PUBLIC ACCOUNTS - STANDING COMMITTEE

Report on Review of Auditor-General’s Report No. 7 of 1994

MS FOLLETT (Leader of the Opposition) (12.23): I present Report No. 2 of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts entitled “Review of Auditor-General's Report No. 7, 1994 - Various Agencies - Overseas Travel Executives and Others, and Implementation of Major IT Projects”. I move:

That the report be noted.

This audit report was presented to the previous Assembly on 21 September 1994. The report encompasses two audits, the principal one being an audit of overseas travel by senior members of the ACT public sector, including members of the Assembly. Its purpose was to assess whether internal controls are adequate. The audit found many errors in calculation of allowances, arising mainly from the complexity of the guidelines and calculations necessary rather than intentional misuse of seniority or authority. I think it is worth mentioning, Mr Speaker, that no errors were found in allowances for members of the Assembly. The audit recommended a review and simplification of the relevant regulations, guidelines for travel by the judiciary and non-government holders of public office, a determination for travelling allowances for members of the Assembly, the appropriate acquittal of travelling allowances and a review by Treasury of procedures for the control of receipt of moneys. The committee supports the audit recommendations.

The audit noted the loss or theft of an amount of some $1,070 involved in the acquittal of a travelling allowance, which was investigated by the Treasury and by the Fraud Prevention Unit but, regrettably, inconclusively. The committee discussed the matter with the Treasury. We noted that it has taken action to improve the arrangements for acquittal of allowances and has made certain recommendations. The committee also focused upon frequent flyer points and has made a recommendation in relation to this matter.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS - STANDING COMMITTEE

Report on Review of Auditor-General’s Report No. 6 of 1994

MS FOLLETT (Leader of the Opposition) (12.25): Mr Speaker, I present Report No. 3 of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts entitled “Review of Auditor-General's Report No. 6, 1994 - Various Agencies - Inter-Agency Charging, Management of Private Trust Funds”. I move:

That the report be noted.

Mr Speaker, this report was presented to the previous Assembly on 25 August 1994. As with the committee's report No. 2, this report covers two audits - interagency charging and the management of private trust funds. Interagency charging was introduced with the aim of determining the cost of all services provided between ACT Government Service agencies and to attribute those costs to relevant programs in order to maximise resources,

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