Auditor General David Teika Dennis and Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman Dr Paul Popora Bosawai have called for stronger legal protections to safeguard the independence of the Office of the Auditor General.
They say the proposed reform is critical to strengthening accountability and ensuring proper oversight of public finances.
Their comments came as consultations on the Auditor General Bill 2026 resumed this week following Cabinet approval by the GREAT Coalition Government to continue the legislative process after taking office in May.
The latest consultation was held with the newly established Public Accounts Committee headed by North Guadalcanal MP Bosawai.
Addressing committee members, Dennis said the proposed legislation would modernise the legal framework governing the Office of the Auditor General and strengthen its independence, autonomy and capacity to scrutinise the management of public funds.
“It is important that consultations on the proposed Bill continue so we can expedite its passage into law, ensuring the Office of the Auditor General is fully independent and adequately resourced to audit and report on public finances and the performance of the public sector,” Dennis said.
He said the current law governing the Auditor General’s Office is outdated and no longer reflects the needs of a modern public accountability institution.
“The current legislation governing the work of my office is outdated, which is why we need a new Bill that enables us to carry out our responsibilities effectively and independently.
“Through these consultations, we want to hear the views of stakeholders and the public on the proposed legislation before it is presented to Parliament.”
Dennis also acknowledged Australia’s support in helping restart the consultation process.
“The resumption of consultations with our key stakeholders has been made possible through Australia’s assistance, and we are grateful for its continued support.”
Chairman Bosawai said PAC strongly supported the proposed reforms, describing an independent Auditor General as fundamental to ensuring proper oversight of public expenditure.
“We fully support this Bill,” Bosawai said.
“The Office of the Auditor General must be independent to perform its duties effectively, and the public has a right to know how public funds are managed and spent,” he added.
He said accountability should apply equally across the public sector.
“If the Constituency Development Funds Act provides penalties for Constituency Development Officers and Members of Parliament, it is only fair that public servants entrusted with public money are held to the same standard.”
Bosawai urged all Members of Parliament to support the legislation when it is introduced.
“If we truly believe in transparency, accountability and moving Solomon Islands forward, then everyone in Government, the Opposition and the Independent Group should support this Bill for the benefit of our people and our country.”
Consultations on the Auditor General Bill began earlier this year and have included government ministries, state-owned enterprises, private sector representatives, civil society organisations, integrity institutions and other stakeholders.
The Bill proposes reforms to strengthen the independence, governance and operational autonomy of the Office of the Auditor General while enhancing its role in promoting accountability across the public sector.
Consultations will continue with the wider public before the Bill is presented to Parliament for debate and consideration.
