A workshop on the Public Financial Management Act 2013 for chairmen and members of both the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Public Expenditure Committee (PEC) was held on Wednesday.
The Committee Secretariat of the National Parliament in consultation with the Ministry of Finance and Treasury hosted the workshop at the Paul Tovua Complex.
This workshop was initiated by both PAC and PEC with the aim to bolster their oversight role as mandated by Parliament.
In her opening remarks to welcome the chairmen and members of PAC and PEC, Committee Secretariat Jasmine Waleafea stated the primary objective of the workshop was to assist the committee members to appreciate the concepts, intentions and principles of the Public Financial Management Act 2013.
“Solomon Islands as a Fragile State recently emerged from conflict is succumbed to levels of economical and fiscal instability, thus the demand for accountability and transparency is vital for a sound public finance within the public sector.
“It is eminent that through such legislation with the objective for risk mitigation that best practices in Public Financial Management (PFM) can be implemented.”
The Accountant General of the Ministry of Finance Paula Uluinaceva led the presentation on the Public Finance Management Act 2013 by going through its 13 different parts or policy intent.
The 13 parts as outlined were the Preliminary, Purpose and Principles of the Act, Roles and Responsibilities of the Minister, Accountable and Accounting Officers in the Management of public finance, Internal Audit, Management of consolidated fund and other funds, Preparation of the Annual Budget, Authorization to expend public money, Government borrowing on lending and guarantees, Procurement and use of public resources, Preparation of public accounts, Miscellaneous provisions, Misconduct in Office and Surcharges and Repeal and Saving Provisions.
Four of the principal policy objectives underpin global view on PFM includes; (1) Fiscal discipline, (2) Optimal allocation of funds and resources, (3) Proper (economical and ethical) use of public funds and (4) Accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.
A forum was organized following the presentation, which saw to the Committees Chairmen and other members raised issues and intensively discussed certain parts and sections of the Act. The Committees members were concern over what warrants the use of Contingency Warrant over the years and recommended a ceiling to be set for such occurrences.
They also question the robustness of the budget processes and the continuous complaints by line ministries over their given baseline annually when appearing before PAC to consider the Annual Appropriation Bills and Supplementary Appropriation Bills.
Suggestions were also made on strategies for holding to account Members of Parliament who are not Public Officers, once colluded with Public servants who are Accountable and Accounting officers; such as the Permanent Secretaries, Financial Controllers and down to the Constituency Development officers.
Whilst the Committee called on the need to strengthen internal audits within ministries as part of their accountability to Solomon Islands and its people, it also applauded the Ministry of Finance and Treasury for taking the initiative to strengthen its efforts within the ministry.
In their closing remarks, the Chairmen of PAC and PEC, Hon. Rick Hounipwela and Hon. Elijah Doromuala thanked the Accountant General for his answers to their queries as well as his outstanding presentation on the principles of the Public Management Act 2013.
They also acknowledged the National Parliament Committee Secretariat team together with the Ministry of Finance and Treasury for initiating such important and timely workshop.
Present during the workshop are the PAC Chairman Hon. Rick Hou, PEC Chairman Hon. Elijah Doromuala, CRC Chairman Hon. Mathew Wale, ECC Chairman Hon. Culwick Togamana and members Hon. Moses Garu, Hon. Jeremiah Manele, , Auditor General Acting Mr. Robert Cohen, Director Committees Mr. Marson Lilopeza, Mr. Jefferson Hallu (Committee Secretary), Jasmine Waleafea (Committee Secretary) and Vanessa Rodie (Committee Secretary).
