Audit and Risk

The Audit and Risk Committee was established in accordance with section 53 of the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act). The Committee replaces the former Audit and Risk Management Committee established under the Local Government Act 1989.

Role

The Audit and Risk Committee is an advisory committee to assist the Council to discharge its responsibilities under the Act to:

  • Monitor the compliance of Council policies and procedures with:
    a. The overarching governance principles.
    b. The Act and the regulations and any ministerial directions.
    c. Other relevant laws and obligations.
  • Monitor internal controls
  • Monitor Council financial and performance reporting
  • Monitor and provide advice on risk management and fraud prevention systems and controls
  • Oversee internal audit function
  • Oversee external audit functions; and monitor related party transactions.

Membership

The Audit and Risk Committee consists of five members: three independent members and two Councillors. The Councillors are appointed for a one-year period. Independent members are appointed for a three-year term and are eligible to be reappointed after the expiry of their term. The chairperson of the committee is appointed on an annual basis from the independent membership of the committee.

The Audit and Risk Committee meets a minimum of four times per annum.

The current membership of the committee is:

Councillors

  • Cr Ian Ross (Mayor)
  • Cr Angela Munn

Independent Members

  • Marilyn Kearney (Chairperson)
  • Richard Trigg
  • Mark Knights

      

Marilyn Kearney (Chair)

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Marilyn Kearney joined the HRCC Audit and Risk Committee at its June 2023 meeting and was appointed Chair at Council's November 2024 meeting.

Following an executive career spanning more than 25 years in both state and local government, Marilyn is now the owner of a boutique management consultancy. She also serves on several boards and committees including local government Audit and risk, and CEO employment and remuneration committees.

She holds qualifications in Local Government Law and Public Policy and Management, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Planning Institute Australia, Institute Public Policy Australia and LGPro.

 

Mark Knights
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Mark Knights has been involved with Councils Audit and Risk Committee since March 2020 as an Independent Committee Member and has served as the Committee's Chair.

Mark has executive experience in finance and corporate services with more than 20 years involvement in the health sector and 15 years in the hospitality industry.

Mark’s strong passion for corporate governance, risk and financial management complements the existing skills of the committee.

 

Richard Trigg BCom FCPA
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Richard joined the Audit and Risk Committee at its March 2019 meeting as an Independent Committee Member and has served as the Committee's chair.

Having more than 30 years involvement with the Accounting profession in tax, business management and audit, including as partner of a large chartered accounting firm, Richard is well equipped to contribute to the leadership and governance of Council through the committee.

Richard spent 15 years in Local Government including positions as Finance Manager, Director Corporate Services and Acting CEO, providing valuable insight into the role that the Audit & Risk Committee plays in local government. Richard’s other involvements and interests include Rotary (former member), Vic SES, and involvement with Defence serving with Australian Navy Cadets providing leadership and training to young people and adult staff alike. 

 
Exofficio Members

The Chief Executive Officer, Director Corporate Services, Chief Financial Officer and Internal Auditors attend all meetings by invitation, to assist the committee, and do not have voting rights. The external auditor attends a committee meeting to present to the external audit plan and the presentation of the audited financial, standard and performance statements. The opportunity is provided for the Audit and Risk Committee to meet with the auditors without management at each meeting.

Matters commonly discussed at the Audit and Risk Committee meetings include:

  • Internal audit reviews
  • External audit reports
  • Implementation status of audit recommendations
  • Financial statements
  • Reports relating to governance, legislative compliance and information technology
  • Risk management issues
  • Insurance matters

Internal Audit

The Internal Audit function provides independent assurance regarding the effectiveness and efficiency of governance, risk management and internal control processes across the organisation. 

Charter

The Audit and Risk Committee operates within a charter which is reviewed on a biennial basis, or as required. The most recent review of the charter was undertaken in September 2022. The charter outlines the duties and responsibilities of the Audit and Risk Committee.

Audit-and-Risk-Committee-Charter-2022.pdf(PDF, 889KB)

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