An audit of the Queensland education sector has determined that while most of the sectors are reliable in managing finances, some bear serious shortcomings relating to security, planning, the condition of assets and a doubt over whether it will attract international students as it used to.
In his report Education 2021, Auditor-General Brendan Worrall reports on his findings in the Department of Education; the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training; TAFE Queensland; 7 universities; 8 grammar schools; and other statutory bodies.
“All education entities’ financial statements are reliable and comply with relevant reporting requirements,” Mr Worrall reported.
“We continue to identify weaknesses in the entities’ information systems.”
Mr Worrall found that while the entities were continually improving the security of their systems, the risk of cyber attacks continued to increase.
“The sensitive nature of information the entities hold about students and research makes them an attractive target,” he said.
“Given how much entities rely on their information systems, they all need to strengthen their security.”
The Auditor reported that while the State’s universities were financially sound: “It remains uncertain whether international student numbers will return to their pre-pandemic levels.”
With respect to Queensland’s TAFE, Mr Worrall said its financial results had been deteriorating over the last 4 years: “And based on current projections, this is expected to continue.”
He found the Department of Education to be investing in construction and expansion projects for schools and focusing on regions expected to have strong population growth.
“However, it needs to keep up-to-date information on the condition of its assets to maintain them properly.”
The Auditor-General made two recommendations, one that TAFE Queensland continues to develop its understanding of the value of its services and the cost of delivering them and that the Departments of Education and Employment, Small Business and Training ensure the assessments for their buildings be completed as soon as possible.
Mr Worrall’s 47-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
