Audit and Risk Committee

The Audit and Risk Committee is a Committee of Council established under Section 53 of the Local Government Act 2020. The primary role of the Audit and Risk Committee is to assist Council with oversight in the areas of risk, governance, financial management, and compliance.

The Audit and Risk Committee are governed by the Audit and Risk Committee Charter and work to an Annual Work Plan. 

The Audit and Risk Committee Charter sets out the Committee’s objectives, authority, composition, responsibilities and reporting. As part of Council’s governance obligations to its community, the Committee oversees responsibilities in relation to the following:

  • Risk management
  • Financial management
  • Internal controls and compliance
  • External audit
  • Internal audit.

Audit and Risk Committee Independent Member Information Package

This Audit and Risk Committee Independent Member Information Package(PDF, 919KB) is a useful resource for anyone interested in becoming an Independent Member or learning more about the function of the Audit and Risk Committee. 

The package provides information on:

  • Council Profile
  • Council Structure
  • Background Audit and Risk Committee 
    • Time Commitment 
    • Current Membership and Tenure
    • Structure of Audit and Risk Committee
    • Remuneration
    • Conflict of Interest
    • Internal Audit
    • External Audit 
  • Audit and Risk Committee Independent Member Profiles
  • Councillor Audit and Risk Committee Representative Profiles

 

 

Audit and Risk Committee Charter

A Council must prepare and approve an Audit and Risk Committee Charter.  The Audit and Risk Committee Charter specifies the functions and responsibilities of the Audit and Risk Committee which include:

  • monitor the compliance of Council policies and procedures with the overarching governance principles; and the Local Government Act and the regulations and any ministerial directions
  • monitor Council financial and performance reporting
  • monitor and provide advice on risk management and fraud prevention systems and controls
  • oversee internal and external audit functions.

Click here to view the Audit and Risk Committee Charter 2025 to 2027 Adopted by Council 22 July 2025(PDF, 223KB)

 

Audit and Risk Committee Annual Work Plan

An Audit and Risk Committee must adopt an annual Work Plan.  This work plan effectively sets the Agenda for the Audit and Risk Committee Meetings which are held quarterly. 

Click here to see a copy of the Audit and Risk Committee Annual Work Plan 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026(PDF, 106KB)  for the period ending 30 June 2026.

 

Audit and Risk Committee Biannual Report

Under section 54(5) of theLocal Government Act 2020an Audit and Risk Committee must prepare a Biannual Report that describes the operation and activities of the Audit and Risk Committee and includes its findings and recommendations. This biannual report must then be provided to the Chief Executive Officer for tabling at the next Council Meeting.

See the most current Biannual Report below:

Audit and Risk Committee Biannual Report for the period 1 January 2025 - 30 June 2025(PDF, 265KB)

 

    

Who is on the Committee?

The Committee meets quarterly and its membership includes five suitably qualified independent members and the Mayor and two Councillors.

Members include:

  • David Stafford (Independent Member/Chairperson)
  • Tony Oxford (Independent Member)
  • John Duffield (Independent Member)
  • Samantha Sharp (Independent Member)
  • Vacant (Independent Member)
  • Cr Karen Stephens (Mayor)
  • Cr Robyn McDonald (Deputy Mayor)
  • Cr Matt Jowett

 

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