Panel will act on PAC reports

By HARLYNE JOKU
THE chairman of the new Finance Department’s Audit Committee has given an assurance that recommendations by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to prevent abuse and tighten procedures will be implemented.
Sir Makena Geno noted that past reports by the PAC had not been acted upon and “the situation remains the same and the same mistakes continue to be made”.
“We will now ensure that corrective measures will be taken on departments,” he said after the launching of the committee by Finance and Treasury Minister Patrick Pruiatch at Vulupindi Haus yesterday.
Sir Makena, who is a former auditor-general, welcomed the setting up of the committee as part of efforts to promote good governance in the public sector.
“The Finance Ministry has done an excellent job not only to set up an audit committee in the Department of Finance but also in other Government institutions.
“It is a move in the right direction and indeed a reflection of the Government’s determination and commitment towards promoting good governance, accountability and transparency,” he said.
Sir Makena said the audit committee would provide a venue not only for discussing strategic auditing issues but also for ensuring that remedial actions were taken by the department on matters concerning the external and internal auditor’s reports and the PAC reports.
The committee will meet four times a year, with the first meeting scheduled for Nov 21.
The other members are Finance Secretary Gabriel Yer, Auditor-General George Sullimann and David Conn, president of Port Moresby’s Chamber of Commerce.
In his speech, Mr Pruaitch said the committee was part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to improve the management of public finances and performance of the public service.
He said that the committee would work independently through advice and recommendations of the finance secretary.