Pacific

Fiji's auditor general again highlights abuse of public funds

07:12 am on 22 August 2005

Fiji's auditor general has again highlighted gross abuse of public funds amounting to tens of millions of dollars.

Eroni Vatuleka's 2004 annual report shows the abuse covers a wide range of government ministries and departments and many senior public servants, including the acting public trustee.

Corruption has been cited in the awarding of contracts, the hiring of consultants and staff and the issuing of visas and permits.

Cabinet ministers, including the Prime Minister's Office, have been found to be in breach of regulations which cover the handing out of small cash grants.