The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is empowered to conduct public hearings, summon witnesses, and receive submissions from ministries, departments, and the public, Speaker of the Fijian Parliament, Filimone Jitoko.
He made the comments while opening the Asia-Pacific Public Accounts Committee Regional Workshop in Nadi on Monday
“PAC distinguishes itself from other parliamentary committees through its singular focus on financial oversight,” he said.
“While other Standing Committees may assess policies, legislation, or departmental performance, the PAC is dedicated to examining reports from the Auditor-General.”
“Its primary role is to ensure that public funds are utilised efficiently, effectively, and in accordance with their intended purposes.”
“This critical responsibility positions the PAC at the core of our democracy’s accountability framework.”
Mr Jitoko also said Fiji now had a Subcommittee on Public Accounts.
“This Subcommittee is tasked with addressing critical concerns identified in two significant reports previously reviewed by the Public Accounts Committee which after all said and done, the Committee still felt dissatisfied.”
