SOUTHERN Downs Regional Council’s Audit and Risk Management Committee has two new members.
Alison D’Costa and Andrew MacLeod have been appointed as external representatives to the committee.
Mayor Tracy Dobie said that the two new appointees, who were selected from a class field of 17 applicants, will both bring significant knowledge and strong expertise to the committee.
Ms D’Costa is an audit and risk specialist with more than 20 years of experience in internal and external audit roles and financial management.
She has worked in audit positions in both the public and private sectors, including the Queensland Audit Office and University of Southern Queensland. Ms D’Costa is a Certified Practicing Accountant and a Professional Member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.
Mr MacLeod is an internal auditor with Brisbane City Council, a position he has held since 1999.
In addition, he currently serves as a member of the Rockhampton Regional Council and Scenic Rim Regional Council audit committees, and previously served on the Beaudesert Shire Council Audit Committee for a period of five years, equipping him with extensive experience with and knowledge of local government processes and legislative requirements. Mr MacLeod is a Fellow of CPA Australia and a Certified Internal Auditor.
“Ms D’Costa and Mr MacLeod were considered to be the stand-out candidates by the assessment panel, and the council looks forward to them bringing fresh perspectives through their contributions to the committee,” Cr Dobie said.
The mayor outlined the role of the council’s Audit and Risk Management Committee, as clearly set out in its charter.
“This Audit and Risk Management Committee is specifically required under the Local Government Act 2009, and its role is two-fold,” she said.
“Firstly, the committee is tasked with monitoring and reviewing the integrity of the council’s financial documents, the internal audit function; and the effectiveness and objectivity of the the council’s auditors.
“Secondly, the committee is to provide advice and make recommendations to the council about any matters that the committee considers need action or improvement, to assist the council to carry out its financial and operational responsibilities, with particular focus on ensuring accuracy, accountability and transparency.
“The committee will meet at least quarterly each year, and membership comprises between three and six members, with the majority being independent.
“Along with our newly appointed external representatives, Ms D’Costa and Mr MacLeod, a third external representative, Mr Allan Shorter from Tenterfield Shire Council has been appointed per the terms of the council’s Memorandum of Understanding with Tenterfield Shire Council. The council’s Chief Executive Officer is also required to attend the meetings as a non-voting member,” Cr Dobie said.
It is expected that the new committee will meet for the first time on 28 July.
