BY TONY IROGA
The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) has begun consultations on the Auditor General Bill 2026, a landmark draft legislation that aims to strengthen the independence and effectiveness of the OAG.
The two-day consultation opened yesterday at Heritage Park Hotel bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the draft bill. The consultation will conclude today with a separate session for Parliament.
A concept note of yesterday’s session said the proposed legislation seeks public input on reforms that will modernise the National Audit Office and align it with internationally recognised standards for Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI).
The draft bill focuses on strengthening the Auditor General’s powers, safeguarding the office’s independence, improving its organisational structure, enhancing accountability, and providing greater financial and operational autonomy.
The reforms are essential to ensure the office remains an effective and independent watchdog over the use of public funds, the concept note said.
The proposed Auditor General Bill 2026 will modernise the legal framework governing the Office of the Auditor General and ensure Solomon Islands meets international auditing standards while protecting the office’s constitutional independence.
Current legislation governing the office has become outdated and has been identified for reform for almost two decades. Although replacement legislation was first drafted in 2013, it has never been introduced to Parliament.
GREAT Government has endorsed the introduction of the Auditor General Bill 2026 with cabinet giving the greenlight in June this year.
Currently the OAG is governed by section 108 of the Constitution and parts of the Public Finance and Audit Act (Cap 120).
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