Muscat promises more effective powers for the Auditor-General

A Labour government will improve the resources and powers of the Auditor-General, Labour leader Joseph Muscat said this afternoon. Standing outside the Auditor-General’s office in Floriana, he said that additional executive powers would allow the Auditor-General to effectively investigate cases, even when witnesses did not cooperate. His increased powers would also 'encourage' such witnesses to be be more cooperative, he said. Dr Muscat said that when the Auditor-General presented his annual report and recommendations, the government would reply in a formal report. This report would include the reaction and replies of the government as well as time frames by which it would be taking on the recommendations. This would ensure more accountability across the board and ensure that tax payers got more value for money and peace of mind.