Appointing the right members to a council’s audit committee allows for informed, effective oversight. Effective audit committees have members with the right mix of skills and experience who understand the risks facing the entity.

For many entities, disclosure about the impacts of COVID-19 in this year’s financial report and annual report will be a key point of difference compared to previous years.

COVID-19 has affected the cash flows of many public sector entities. Their ability to earn revenue may have decreased, potentially permanently, and they are implementing cost reduction strategies.

We have experienced COVID-19 impacts on working arrangements, our community and the economy. These impacts may result in material changes to the financial performance and position of many public sector entities.

Financial uncertainty, disrupted working arrangements, and health concerns are creating stress within workforces and impacting the future of organisations globally.

COVID-19 has brought volatility to the value of many investments, including those of public sector entities.

COVID-19 has meant that QAO and most of our clients have had to significantly change the way they operate.

COVID-19 has been testing the resilience and agility of entities as they tackle looking after their people and managing sustainable operations. The health crisis also impacts many entities’ internal control environments and financial results.

At a time when our country is facing a battle of a different kind, and we are finding ourselves in unfamiliar circumstances, it is fitting that we take the time to remember the sacrifices of those who have served and died in war and the very unfam

Security organisations have observed a significant increase in attacks by criminal hackers who are attempting to take advantage of the extraordinary circumstances the COVID-19 crisis presents.