¶ STAFF shortages and stretched resources have led to a delay in completion of Collie Shire’s 2024 compliance audit return.
Shire chief executive officer Phil Anastasakis told councillors at council’s meeting earlier this month that the return is an annual requirement under state legislation, addressing various areas of compliance.
“It’s basically a declaration that the council as local government has achieved and fulfilled various obligations,” Mr Anastasakis said.
However, Mr Anastasakis said it has been a “very difficult process” following the departure of staff.  “We’ve been working with the auditors on that, and have engaged external support from consultants to try and assist in the completion of the annual audit,” Mr Anastasakis said.
The audit committee is addressing areas of non-compliance, primarily related to the audit return, he added.
A letter explaining why the required audit return has not been completed has been forwarded to the Office of the Auditor General.
Mr Anastasakis informed councillors the audit return is expected to be completed soon.