News and Public Notices

The Autonomous Bougainville Government's Department of Treasury and Finance has issued a formal notice to all suppliers of goods and services, ABG Departments and agencies, and the general public, regarding the lapsing of Warrant Authorities in accordance with the Bougainville Public Finance Management and Administration Act 2014.

Acting Secretary for the Department of Treasury and Finance, Joshua Tauko explained that as of the 31^st of December 2023, the Warrant Authorities issued in the fiscal year of 2023 have officially lapsed, signifying the expiration of legal authority to initiate new financial obligations or execute payments utilizing funds allocated in the ABG budget for the fiscal year 2023.

“This legally restricts ABG Departments and agencies on their ability to spend money against the appropriation 2023,” Tauko said.

Mr Tauko further pointed out that his Department is aware of officers within the Department who have colluded with other officers and service providers to process payments against funds that were earmarked for ABG development projects in 2023, rendering these payments as “unlawful”.

“This is a violation of budgetary and financial regulations and the payments are unlawful and have attracted a full investigation and disciplinary actions to be taken against the individuals or agencies involved,” he said.

Acting Secretary Tauko emphasized that public expenditures can only be sanctioned upon issuance of Warrant Authority/ies by the ABG Minister for Treasury and Finance, as outlined in the Budget Appropriation (ABG Appropriation Act (2024) Act 2023).

“The issuance of Warrant Authorities will follow the endorsement of the 2024 Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Budget by the National Government Treasurer,” he clarified. 

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