Walsh slams annual reports delay

Peter Bannan
THE delayed tabling of more than 250 annual reports in Victorian Parliament last week has been slammed by Nationals leader Peter Walsh.

Accusing the government of avoiding scrutiny, Mr Walsh said Premier Daniel Andrews had wanted to ensure “he and his secrets remained hidden from public scrutiny” prior to the state election.

However, an accountant shortage was blamed for the situation.

Annual reports are tabled on or before October 30 annually, and the last sitting day of Parliament for the last term was September 15.

A letter from Treasurer Tim Pallas revealed the Auditor-General had advised “the currently scarce resources in the accounting industry” were to blame.

The shortage was confirmed by Certified Practising Accountants (CPA) Australia spokesperson Dr Jane Rennie.

Some of the 2021-22 annual reports tabled this week included Mildura Base Public Hospital, Robinvale District Health Service, Mallee Track Health and Community Service, Mallee Catchment Management Authority and Lower Murray Water.

Mr Walsh said Victorians deserved to know what was occurring in government agencies, rather than have it “obscured before they cast their vote”.
“The Andrews Government continues to overspend on city-based projects and these annual reports offer a glimpse into the expenditure, staffing and project management of our public agencies,” he said.

“Accountability, scrutiny and integrity are important, for not only the processes of government but also the elected officials.”

Digital Editions

  • Hughesy brings pain and punchlines

    Hughesy brings pain and punchlines

    FOOTBALL injuries, near-death scares and the absurdity of modern life are all on the bill as Dave Hughes heads back to Swan Hill with a…

More News

  • Paint sized fun at art class

    Paint sized fun at art class

    SUNRAYSIA Arts and Learning at Merbein has created a safe, inclusive space on Thursday afternoons during term two for budding young artists to unleash their creativity with paint, pencils, clay,…

  • Fuel supply not problem – Wentworth Shire Council meeting briefs

    Fuel supply not problem – Wentworth Shire Council meeting briefs

    THE fuel crisis is not expected to affect Wentworth Council day-to-day operations. In response to a question posed by Cr Brian Beaumont at the April regular meeting in regard to…

  • Thanks for neighbours and community after fire

    Thanks for neighbours and community after fire

    A MILDURA family is on the road to recovery after their Hector Street home was destroyed in a fire believed to have been caused by an electrical fault. The blaze…

  • Peeps into the Past – 12 to 18 April: A place to remember

    Peeps into the Past – 12 to 18 April: A place to remember

    PRESENTED by Mildura and District Historical Society and compiled by Judy Hyde for Mildura Rural City Council Libraries. 100 YEARS AGO CURRANTS: Currants have this year been a good crop,…

  • Eating healthy

    Eating healthy

    FROM kitchen gardens to comfort baking and budget-smart dinners, these four practical guides each offer down‑to‑earth inspiration for cultivating a healthier, happier and more sustainable everyday life. Leaves, Roots &…

  • On the road to better health

    On the road to better health

    ACCESS to healthcare is getting a major boost across the Mildura region, with a $3.5 million multipurpose screening truck to bring vital health checks directly to local communities and remove…

  • Step inside screening truck

    Step inside screening truck

    THE Sunraysia Farmers and Makers Market will take on a health focus this Saturday, with a fully equipped multipurpose screening truck set to be on display at Jaycee Park as…

  • Businesses back truck

    Businesses back truck

    LOCAL businesses, including Chemist Warehouse Mildura and Sunbeam Foods, have given strong support to the Mildura Base Public Hospital Foundation (MBPHF) multipurpose screening truck. The $3.5 million initiative, developed by…

  • Livestock warning for burn piles

    Livestock warning for burn piles

    FARMERS are being cautioned to keep stock animals away from burn piles as the state continues to lift fire restrictions. Officers from Agriculture Victoria are encouraging livestock producers to view…

  • Disease detection for livestock

    Disease detection for livestock

    A SENIOR veterinary officer is encouraging Victorian Farmers to monitor animals for early detection of exotic diseases. In a recent statement, Agriculture Victoria senior veterinary officer Jeff Cave highlighted the…