New report identifies incomplete disclosures and recommends standardised reporting across ministries
Image of Auditor General Heather Thomas supplied.
Auditor General Heather Thomas has found inconsistencies and missing documentation in the way government ministries handle and disclose ministerial travel, meal, and hospitality expenses.
In her latest report, Auditor General Thomas reviewed whether ministries have “fit- for- purpose frameworks” in place to manage and publicly report these expenses through the government’s travel webpage.
“While the disclosure of ministerial travel expenses is not mandated by law, publishing this information demonstrates respect for public funds, fiscal responsibility, and accountability,” said Auditor General Thomas. “Transparency in the use of government resources – particularly for travel – is best practice, and the Public have the Right to Know.”
The review identified several issues, including incomplete disclosures, inconsistent posting timelines, and missing receipts, as listed below.
- Expenses without appropriate support – Original receipts were not included for all travel expense claims.
- Incomplete or inaccurate disclosures – Complete information not disclosed on the government travel webpage.
- Inconsistent timelines – Different ministries posted travel expenses at varying times, ranging from a day or two to several weeks after travel expense claims were processed.
- Lack of central records – Not all ministries in-scoped maintained a comprehensive and central record of ministers’ travel available for review.
- Delegation costs excluded – Current disclosures on the government travel webpage do not include the costs of accompanying ministerial delegations.
To address these gaps, Auditor General Thomas recommended the establishment of a standardised reporting system with clear guidelines, strengthen internal controls and training of public officers and ministers, and ensure the total cost of ministerial delegations are included in future disclosures.
You can read the full report below.
