The Audit Office of New South Wales is a statutory authority, established under the Government Sector Audit Act 1983, that conducts audits for the Auditor-General. These audits help Parliament hold government accountable for its use of public resources. The Audit Office conducts financial and performance audits, principally under the Government Sector Audit Act 1983 and the Local Government Act 1993. Financial audits provide an independent opinion on NSW government entities', universities' and councils' financial statements. They identify whether their financial statements comply with accounting standards and relevant laws, regulations and government directions. Performance audits review whether public money is spent efficiently, effectively, economically and in accordance with the law. Special audits are sometimes conducted to confirm that specific legislation, directions, and regulations have been adhered to. The Audit Office also provides certain assurance services over Commonwealth grants and payments to the NSW government and local government under Commonwealth legislation. The core values of the Audit Office of New South Wales are: • Pride in purpose • Curious and open-minded • Valuing people • Contagious integrity • Courage (even when it's uncomfortable)