MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
McMullan
The media release issued by Senator Payne missed a key fact regarding the Papua New Guinean Auditor General's report.
The key fact is that no Australian money has gone into Suspense Account Number Two - the account from which the Auditor General identified that money had been misappropriated.
On this basis, it is impossible for any Australian money to have been misappropriated.
This misappropriation took place in 2005.
Subsequently Australian officials in PNG Finance assisted in closing down the trust account in 2006.
Australian officials in Port Moresby work hard with PNG to address the issues raised by the Auditor-General, particularly the need for more robust financial management and budget controls.
The Rudd Government is and will remain rigorous in doing everything within our power to ensure that Australian taxpayers' money is properly accounted for and utilised.
Contact: Sabina Curatolo (Mr McMullan's office) 0400 318 205