LEADER OF Opposition Business in the Senate, Peter Bunting, has suggested that the Government should stop reappointing board members who preside over agencies and public bodies whose annual reports remain outstanding for years.
In debating the Financial Administration and Audit (Amendment) (N0. 2) Act, 2023 yesterday, to transfer the functions of the Audit Commission to a ministry, department or agency of government, Bunting argued that legislation alone was not sufficient to ensure that good governance is observed by technocrats and board of directors in the public service.
The Audit Commission was established in April 2005 as a body charged with the responsibility for ensuring the continued effectiveness of audit committees.
Bunting told members of the Upper House that while legislative measures have been introduced to improve governance, there remained significant tardiness in terms of compliance with the statutes governing public bodies and government agencies.
He highlighted a few key public bodies that have been delinquent in submitting their annual reports to Cabinet.
“Most of these boards come to Cabinet for review. I think that when you are reappointing persons who…
