Govt 'strongly' rejects Principal Auditor’s claims on public service attendance in 2018–2019 report

The Government has strongly rejected the Principal Auditor’s claims on public service attendance in the 2018–2019 report.

In a late statement on Friday night, it says former Principal Auditor Tony Sacramento sent his criticisms just minutes before retiring, at ten past four on the afternoon of Friday the 30th May, and that the report was published that weekend without giving staff a chance to respond.

The Government calls this a deliberate attempt to prevent correction of factual inaccuracies and also criticises the media for not reporting on this timing, which it says misled the public.

It insists the report ignores existing reforms like digital attendance systems and disciplinary measures, and says the allegations unfairly damage the reputation of dedicated public servants.

The Government says it will make a full response in Parliament.