By GORETHY KENNETH

THE Auditor-General Office (AGO) is under investigation by various investigating agencies for procedural appointments and alleged “misdeeds”. 
According to reports obtained by the Post-Courier, all was not well with the AGO, especially with appointments starting at the top and the procedures of these appointments.

Other allegations which are now the subject of investigations include misconduct in office; controversial decisions; misapplication of entitlements; non-compliance with legislative requirements; outstanding annual reports; and the fact that executive heads were never sworn into the office by the Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea.
The office is also being investigated for allegations surrounding the PNG Sports Federation, an issue that has been hanging for the AGO since 2011.

The Ombudsman Commission was contacted last Friday and they confirmed they have received a copy of a report on several allegations with respect to the office but the commission could not divulge details of the report and the investigations.
The Task Force Sweep Team was also contacted and they confirmed that they have also received some papers on the matter but could not comment further. 

The Government has also been furnished with a report on the operations of the AGO and the allegations surrounding it. The Post-Courier is in possession of the some of the reports provided to these investigating authorities.
The AGO was contacted but the newly appointed Auditor-General Philip Nauga was not available for comment.
Instead the office provided information about the AG’s office five-year plan and that their primary function is the audit of financial affairs and activities of the government in accordance with Section 214 of the Constitution.

The office expressed concern that their reputation would be tarnished if the investigation reports were published for public consumption. Mr Nauga replaced former AG George Sulliman in 2012 after the change of the Government. He has been acting AG since then.
The AGO reports to the National Parliament, except in the case of Provincial Government and Local Level Governments whose reports are submitted to the Minister responsible who in turn tables the reports in the National Parliament.