Client seminars and advice

In addition to our primary role of providing independent assurance and advice to the Parliament, we also seek to support and advise audit clients where this complements our primary role and is within our area of expertise.

We arrange seminars to provide advice on topical and emerging issues. The focus of this activity is directed towards improving financial reporting. Four series of financial reporting seminars were conducted in 2006–07. As in previous years, these seminars generated a great deal of interest and were well received by attendees. Seminar feedback forms revealed that 96 per cent of participants were satisfied that the seminar had met their needs.

During the year a number of our staff accepted invitations to speak to Australian Government organisations and other bodies on topical issues and issues arising from audit reports and BPGs. More information on these presentations may be found at Appendix 5.

Newsletters

We produce two newsletters, AUDITFocus and Opinions, to provide audit related items of general interest and technical information. These are described in more detail below.

AUDITFocus

Our newsletter, AUDITFocus, which was first published in 2005–06, captures the lessons from our audit work that are likely to be of general interest and application. During 2006–07, three editions of the newsletter were published and included articles on a range of issues including: matters relating to the financial management framework; three better practice guides; environmental sustainability in Australian government agencies; recordkeeping; internet security; and workforce planning. Copies are available on our website.

Opinions

Opinions is a newsletter that provides audit clients with information on developments in financial reporting and disclosure, together with details of recent performance audit reports and BPGs. It also lists performance audits scheduled for completion in the near future. Three editions were published in 2006–07. Opinions is also available on our website.

Cost

Client seminars and advice output cost $0.033 million in 2006–07 ($0.016 million in 2005–06). The difference reflects the four seminars completed this year compared with two last year.