BY NED GAGAHE

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has begun its inquiry into the 2026 Appropriation Bill 2025 today, Thursday November 13, at Parliament.

This follows the Committee’s deliberations earlier yesterday, during which members resolved to commence the inquiry without delay.

A statement from Parliament said the Appropriation Bill 2025 seeks to authorise government expenditure totalling $5,605,482,104 (five billion, six hundred and five million, four hundred and eighty-two thousand and one hundred and four dollars) for the services of the Government in 2026.

PAC Chairperson, Gordon Darcy Lilo, urges all supporting staff and stakeholders to be well-prepared and punctual to ensure the smooth and efficient conduct of the hearings.

It also sets annual limits on new government borrowing in accordance with the Public Financial Management Act 2013, including provisions for borrowing through Treasury Bills to address exceptional circumstances, as well as loans from development partners and domestic financial institutions to fund key infrastructure and development priorities.

The inquiry will allow PAC to closely scrutinise the proposed allocations and borrowing provisions across all ministries and agencies, to ensure that public funds are managed prudently and align with the Government’s fiscal policy objectives as outlined in the 2026 Budget Papers.

Lilo said relevant departments are working diligently to finalise preparations for the Committee Room and to ensure that all logistical and technical arrangements are ready ahead of the inquiry’s commencement.

“The Committee looks forward to the cooperation of all relevant offices in ensuring a successful, transparent, and accountable inquiry process,” Mr Lilo said.

The PAC inquiry is a key component of Parliament’s oversight role, providing an essential platform for transparency and accountability in the management of public finances.

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