Volume Two 2012 - MPs not following the rules
Auditor-General's Report to Parliament
30 May 2012
Parliament approved temporary staff payments before work had been performed and $20,486 of unspent allowances had not been returned.
Additional Temporary Staff
The Auditor-General also issued a recommendation to Members not to approve time worked by additional temporary staff before the work had been done.
“My audit found instances where Members approved payments to additional temporary staff before work had been done,” said Mr Achterstraat. “Members who do this are in contravention of a direct instruction from the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly and the Members Handbook not to engage in this practice.”
“It is a basic principle of good governance to not sign for work that has not yet been delivered and I would remind Members not to approve additional temporary staff claim forms before the actual work has been done.”
Sydney Allowance
The Sydney Allowance is paid to Members who reside in non-metropolitan electorates to cover additional costs associated with staying in Sydney to attend parliamentary business. Unspent monies are to be returned annually.
“Members must meet all their financial obligations on time, and this includes paying back an allowance they didn’t use,” said Mr Achterstraat.
Further information
Emily Watson, on 02 9275 7408 or 0425 329 363 and email emily.watson@audit.nsw.gov.au
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