Concern about computer centre

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33254, 18 June 1973, Page 2

Concern about computer centre

(Neu: Zealand Press Association:

WELLINGTON, June 17. Some aspects of the Government computer centre are causing concern to the Controller and Auditor-General.

In his report tabled in Parliament, he said that the State Services Commission assumed responsibility for the centre from June 1 last year.

It had established a computer services division to do al) data processing for Government departments except the Ministry of Defence, the Post Office, and the Ministry of Works. An audit review in 1971-72 had resulted in a number of recommendations for improving the technical and account-

ing controls of the centre, the report said. “A further review made in mid-1972, however, showed that little progress had been made in improving these controls and that in some areas there had been further deterioration.” ASSURANCES GIVEN

As a result, the report said, further representations had been made to the chairman of the State Services Commission (Mr 1. G. Lythgoe) and assurances had been received that steps would be taken to effect improvements.

Inadequate follow-up is exercised over outstand-

“The delay in implementing satisfactory standards has resulted largely from the prior need for large-scale reorganisation found necessary by the commission when it assumed control of the centre..

“Much still remains to be done, however, before acceptable standards of control of finances and data processing are achieved,” the. report said. MAIN CAUSES It said the main causes of concern to the Audit Office were.— Little progress has been made in documenting existing systems. Access to data and programmes remains relatively unrestricted. Day-to-day control over operations is inadequate. No contingency plan exists for recovery of data lost in a major disaster.

ing accounts for computer processing charges. Inaccurate expenditure accounting results in a weakness in financial

control. Serious weaknesses over the control of inwards cash. The report said that the Audit Office was keeping in touch with the centre and the chairman of the State Services Commission and it was expected that considerable progress on the recommendations would be made in the coming year.