion was passed unanimously.