Evidence to the Inquiry into Government Accounts. Parliament's Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC).

Abstract

We welcome this opportunity to submit written evidence to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee Inquiry into Government Accounts. This reply draws on recent published academic work and senior level personal experience of both central government and local government accounting practices. The main focus of our response is that progress has been made and continues to be made with government accounting, but the culture has to further change to embrace the full benefits of accrual accounting. This undoubtedly has to involve financial literacy becoming a norm for politicians and civil servants alike rather than an add-on, a specific skill, a nice to have or even a tick box to promotion. For this to happen involves a more rigorous continuation of building institutional capacity and capability, and further recognition on the importance of accounting for good governance.