IRC ranked best agency

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Monday July 9th, 2012

THE Papua New Guinea Internal Revenue Commission has been ranked as the best performing government agency.
The ranking was made by an independent Department of Finance audit committee.
With senior members drawn from Finance, the Auditor-General’s Office and the private sector, the commission audit committee has statutory responsibilities to conduct an in-depth and independent review of government agencies and their business activities.
Committee chairman Rueben Aila commended Commissioner-General Betty Palaso and staff of the commission for being one of the very few government agencies to submit its 2011 annual report on time. 
He applauded the commission’s proactive and timely response to audit requirements, for its stance against corruption and for achieving revenue targets set by the government each year.
Aila said under Palaso’s leadership, the commission executive management team and staff had done a great job in maintaining and improving its accountability and transparency obligations.
“The executive management team and staff led by Palaso deserve credit for the vision, perseverance, determination and skills they have demonstrated,” he said.   
“They have raised the bar to a new level.  Other government agencies should take note.”
Welcoming the news, Palaso said credit must go to all her managers and staff, including the advisers under the Aus­AID EPSP and SGP programmes.
“All have committed time and effort in bringing IRC up to the standard where it is today.
“But in saying that, I must stress that we can still do more.
“We still have room to improve in achieving the IRC vision to be the best performing government agency in PNG and the leading tax administration in the Pacific,” Palaso said.
At the commission’s recent mid-year review, Palaso awarded commendations to staff for outstanding performance, including two awards to officers who took a proactive stance against corruption by refusing and reporting bribes.
The commission collects more than 80% of internal revenue that the government uses to provide vital public services like health, education, and infrastructure such as roads and bridges.