IPSWICH City Council’s Audit Committee will be expanded to include risk management in line with recommendation 17 of the independent Governance Review released in September.
Council previously resolved to adopt all 19 review recommendations for improved transparency and governance.
Mayor Andrew Antoniolli said the expanded responsibilities of the renamed Audit and Risk Management Committee would retain two independent external members and reduce the number of sitting councillors on the committee from four to two.
“This committee has legislative backing under section 209 of the Local Government Regulation 2012.
“Deputy Mayor Wayne Wendt will be appointed chairperson and Cr Paul Tully will fill the permanent role of deputy chairperson.
“Further changes allow for alternate councillors to be put forward should the permanent members be unavailable to attend meetings.
“The previous audit committee had two external members however one has resigned.
“Council will now advertise for one new external member to provide oversight of the financial reporting process, audit process, system of internal controls, risk management and compliance with laws and regulations.
“We will seek a highly qualified person with extensive experience in business, accounting and legal matters.”
Cr Antoniolli said while Cr Wendt would fill the role of chairperson initially, this would be reviewed after the appointment of a new external member.
