New ‘task force’

Press, 2 December 1978, Page 1

New ‘task force’

PA Wellington The Treasury will get a new “task force” to implement financial management reforms in Government departments. said the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) yesterday. He' said that the step would be taken after the report of the Controller and Auditor-General in May, which showed inadequacies in departmental management. “The Auditor-General’s report mentioned steps already taken to improve the position,” Mr Muldoon said. “Reorganising the public

accounts and staff training have gone ahead in recent years. “However, all departments will have to make a greater effort to install modern financial management systems, as well as to train staff to produce the improvements the Government wants.’’ Mr Muldoon said that the Treasury “task force” would work with managers in departments and implement the reforms needed. Mr J. T. Chapman, the Assistant Controller and Auditor-General, will be

seconded to the Treasury to head the “task force.” Other officers from the Audit Office will join Treasury officials to form the core of Mr Chapman’s team.

Staff from the State Services Commission and other departments will be seconded to the “task force,” and private consultants may be engaged for special assignments. The Controller and Auditor-General, and the chairman of the State Services Commission, will meet the Secretary to the Treasury regularly to review progress.