Time to focus budget on real issues
By Henry Puna, CIP Leader. ( continued from Herald 346 )

They are no different from any other Ministry in terms of governance and financial responsibility and should not be considered beyond reproach.
LACK
I have some unease and reservation towards this next budget process due to the lack of clear policy directions by this Government. Already, there are telltale signs that all is not well and the fact that we are readily availing ourselves to external funding sources e.g. China’s offer to fund our roads and a new stadium without proper analysis within. There are challenges relating to the 2009 Mini Games which will require substantive funding and soon, Government will be embarking on a sector based budgeting approach which could go awfully wrong if not administered and managed properly.
I can only re-iterate, that unless there is a genuine move towards addressing some of our social policy concerns in the areas of education, health, infrastructure, environment, women, youth and our elderly, the budget process will yet again prove to be a façade that mirrors the image of a Government with no focus and commitment. If our ancestral navigators could do it, surely we can too. I guess only time will tell.

Headlines : Times 192 19 Mar 2007
- Government business units fail to meet targets
- Marurai names research boss
- Time to focus budget on real issues
- Bridge on the ball
- Letters: Waiting for Makea family to embrace truth
- Tuesday will be trial for Oceania
- Dengue mosquitoes facing new Tom Wichman threat
- Six super ministries possible
- Glitz and Glamour coming to Aitutaki

Headlines : Times 191 12 Mar 2007
- AGM suspended, rule change sought
- Court case ‘lost’ for nearly two years
- Busy time ahead for leading artist
- LA LAUNCH Gets Boost
- Rotoract success up at the Staircase
- Ngakau Aroa: raising Games funds
- Rwandan priorities similar to ours: Aunty Mau
- New ring coming, Oceania next month