PAC in Need of Reform.
Through the provision of this column and other media, Integrity Group Barbados has advocated for new, progressive and effective pieces of legislation that can enhance the island’s integrity framework. Although these legislation are necessary, Barbadians must not overlook existing statutes like the Public Account Committee Act that ought to be improved. The PAC is a joint parliamentary committee whose role is to examine and scrutinize whether government’s financial activities were conducted in a prudent and satisfactory manner. This process is facilitated by the Auditor General’s report that provides the PAC with the insight to conduct its reviews.
In the absence of more stringent legislation that promotes governmental accountability, the PAC remains one of the most robust checks and balances at our disposal. The opposition leader, who chairs the PAC, highlights this robustness, as he/she is likely to be keen in their appraisal of government’s financial behavior. The PAC also promotes accountability since it can summon witnesses to give evidence and report them to the House in instances of noncompliance.
Flaws in the PAC’s structure
Nevertheless, the PAC’s institutional effectiveness can be inhibited due to structural imperfections such as how it is comprised. The composition of Barbados’ PAC includes thirteen members from both houses with seven government members, five oppositional and one independent senator. Additionally, the operation of committee business is dependent on at least a five-member quorum.
Given the composition of parliament in the wake of the 2018 general election, the current opposition must rely on government members to form a quorum. Over the years, various opposition leaders have voiced their frustrations over the poor attendance of government members at committee meetings. This should come as no surprise as government members are unlikely to wholeheartedly examine and scrutinize their own potential mismanagement.
Although the opposition leader as the PAC’s chairman is considered a strength, it can be a double-edged sword. This arrangement allows the neutrality of the PAC’s to be challenged and its reports dismissed as mere partisan politics. Additionally, the timing of the Auditor General’s report means the PAC’s review that subsequently follows a change of government is unlikely to be rigorous, as the new chairman; presumably the former prime minister, is responsible for scrutinizing the conduct of their final year in office. Although such a situation would not obtain this year, we must consider reforming the composition of the PAC to ensure that it is not immobilized by political biases and electoral outcomes.
How to reform the PAC
As an alternative to the PAC’s parliamentarian composition, Barbados should consider comprising the committee with a body of unelected and non-partisan officials with the appropriate backgrounds. Moreover, the functions and the scope of its mandate should be broadened, as this could potentially be a greater deterrent to wastage and wrongdoings. This scope could include the independent assessment of various policies, their efficiency, effectiveness and impact, as poor policies are major contributors to government wastage.
Transparency needed
Increased transparency and ensuring public access should also be included in PAC reform. Currently, Section 61 of the Standing Orders of Parliament prevents the premature publication of evidence and documents of select committees before they have reported to the House. This contradicts the Public Accounts Committee Act, which stipulates that evidence of the PAC shall be heard in public. Matters overseeing the spending of taxpayer dollars should warrant the public’s involvement and therefore the PAC should be exempt from Section 61. This would allow for the public broadcast of, and public attendance to, various committee proceedings. This public and media presence may have the added benefits of holding officials to account and encourage the prudent management of the people’s affairs.
Despite recent errors concerning the tabling of the Integrity in Public Life bill, Integrity Group Barbados is encouraged by the promise that such errors will be rectified and integrity will be prioritized. Given the role of the PAC in public sector integrity, we also recommend that PAC reform be emphasized.