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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 6 Hansard (22 June) . . Page.. 1719 ..
Although there is some disparity in regard to minor issues between the statements of the people concerned, it is not surprising having regard to the time lapse since the event. In any case those anomalies do not directly affect the basic facts of the matter, and on that basis alone it would be inappropriate to label any one of those persons as a suspect.
It is noted that you have already conducted an internal investigation, and you were unable to conclude whether or not the currency was "misplaced, lost, accidentally destroyed or stolen".
Bearing in mind the facts of the case outlined above, and in particular a breakdown of basic accounting procedures together with a total lack of security (effectively increasing substantially the number of people with access), it is believed that any further investigation is unlikely to reveal the fate of the missing currency. It was on that basis that it was determined that the matter should not be pursued unless further evidence is produced to substantiate criminality.
In any case, it is recommended that you consider taking disciplinary action against any person or persons who you are able to identify as having had responsibility for the safe keeping of the currency prior to its disposal in an appropriate manner.'
The Audit Office generally agrees with the Unit's comments. There is a clear need for Treasury management to ensure that control procedures are improved.
Qualifications of Accounting Staff
Treasury are responsible for preparation of financial statements for:Treasury;
ACT Superannuation Provision Trust Account;
ACT Borrowing and Investment Trust Account (ACTBIT); and
ACT Registrar of Financial Institutions.
A limited number of trained and qualified accounting staff within Treasury were involved with the preparation of financial statements.
Although two of the four financial statements prepared within Treasury were by the Capital Markets section, which is headed by a qualified accountant, this officer only had direct involvement with the ACTBIT financial statements.
None of the officers involved with preparation of the 1993-94 Treasury financial statements have accounting qualifications. Treasury engaged a firm of private accountants to assist with preparation of these statements.
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