Consultations into the Auditor General Bill 2026 have recently resumed following Cabinet approval to continue, after the Government of Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation came into power. The latest of the consultations was held this week with the newly formed Public Accounts Committee at the Paul Tovua Complex at the National Parliament in Honiara.
Consultations into the Bill initially started at the beginning of the year, seeking input on the draft legislation, which covers, holding the public sector to account, and the OAG’s independence, structure and autonomy, among others.
Consultations have so far been held with all Government Ministries, the private sector, state owned Enterprise, Non-government organizations, Civil Society Organizations and Integrity institutions and various other stakeholders within the community.
Speaking to members of the Public Accounts Committee this morning, Auditor General, Mr. David Teika Dennis emphasized the importance of continuing consultations into the proposed Bill.
“It is important that consultations into the proposed bill continue, to speed up the process of making it into a law, to ensure we are fully independent, and wellresourced to audit and report on public finances and the performance of the public sector. The resumption of engaging with our important stakeholders was made possible with assistance from Australia, and we are very grateful for the support for the resumed consultations.”
“The current legislation governing the work of my office is currently outdated, thus the need for a new Bill that ensures we do our work effectively and independently. Through the consultations, we hope to hear from our stakeholders and the public, about their views on the proposed bill, which is an important requirement for the Bill Committee is be passed in parliament,” said Auditor General Dennis.
Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and Parliament Member for North Guadalcanal Constituency, the Hon, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai described the bill as the way forward in holding the expenditure of public funds to account.
“We fully support this bill, the Office of the Auditor General needs to be independent to do its job effectively and the public also needs to know how public funds are being handled and spent.
“We must be accountable when it comes to public funds and if the CDF Act can penalize Constituency Development Officers as well as Parliament members, it is fair that the bill ensures the same be done for public servants entrusted with public funds.
“If we believe in transparency and accountability, and in moving Solomon Islands forward, then all of us in the Executive Government, the Opposition and the Independent group must support the bill when it comes to parliament for the benefit of our people, and the country,” said PAC Chairman, the Hon Dr Paul Popora Bosawai.
Consultations will continue to roll out with the wider community before it will be brought the National Parliament to be deliberated upon and debated on before it is expected to be passed as a law.
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For media enquiries contact:
Communication Specialist Rosalie Nongebatu.
Solomon Islands Office of the Auditor General.
Email: RNongebatu@oag.gov.asb
Phone: 28886
Senior Public Officials from various Government Ministries who participated in the consultations last week.
A Solomon Water representative during consultations with the Private sector this week.
PAC Chairman the Hon Dr Paul Popora Boswai (centre) with the Auditor General David Dennis and honorable members of the PAC and officials from OAG and PAC Secretariat.
