Auditing claims clarified

A SOURCE at the Australian High Commission has clarified claims by Acting Auditor-General Gordon Kega that the firm, Forensic Technologies International (FTI), audited AusAID funds allocated to the Health Department.
The officer said the FTI audit looked at the procurement and distribution of medical supplies through the Papua New Guinea process and not specifically at the donated funds.
“This is not an audit of Australian-funded procurement and distribution of medical supplies that acting Auditor-General Gordon Kega claimed. The FTI audit only looked at the procurement and distribution of medical supplies through PNG processes. The funds were provided directly to the PNG Government,” the officer, who requested anonymity, said.
The response came after Kega had said that he had not sanctioned FTI to audit AusAID funds used by the Health Department.
“Procurement and distribution of medical supplies is the responsibility of the PNG Government. Australia supports PNG’s reform efforts and audits play a role in PNG’s efforts to deliver good governance.”