Auditor-General David Dennis has confirmed that his office is updating its referral work with police on specialist assistance once that’s completed formal referral to police should be made next month regarding the much-discussed audit into the ESP.
The audit into the Economic Stimulus Package was released by the OAG in September and the report found widespread abuse of the funds especially the imprest. It also uncovered widespread disregard for the procedures of management and disbursement of public funds.
Since the release of the report, there has been public outcry for police to take action and charge those who were alleged to be responsible for the abuse.
Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau had confirmed that his office had met with the OAG to discuss the matter but there were no formal referrals for police to investigate.
He reiterated in the past three weeks that they were unable to take any further actions unless they receive referrals from the OAG.
When contact today, Auditor General David Dennis confirmed that they are working on it and once that is completed formal referrals would be made next month.
Dennis said: “My office is updating our referral framework with Police with specialist assistance. Once this is complete we will make a formal referral to Police. We hope to complete this process by early January 2025.”
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