Council credit card management under the microscope
Shelley Hancock – Minister for Local Government
Monday, 13 September 2021
The NSW Government has released new guidelines to strengthen the management of credit cards and expenditure by local councils across the state.
Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the new guidelines were part of the NSW Government’s commitment to improve financial management, transparency and accountability in the sector.
“Local communities rightfully expect their council to be responsible when it comes to spending their hard-earned ratepayer dollars so these new guidelines will not only help manage their credits card expenditure more efficiently but also give ratepayers confidence about how their money is being spent,” Mrs Hancock said.
“All councils in NSW must ensure they have proper financial management systems in place to regulate and account for all credit card expenditure by their staff.
“The guidelines provide councils, county councils, and joint organisations with the necessary information to put in place internal controls surrounding the establishment, management, review and maintenance of a credit card policy.”
In addition, from June next year, all 128 local councils in NSW will be required to appoint an Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee to review their financial management, statutory compliance and fraud and corruption controls.
The Auditor-General recommended that the Office of Local Government develop sector-wide guidelines following a performance audit into credit card use and management at six councils last year.
The guidelines were adapted from guidance for NSW Government agencies and developed in consultation with NSW Treasury, the NSW Audit Office, Local Government Professionals Finance Network, Local Government NSW, and councils.
The Guideline on the Use and Management of Credit Cards can be accessed on the Office of Local Government website.
MEDIA: Caterina Polistina | 0439 196 539