However, a second driver for the interest in the performance and capacity of PACs has been the global interest in governance and oversight and in the role of parliament in curbing corruption – (Stapenhurst et al., 2006).
What is certain about this time every year when the Auditor General releases his report is to expect the same trite remarks to be made by all and sundry led by the politicians. The traditional media takes the opportunity to relieve itself of the responsibility to report on the findings for a few days by sensationalizing an aspect of public sector malfeasance which is bound to manifest itself in the report. Then business continues as usual until next time around.
Disappointing has been the failure of THIS government to enact transparency legislation. It promised the legislation soon after it was elected in 2008! More disappointing is the change THIS government championed the repeal to the Public Accounts Committee Act which makes it almost impossible for the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to operate with teeth. The feeble excuse given by government that public officers must be protected is lame. Can anyone imagine the National Housing Corporation borrowing from the National Insurance Scheme to pay salaries BUT hiring employees in the lead up to the last general election? Please explain why leader of the Opposition in her capacity as Chair of the PAC was not doing taxpayers business by placing Permanent Secretary Ronald Bascombe under pressure for his role in the affair.
In the private sector a qualified audit opinion of the financial statement is regarded as unacceptable and is damaging to the company’s reputation. The fallout most often than triggers a shakeup in senior management. However, year after year our Auditor General issues qualified opinions with no significant attempt to remedy the situation. How long have we been promised NIS financials for public viewing? This is OUR money for heavenssakes!
We wait until next year to read what Auditor General Leigh E. Trotman has to report.
Relevant Link: Read Nation newspaper editorials dated April 11, 2014 and March 21, 2013
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