A Survey has found that despite loud statements by Governments on Budget,the people still don’t have excess to budget documents. Sothey do not knowthe checks and balances such as transparency and accountability. That’sthe conclusion ofInternational Budget Survey placing Papua New Guinea56 out of 100.
The launch ofthe OPEN BeDGET SURVEY was attheInstitute of National Affairs office in Port Moresby.
It'’s a survey of openness ofthe Budget process atthe national level, provided every two years bytheInternational Budget Partner.
The survey comparePNG with its neighbours in East Asia andthe Pacific.
It rankePNG 56 out of 100, not good enough. More information onthe budget needs to be made available.
The ranking is in line withthe provision ofthe key-8 budget documents.
Enacted BudgetoCitizens BudgetoMid-Year Review are some documents which have not been readily available tothe public.
Deputy Auditor General, Peter Sperau says this is necessary to empower citizens, and also for purposes of accountability.
He also pointed out that provincial governments are dealing with hundreds of millions of kina with no skilled staff.
And as for Districts,the DSIP funds are managed completely outside proper or transparent process.
The Auditor General’s Office is responsible for the audit of financial affairs and activities ofthe Government.
– Be Alice Thomas
