Auditor-Generals and Public Auditors (Heads of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI)) from around the Pacific attended the ‘Enhancing Effective Communication with Stakeholders’ in Nadi last week.

The three day workshop, held from 29 – 31 May, provided the Heads of SAI the opportunity to develop strategies to achieve greater audit impact through effective and efficient communication with public and private stakeholders, and within Pacific SAIs. Sessions on media, social media and public speaking provided valuable insights and ideas on communicating audit work and results through broader platforms.

Ihlen Joseph, the Public Auditor for Pohnpei State in the Federated States of Micronesia and PASAI Chairperson said, “This workshop has given us much to think about and implement in our SAIs to improve communicating our work.”

The Australian High Commission (Fiji) Pacific Regional Counsellor, Matthew Lapworth, in his opening address, said “Australia is pleased to support this workshop as good effective communication is crucial for SAIs in promoting good governance, accountability and transparency in the region.”

Hon. Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke, Member of Parliament for Tonga, and a key speaker at the workshop shared his reflection from the workshop stating, “I feel that this workshop was about changing from being a SAI of the past and becoming a SAI that is relevant for now and in the future. I am looking forward to the transition that will take place in our Pacific SAIs as a result of this workshop.” According to Tuvalu Auditor-General, Eli Lopati, “We have been encouraged, challenged and equipped to be better communicators as Heads of SAI.”

The insights gained from this workshop have prompted SAIs to commit to reviewing their communication policies in key areas. The actions on these commitments will be considered at the 20th PASAI Congress to be held in Funafuti, Tuvalu from 8 – 11 August 2017 with the theme “Promoting Values and Benefits of SAIs through Effective Communication”.

The workshop was hosted and facilitated by the PASAI Secretariat team, staff from the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) and the Audit New Zealand.

Forty-seven participants and key speakers from twenty PASAI member countries, states, parliaments, regional and other organisations attended the workshop. Key speakers included Members of Parliament from Fiji and Tonga, the Permanent Secretary for Fiji Ministry of Public Enterprises, the Australian Commonwealth Ombudsman, Pacific Islands Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO), Pacific Islands Association of Non-Government Organisations (PIANGO), and development partners. Also present was the CEO for Taimi Media Network and representatives from Capital Toastmasters Suva and Interactionz.

PASAI acknowledges the support of the Australian Government and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for making this workshop possible for all their member SAIs.