PARLIAMENT has been told that nearly three-quarters of statutory authorities, independent bodies and commissions audited between 2019 and 2023 received unsatisfactory assessments of their financial reporting.
Tabling the Consolidated Review Report on the Auditor-General’s 2019–2023 Audit Reports, Government MP Jovesa Vocea said 73 per cent of entities reviewed were rated unsatisfactory for the quality and timeliness of their financial statements.
“The committee observed that five entities received a Disclaimer of Opinion,” he said.
“The quality and timeliness of financial statements varied significantly among entities, with 73 percent assessed as unsatisfactory.”
Mr Vocea said delays in submitting accounts, incomplete records, and failure to provide management comments or signed audit statements were among the main factors that hindered timely audit completion.
He said some entities’ reports dated back to 2003, reflecting long-standing governance and accountability issues.
“There have been periods of improvement in audit opinions, quality, timeliness, and internal controls, but the qualifications were not sustained over time.”
The committee also highlighted serious governance gaps, including the absence of formal risk management policies, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans.
It directed entity heads to take full responsibility for addressing audit issues and to implement corrective measures without delay.
The report commended several entities for their consistent compliance, including the Accident Compensation Commission of Fiji, the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji, the Consumer Council of Fiji, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, and Investment Fiji. Debate on the report will take place at a future sitting of Parliament.
