The Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) has not audited the financial accounts of the i-Taukei Affairs Board since 2007, as indicated by Auditor-General Finau Nagera during a presentation to the Public Accounts Committee. This discussion was part of the review of the audit reports for the General Administration Sector for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Nagera noted that the OAG is waiting for the draft financial statements for 2008 and subsequent years to be submitted for auditing. These pending audits will be outsourced to external accounting firms. She expressed satisfaction over the progress of financial reports from the Provincial Council, stating that they are only a few years behind.
The OAG aims to finalize the financial accounts for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 within the current financial year. A total of 56 draft financial reports are set to be audited internally by the OAG, with plans to complete the 2023-2024 financial report in the following financial year (2024-2025), bringing all provincial councils up to date.
Nagera emphasized the importance of accountability, stating that the Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs has the responsibility to supervise the i-Taukei Affairs Board and the provincial councils, ensuring timely reporting not only to the Ministry and the OAG but also to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and, ultimately, Parliament, which allocates the funds.