Some statutory bodies haven’t filed accounts since 2003, Parliament told

Some statutory authorities have failed to submit audited accounts dating back to 2003, Parliament heard yesterday during debate on the Auditor General's consolidated report.

Assistant Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management Jovesa Vocea revealed the shocking extent of delays while contributing to the debate.

“Just by looking at the report, it was noted that some of the accounts, auditor accounts, dated back to 2003,” Mr Vocea said.

He expressed hope that the bipartisan approach now being undertaken by the Public Accounts Committee would help address the massive backlog.

“I hope that with the bipartisan approach that we are now undertaking with the committee, looking at talking to all those who are in charge of these entities to try and uplift the tempo in improving their accounts,” Mr Vocea said.

He said that by the time current accounts are reviewed, there should be marked improvement in how statutory organisations handle their financial reporting.

The report examined 27 statutory authorities, eight commissions, and one independent body, uncovering systematic issues including late or incomplete submissions of draft accounts, delayed management responses to audit queries, and slow return of signed financial statements.

Mr Vocea said the findings reflect a broader need for structured financial systems and stronger internal controls.

He recommended that accounting personnel receive necessary training in all aspects of financial reporting to remain updated with changes in relevant standards.

“This promotes quality in the financial statements submitted for audit and provides opportunities for accounting personnel to address and resolve common issues that are recurring,” he said.

Mr Vocea also called for CEOs to strengthen internal control mechanisms to ensure financial statements are submitted on time.

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