The Integrity Commission Responds to Allegations of Unaudited Financial Affairs
The Integrity Commission (IC) has responded to comments made by government legislator Everald Warmington, who stated that the Commission’s financial and accounting affairs had not been audited for years and that no audit report had been submitted to Parliament.
Commission Denies Allegations
In a statement, the IC said that Warmington’s claims were "falsely" made, and that the Commission’s financial and accounting affairs have been audited annually by an independent external auditor since its inception six years ago. The IC’s accounting and financial affairs have been conducted under and in compliance with Section 20(1) of the Integrity Commission Act (ICA), which requires the Commission to keep proper accounts of its receipts, payments, assets, and liabilities, and to have these accounts audited annually by an auditor appointed by the Commission with the approval of the Minister of Finance.
Audit Reports Have Been Submitted
The Commission stated that it has submitted audited financial statements to Parliament for the past six years, and that these statements are part of the Commission’s annual reports, which are tabled in the House of Representatives. In respect of the 2023/2024 fiscal year, the Commission’s Annual Report, including the audited and signed financial statements, was submitted to Parliament on June 26, 2024, and was formally tabled in the House of Representatives on July 9, 2024.
Commission Expresses Concern
The Commission expressed concern that some parliamentarians continue to exhibit an apparent lack of knowledge or understanding of the laws they are elected to write, and that some do not read the reports of the Integrity Commission that are routinely tabled in the House of Representatives.
FAQs
Q: Is the Integrity Commission’s financial and accounting affairs audited annually?
A: Yes, the Commission’s financial and accounting affairs have been audited annually by an independent external auditor since its inception six years ago.
Q: Have audit reports been submitted to Parliament?
A: Yes, the Commission has submitted audited financial statements to Parliament for the past six years, and these statements are part of the Commission’s annual reports.
Q: What is the process for auditing the Commission’s financial and accounting affairs?
A: The Commission’s accounting and financial affairs are audited annually by an independent external auditor, and the appointment of the auditor is approved in writing by the Minister of Finance.
Q: Why is it important for parliamentarians to read the reports of the Integrity Commission?
A: It is important for parliamentarians to be informed about the work of the Integrity Commission and to take the necessary steps to ensure that the Commission is able to effectively carry out its mandate.
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