There follows my speech to the Assembly where I was seeking election as Chair of the Public Committee in May 2012. Fortunately, I was successful!
Mr Bailiff, I would like to thank Deputy St Pier for his eloquent speech and Deputy O’Hara for seconding me for this post. PAC has long been considered a “Cinderella” role, so I will be brief to ensure we don’t turn into pumpkins!
On a more serious note, I feel honoured and privileged to be standing here before you today. That so many people put their trust in me to do what I believe is right for Guernsey is humbling but also has driven me to seek a position where I think I can make a positive difference.
What I heard on the doorstep during my campaign mirrored a central theme of my manifesto – the need for a more accountable and transparent government. Many of us here today heard the same and share the belief that now is the time to do something about it.
And how do we achieve this?
Well as I said throughout my campaign we need a stronger and more cohesive scrutiny function. The Public Accounts and Scrutiny Committees need to work together, in a timely and efficient manner and add value through being a positive force for change. Indeed, if I am elected, I would want to see these Committees merged and, if that means I lose my position, so be it. If I may use Deputy Le Tocq’s phrase, this is about public service, not self service.
For too long these Committees have been seen as an irritant whereas they should be a cornerstone of good government. The Public Accounts Committee has a key role in ensuring that the public can be satisfied that the taxes and charges they pay are collected efficiently and fairly and are spent wisely. These are going to be a difficult 4 years and we have to show we are getting value for money like never before.
It has become clear to me, from speaking to previous committee members, from reading the recent independent reports on the committee functions, and from listening to those who elected us, that the current system is not fit for purpose.
The report into Financial Scrutiny by Jim Brooks Consulting, published earlier this year states that for Scrutiny to be effective, the following principles need to be adhered to;
- Openness and honesty;
- Integrity;
- Sound processes; and
- Good practice.
However, we can only adhere to these principles if
- Departments and Committees work together, not against each other.
- That we do what is best for Guernsey as a whole, not us as individuals.
As Chair of PAC I want it to be a pro-active, not re-active. The phrase a ‘critical friend’ has been used. To me this means no finger wagging exercises months after the event. As the saying goes, When a man points a finger at someone else, he should remember that four of his fingers are pointing at himself. Instead, like a good teacher, we should highlight good practice as well as areas that can be improved and provide recommendations on what those improvements could be.
As Chair of PAC I want to see it reviewing progress towards the objectives set out in the States Strategic Plan and ensuring resources to meet those objectives are allocated appropriately.
As Chair of PAC I will not be commissioning 3 external reports a year at £70,000 a pop. That is not value for money. We should have skilled people within the team that can work with the departments as, and when, required.
As I said at the beginning, a strong scrutiny function produces good government that has the trust of the people. For us to get there, a major shake-up and strong leadership is required. You will have seen from my CV that I have tackled many challenging roles in the past. As Deputy St Pier says, I am tenacious, but I also listen and learn. I am a straight talker but also a lateral thinker and I think all these skills will need to be employed in this role.
I hope you will vote for me as Chair of Public Accounts Committee and allow me to help you bring the positive change that we all want.