As part of Council’s duty to fulfill its governance obligations to the community, Council established an Audit and Risk Committee in accordance with Sections 53 and 54 of the Local Government Act 2020.
The Committee is designated as an advisory committee under section 53(2) of the Act and does not have any delegated powers, executive powers, management functions or delegated financial responsibilities.
The Committee’s role is to:
- monitor compliance of Council policies and procedures with the overarching governance principles the Act, its regulations and any Ministerial directions, other relevant laws, and regulations
- 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
- monitor compliance with legislation, laws and regulations
- monitor the achievement of the highest standards of corporate governance including monitoring compliance with Council’s Code of Conduct.
The Committee engages with Council’s management in a constructive and professional manner in discharging its responsibilities and formulating its advice to the Council.
The Committee operates to advise Council on how best to fulfill its responsibilities and facilitate decision making by providing a forum for improving communication between Council members and senior management, finance, risk and compliance managers, internal auditors, and external auditors.
The Audit and Risk Committee consists of four independent community members and two councillors who meet quarterly, or as required. Representatives from Council’s internal independent auditors, currently RSD Audit and external auditors appointed by the Victorian Auditor General’s Office, currently Crowe Australasia Pty Ltd.
The external auditors oversee and make recommendations relating to Council’s Annual Financial Statements and Performance Reporting, whilst the internal auditors monitor the program of operational audits undertaken throughout the year ensuring a high level of compliance and assurance of systems, processes and procedures employed by Council in the governance and control of its daily operations.
All recommendations of the Committee are referred to the Council for review and noting, other than the:
- three-year Internal Audit Plan
- planning and terms of reference for internal audits that do not require the approval of the Council
- management responses to audit recommendations arising from Internal Audit Reports.
The Committee has the authority to review the Annual Financial Statements and Performance Statement and provide advice to the Council. The Committee can recommend to Council its approval ‘in principle,’ the signing of the Annual Financial Statements and Performance Statement.
The Audit and Risk Committee develops an annual work plan and reports to Council and the community on the progress of that work plan through a June and December performance report. These reports are presented to Council’s CEO, Julie Salomon, by the Chair of the Committee and referred to Council for review and noting.
Audit and Risk Committee Members
Paul Ayton (Chair)
Paul brings a wealth of knowledge to the Audit and Risk Committee as a Senior Executive, Director, Board Member and Business Advisor in commercial roles in banking and finance, insurance and in business advisory capacities.
Paul has extensive background in strategic and business planning, people and culture development, sales growth, operational efficiency, and financial management.
Paul currently works advising and mentoring Business Owners and Leaders to achieve their commercial and personal objectives.
Paul loves to be involved in this community and has held honorary positions in sporting clubs and school councils.
Leon Sargeant
Leon is a mechanical engineer and project management specialist with extensive technical and senior leadership experience across the Victorian water industry and local manufacturing sector. His areas of expertise include engineering, manufacturing, strategic planning and governance.
As a long term resident of the Goulburn Valley, Leon has been involved in the delivery of key infrastructure projects across the Strathbogie region including projects at Euroa, Nagambie and Goulburn Weir.
Leon holds a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) and a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical w/Honors), was the former Board Secretary of Shepparton Foodshare and is currently representing the region as a business/community member of the Goulburn Regional Partnership Committee.
Sophie Lukeis
Sophie is a senior executive with extensive experience across various industries including Education, Finance, Telecommunications and Health.
Sophie’s focus is around People and Culture and she is heavily involved in OHS, Risk and Finance oversight in her current role.
Sophie’s strong background in strategic planning, industrial relations and organisational and safety governance further enhances the skill diversity and capability of the Audit and Risk Committee.
As a resident of Strathbogie, Sophie has strong connections with her local community and values the unique lifestyle that living in the Strathbogie Shire offers.
John Tanner AM
John has demonstrated proven performance over the last thirty years in Local Government holding positions that include Commissioner on Inquires and Reviews, Administrator and Chair of Administrators, recently completing his term as Chair of Administrators with Moria Shire Council.
John’s experience in the private and non-for-profit sector also brings a good understanding of community needs and requirements. He has served in public Board Positions in the water and health industry. With the knowledge gained in Commission of Inquiry’s reinforces the commitment to good governance and best practices to provide the best outcomes for communities.
Diversity in Local Government as a Commissioner in Brimbank City Council for a three-year term reinforce the challenges faced by smaller municipalities. During his time at Brimbank he was recognised with the Order of Australia AM for his service to Community and Government.
As a resident in Benalla, John is keen to see Local Government improvements that benefits the region.