Outgoing leader of the Nationalist Party (PN) Simon Busuttil said today that the National Audit Office (NAO) currently has 41 reports that are waiting to be compiled.

Busuttil said the NAO should have enough resources so that it can carry out its duties efficiently and independently.

Ten of the 41 pending reports are investigations requested by the Opposition, such as the controversial transfer of land of the Institute of Tourism Studies site and a power station investigation pending for over two years.

The NAO is celebrating 20 years since its independence has been enshrined in the Constitution and therefore had its autonomy from government guarantees. Busuttil once again slammed the government of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat for snatching all public entities and weakening their independence. The NAO is one of the few entities, like the Ombudsman's office where the leader is elected through a two-thirds majority in Parliament and a change in government does not translate into a change in staff within either entity. This is of paramount importance to insure the principle of good governance, Busuttil said.

Auditor General Charles Deguara said that in his ten years of experience within the NAO, both administrations coming from PN and PL respected the autonomy of the institution. Deguara quipped that the job means less friends, to which Busuttil said it means more respect.

Busuttil stressed his utmost respect and gratitude for the stellar work carried out by the NAO, and insisted that the office be given more resources at the earliest. Failure to do this would be limiting be entity's independence in a roundabout way, as it would not have enough to investigate and report on all relevant issues.

Busuttil was making one of the last official visits before stepping down as leader.