By HARLYNE JOKU
GOVERNMENT grants of about K10 million paid annually to the Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) will come under scrutiny this year and the future.
This has been made possible through the launch of the TPA Audit committee on Wednesday the January 10, 2021.
Minister for Tourism and Promotion Authority Isi Henry Leonard said he was happy that the TPA Audit Committee is in place to ensure good governance and transparency.
Chief Executive Officer of TPA Mr Eric Mossman Uvuvo said the launching of the Audit Committee was a significant milestone in the TPA roadmap.
“We would like to first acknowledge the hard work done by behind the scenes that we are witnessing today – a branch that will ensure transparency and that process and procedures are being followed in administering the TPA funds,” Mr Uvuvo said.
He thanked the Internal Auditor Robert Tukundo for his hard effort in getting the committee up and running.
Deputy Finance Secretary Margaret Tanakanai congratulated TPA saying it is the 54th State body that was launched out of the 700 plus government departments and State bodies since the March 01, 2005 when the amendment was introduced to the Section 9 of the Public Finances Management Act 1995.
Ms Tanakanai said the purpose and role of the internal audit is to provide independent assurance that an organization’s risk management, governance and internal control process are operating effectively.
“All government entities receiving public monies must establish and operate Internal Audit Unit and Audit Committees. It is a key component of an organization’s government structure,” Ms Tanakanai said.
The TPA Audit Committee’s key role is to improve and provide transparency, good governance, risk management and internal control practices.
The Audit Committee membership comprise of the Secretary Finance as the head, a delegate from the auditor general, the head of the organisation and two independent members.
She said the Audit Committee plays an advisory role, however ultimate decision making rests with the managements of the organisations.
The mandate of the TPA Manadate Committee is:
- To ensure good governance and transparency;
- Department of Finance has a mandate under the Public Finance Management Act, to strengthen our country’s democracy by enabling oversight, accountability and governance in the financial sector through financial reporting, thereby building public confidence;
- Oversee the preparation and distribution of the Financial Statements and Information externally;
- Reviewing the nomination and performance if the External Auditors and;
- Ensure that the Audit Recommendations are implemented.
- Meanwhile, the Minister for Tourism Isi Henry Leonard said Covid-19 has affected the Tourism Industry in PNG especially the travel and movement of international tourists into the country.
“We have to rise up beyond the Covid-19 challenge, and promote more local tourism and communities. It is important that we put together a plan to promote local tourism,” Mr Leonard said.