PARLIAMENT has been informed that a concerning 73 percent of statutory authorities, independent bodies, and commissions subjected to audits from 2019 to 2023 received unsatisfactory ratings for their financial reporting. Government MP Jovesa Vocea presented the findings in the Consolidated Review Report on the Auditor-General’s Audit Reports during a recent parliamentary session, highlighting significant gaps in the quality and timeliness of financial statements across these entities.
Vocea pointed out that five of the entities received a Disclaimer of Opinion, emphasizing that the inconsistencies were not merely numbers but reflected deep-seated governance and accountability issues. The report outlined that delays in submitting accounts, incomplete records, and the failure to provide necessary management comments or official audit statements were major obstacles, complicating the timely completion of audits.
Some entities had reports dating back to as far as 2003, showcasing the long-standing nature of these governance issues. Vocea acknowledged that while there were intermittent improvements in audit opinions and financial control measures, these positive changes have not been maintained consistently over time.
The report further identified significant governance deficiencies, particularly the lack of formal risk management policies, disaster recovery frameworks, and business continuity plans. The Auditor-General’s office has directed heads of these entities to accept full responsibility for resolving these audit findings and to implement necessary corrective actions promptly.
In a silver lining amidst these troubling findings, certain entities, such as the Accident Compensation Commission of Fiji, the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji, and the Consumer Council of Fiji, have been commended for their ongoing compliance with financial regulations. Vocea stressed that the forthcoming debates in Parliament will address these findings in hopes of encouraging accountability and reform across the affected sectors.
This situation mirrors recent reports where issues of financial mismanagement and governance have plagued various provincial councils in Fiji, with Audit Reports emphasizing the pressing need for transparent and accountable financial practices. As the calls for reform gain momentum, there remains hope that persistent efforts towards financial transparency and improved governance can restore public trust and enhance the overall integrity of Fiji’s public institutions.