$1 billion lost as Solomon Islands Public Service absenteeism runs unchecked

Unchecked absenteeism within the Solomon Islands' public service has resulted in an estimated $1 billion (US$124 million) in wasted public resources over a two-year period, according to a recent audit. Auditor General David Teika Dennis is calling on the Ministry of Public Service to urgently enforce the Government’s Attendance Management Policy.

The findings stem from a performance audit by the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), which assessed the policy's implementation. Introduced by Cabinet in 2015 to combat high absenteeism, the policy has seen ineffective application. The audit, finalized in June, analyzed data from only three of 31 ministries and agencies due to insufficient information from others.

Auditor General Dennis highlighted several implementation weaknesses. These include the failure to install attendance monitoring systems in public offices, the absence of a clear rollout strategy, limited monitoring and evaluation, and incomplete enforcement of policy requirements. The report also found that approximately 25 percent of payroll costs within the audited entities were linked to unauthorized absences, causing substantial losses in productivity and public funds.

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This report highlights that the policy is not being taken seriously.

"This report highlights that the policy is not being taken seriously," Dennis stated. He stressed the need for better communication, support, and enforcement of the policy across the public service. "When policies are approved, they must be effectively communicated to those responsible for implementing them, supported by clear rollout plans and timelines for ministries and agencies," he added. Dennis noted that despite the policy's 2015 approval, only two ministries and one agency had begun enforcement by the time of the audit.

Dennis urged the Ministry of Public Service to ensure the policy is fully implemented to improve accountability and ensure public funds are used effectively for essential government services. The audit's findings underscore the critical need for stronger oversight to prevent further waste of public resources.

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When policies are approved, they must be effectively communicated to those responsible for implementing them, supported by clear rollout plans and timelines for ministries and agencies.