The Auditor General has tabled a report on the transparency of 15 major State Government projects, declaring the level to be inadequate and taking it on herself to investigate the projects and report on their status until the Government ‘fills the gap’.
In her review, Transparency Report: Major Projects, Auditor General, Caroline Spencer says that as the situation stands, Parliament and the public cannot easily access information on the projects’ progress.
“My office has commented on this lack of transparency in a number of previous reports,” Ms Spencer said.
“It is my view that Government should provide regular public reporting on the status of major projects to satisfy public interest, promote accountability, and build trust and confidence,” she said.
“It is my intention to periodically report and track a selection of major projects until Government fills the gap.”
She said of the 15 projects selected, none publicly reported cost and time progress on a regular basis.
“All are being managed within their current approved funding. Detailed planning has resulted in increased funding for three projects and five have had their funding reduced,” Ms Spencer said.
“I am pleased the Department of Treasury, Department of Finance and Infrastructure WA support, in principle, the recommendation to work together to improve transparency.”
The Auditor General’s 43-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
The Audit team was Aloha Morrissey and Colin Campbell.
