The Auditor-General’s Report has highlighted millions of dollars being wasted on unused phones and other wasteful telecommunications policies and practices.
A consultant’s review of just four agencies revealed there were 2335 fixed voice services and 396 mobile services which were not used at all during the six month survey period.
The Auditor-General’s report notes that taxpayers were spending about $740,000 per year on potentially redundant services.
“It seems incomprehensible that taxpayers would be continuing to pay for more than 2700 phones that were not being used by anyone,” Shadow Finance Minister Rob Lucas said.
The consultant’s review also showed:
• up to $1 million per year could be saved by replacing outdated technology with more advanced telecommunications services
• about $400,000 per year could be saved through changing mobile phone plans to better fit actual usage
• a discrepancy of $230,000 in one supplier’s invoices
The Auditor-General concluded that the Government through the Office of the Chief Information Officer needed to take a “harder and more authoritative approach” to this whole area.
The Auditor-General’s final conclusion was:
“These reviews demonstrate that the Government and agencies have been exposed to unnecessary costs and/or overcharging.”
“South Australian families struggling with increased taxes and charges will be furious at millions of dollars being wasted by the Weatherill Labor Government,” Mr Lucas said.
“Clearly public servants are just following the wasteful lead of Labor Ministers like ex Treasurer Kevin Foley who spent $22,000 on his mobile phone when $1500 unlimited call plans were available.
“It is now time for the Labor Government to cut out the waste so the millions of dollars saved can be spent on critical services in schools and hospitals.”