The Sugar Industry Tribunal’s financial reporting submissions have been delayed because of the frequent resignations of accountants and a lack of financial support, says tribunal registrar Timothy Brown.
He told the Standing Committee on Public Accounts this week the resignations made it difficult for the organisation to timely file its financial records after 2016.
“We were going for one accountant after another,” he said.
“When they leave, the person coming in has to go through the system and learn from it. Our accountants are paid about $20,000
“People will come and go, without adequate funding, securing professional support has been difficult.”
Mr Brown said without adequate funding, securing professional support had been difficult.
“We needed professional assistance, but we didn’t have the budget, which was costly. The tribunal’s office does not have the money.”
Mr Brown said he would resolve this issue and get his financial accounts in order.
