Page 730 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 1 May 2007
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expected, there are issues, such as those reflected in the question, around what is an appropriate level.
The tests in relation to, say, official entertainment are subjective as to what is appropriate, expected and delivered. That is the case at all levels of government and throughout business. There are different expectations and different levels of what would be appropriate in relation to expenditure on official entertainment—depending on the nature of the organisation; whether or not it is a commercial entity with perhaps a different culture; and the nature and level of the official entertainment and expenditure, particularly where it involves alcohol. For an ACT public servant, the situation would certainly be different from what one would expect from, say, one of the ACT’s TOCs. With a commercial enterprise, as opposed to a non-commercial enterprise, the expectations are different. I would expect a different level of expenditure—and, indeed, accountability—in relation to that.
To conjure up some great ogre around maladministration or misfeasance involving credit card use within the ACT is an unjustified slight and slur on the ACT public service. In the Auditor-General’s report there was no suggestion of widespread misuse. There were some instances, essentially characterised by the auditor as irregularities. To that extent, that is to be regretted. Indeed, as a result of that particular inquiry—perhaps it was not that inquiry, perhaps it was a result of the Auditor-General’s report into Rhodium; I will have to check—I sought assurances from my agencies in relation to credit card use and the appropriateness of credit card use.
These are issues that bedevil all organisations. I know it is an issue much in the minds of the Australian Hotels Association and auditors at all levels of government. Whether an organisation is public or commercial, it must deal with the issues of governance and operation.
We are open; we are transparent. We have an independent, well resourced Auditor-General who has recently undertaken an inquiry into this issue in relation to the ACT public service. While I have some regrets, as I am sure do some other individuals, I am essentially satisfied with the levels of reporting and the levels of review, transparency and accountability of ACT government officials. To grouse and seek to stir up a campaign of fear and loathing in relation to ACT public servants around credit card usage is, to be blunt about it, most regrettable. (Time expired.)
MRS BURKE: Given that, by your own admission of regret and what is contained in the Auditor-General’s report, some irregularities were found, what action have you taken to ensure good governance through thorough record keeping and accounting practices?
MR STANHOPE: As I just indicated, we have a well resourced, independent Auditor-General—statutorily independent—who reviews these issues. And, as I just said in response to the initial question, at some stage—I would have to check and clarify the timing—I have sought personal assurance from all ACT government agencies in relation to processes in place for ensuring appropriate and accountable use of credit cards.
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