Public accounts committees are among the most vital components of parliamentary oversight, says Speaker of the House Filimone Jitoko.
Opening the Asia-Pacific Public Accounts Committee (PAC) regional workshop in Nadi on Monday, Mr Jitoko said PAC’s vital role of scrutinising public finances set it apart from other committees.
“Each one of you plays a vital role in the work of the committee, which is accountable to your parliament or assembly, which in turn is accountable to the people it serves,” Mr Jitoko said.
“PAC distinguishes itself from other parliamentary committees through its singular focus on financial oversight.
“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 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 highlighted Fiji’s decision to appoint a subcommittee for its PAC.
“Recognising the need for deeper examination of unresolved financial matters, a subcommittee on public accounts was established in October 2024, with its membership and terms of reference finalised in March 2025.
“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.
“Its formation marks a pivotal step in the Fijian Parliament’s continued commitment to accountability and financial oversight, ensuring pressing issues receive focused and rigorous attention beyond the scope of the normal work of the committee.”
United Kingdom Parliament chair Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said the PAC committee scrutinised every pound of government expenditure in the UK to ensure they could spend it better.
“We are using very precious taxpayers’ money. People work very hard to pay their taxes and it’s incumbent upon their parliament and the scrutiny committee to make sure the money is spent as effectively as possible,” Sir Geoffrey said.
The three-day workshop was organised by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK in collaboration with the Fijian Parliament. A total of 37 delegates from 11 legislatures with a mixture of PAC chairs, deputy chairs, Members of Parliament and PAC officials were part of the meeting.
