C&AG report - Issues require taxpayers’ attention

The annual report of Comptroller and Auditor General John Purcell was published yesterday with the results of his examination of the 2005 accounts of Government departments and offices.

It identifies a range of issues requiring public attention in the interests of transparency and accountability.

One disconcerting case highlighted in the report involved the premature disclosure of the State’s intention to build a new prison on a piece of land it was attempting to buy, which resulted in the taxpayer footing an excessive bill for the land purchase. People expect the State to adopt better business practices.