The Queensland Audit Office (QAO) unveiled important findings and recommendations that aim to enhance public sector performance, focusing on governance, data management, workforce planning, and risk management. These areas establish the foundation of a robust and effective digital government, leading to improved results for public services across Australia.

“Our performance audits are carefully planned to address issues that matter most to the Queensland community,” stated Brendan Worrall, Auditor-General. “By focusing on core areas such as governance and data management, we help public sector entities deliver better public services while ensuring public funds are used responsibly.”

Strengthening governance and efficiency

• Governance for accountability and impact

Effective governance serves as a fundamental element that promotes accountability and achieves objectives within the public sector. The 2024 Status of Auditor-General’s Recommendations Report from QAO highlights the slow progress in implementing governance-related recommendations, which are crucial for enhancing performance monitoring. “Entities must prioritise structured governance frameworks to drive measurable improvements,” Worrall emphasised. Despite persistent recommendations spanning over seven years, councils struggle to improve long-term financial and asset planning.

• Data management for informed decision-making

Efficient data management ensures that information remains precise, dependable, and readily available, empowering leaders to make informed decisions based on evidence. Recent reports highlight ongoing challenges in data integration and quality that impact service delivery. Recent audits uncovered missed opportunities to use high-quality data, enhance public health services, and improve infrastructure planning. Strong guidelines for data governance play a crucial role, as these insights reveal.

• Workforce planning for agility and resilience

The pandemic has made workforce planning the foremost challenge in the landscape. The QAO report on Managing Workforce Agility in the Queensland Public Sector highlights the need to equip the workforce with modern skills to meet evolving priorities. “A flexible, future-ready workforce is essential to ensure public entities can adapt and respond to dynamic challenges,” Worrall stated. A recent case study highlights the growing demand for educators in Queensland, as supply shortages impact educational outcomes.

• Risk management for future-proofing public services

Innovative technologies and changing risks demand a proactive strategy for risk management.  QAO’s customised recommendations show that entities experience delays in implementing risk mitigation frameworks.  Worrall stated, “Strong risk management isn’t just a compliance activity—it’s fundamental to safeguarding public trust in a rapidly changing landscape.” QAO will assess the effectiveness of current risk management practices as part of its forward audit plan.

Innovating public services

The QAO’s recommendations result from thorough independent audits and direct discussions with various entities. Municipal governments with limited resources face ongoing challenges despite significant advancements. The QAO report highlights the ongoing challenges that local governments encounter while implementing recommendations, especially in long-term financial planning and asset management. Restricted access to skilled labor and financial resources poses significant barriers to progress.  QAO provides interactive dashboards and self-assessment tools that allow entities to track and implement recommendations clearly and effectively.

Worrall stated, “The role of leadership in embedding these improvements cannot be overstated. CEOs, CIOs, and COOs in the public sector must champion these strategies to ensure sustainable, digital-first governance.”

The QAO enhances public services through a comprehensive strategy that improves governance, data management, workforce planning, and risk management, yielding significant advancements in Australia’s public sector. These projects play an essential role in advancing digital governance and managing data effectively.

Editors Publicspectrum

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