It has been revealed that shortcomings in the education department's payroll system have resulted in $14 million in overpayments to teachers and casual staff during the past year. The problem has been uncovered by NSW Auditor-General Bob Sendt in his latest report to Parliament, tabled this morning.

Mr Sendt says the error relates mainly to the processing of leave applications.

He says one of the worst cases involved a former teacher who was still receiving pay four years after leaving their job.

"This former employee was paid over a period of four years on leave without pay, it resulted overall in a payment of $45,000 and this employee hasn't been able to be tracked down by the department so the $45,000 is still owing," he said.

ABC Online

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