Zurenuoc: Good governance, accountability vital

 GOOD governance and accountability are vital in combating corruption, Chief Secretary Manasupe Zurenuoc says. 

Speaking during the official launch of the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council’s internal audit committee at the Morauta Haus last Friday, Zurenuoc said accountability and prudent management practices were sadly lacking in the public sector.

“Therefore, this department, as the leading central agency, is taking the lead to set up its internal audit committee. It has been long time coming,” he said.

“As agencies entrusted with public monies, we are obliged to be accountable for the funds that we use. The challenge is for each of us to lift our game. The establishment of audit committees help reduce the risk of corruption.

“Whether it has been deliberate or unintentional, we have not complied with Section 9 of the Public Finance(s) Management Act that specifies the requirement for internal audit committees. Departments have been spending without due care.  I am calling on all government agencies and State entities which do not have such committees in place to set theirs up,” he said.

Finance Secretary Steven Gibson also reiterated the need for internal audit committees to be set up in all state agencies. 

He said that very few departments and government agencies were complying by setting up these committees.