The Queensland Audit Office (QAO) 2025 Final Management Report for Douglas Shire Council was presented for noting at today’s Ordinary Meeting.
Council’s response to the findings (and media coverage of the report) is as follows:
Council takes these matters extremely seriously. Our policies and the law exist to ensure transparency, accountability and value for money in all purchasing activities. Compliance is non-negotiable. As custodians of public funds, we have a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
Importantly, with respect to the procurement matter, it was Council that originally identified the issues that have subsequently been included in the Queensland Audit Office (QAO) report.
Council initiated the necessary management actions prior to the release of QAO’s final report and has continued to work collaboratively to ensure procurement issues are addressed in a manner that meet both Council and QAO expectations into the future.
In its Ordinary Meeting today, the Mayor and Councillors reaffirmed their confidence in the CEO and executive leadership team, commending them on tackling historical issues and also noting the hard work will continue.
“The new elected member team, combined with a new executive team has a mandate for transformational change for the benefit of residents and ratepayers, the hard work has commenced and as demonstrated today, the results will be openly and transparently disclosed,” Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said.
