People need to be educated about the roles and responsibilities of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
PAC Chairman, John Hickey, said people are still confused about PAC’s role, and are mixing it with other investigative organisations.
He explained that PAC’s role was not to prosecute and punish anyone. However, their role was to investigate and making sure public funds were used appropriately, based on the Auditor General’s reports.
“Our role is not to punish anyone but to make sure public money is spent properly” he said.
He said many people who use public funds never acquits so his committee have the responsibility to find out why.
Mr Hickey said this year; they will complete their findings into the Madang Provincial Government and carry out fresh enquiry into Morobe, Oro and Gulf provincial Governments.
Mr Hickey said one issue that stands out from last year’s enquiry into Madang Provincial Government was the incompetency of the staff.
He said some people in higher positions were not capable of running the department effectively and they need more training.
He said some departmental heads and their staff don’t understand their roles and responsibilities.
Mr Hickey said same issues discovered in the Madang enquiry will come up this year when they carry out their findings into other provinces.
