Auditor General Charles Deguara presented the National Audit Office's (NAO) Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year 2023 to Speaker of the House of Representatives Anglu Farrugia.

"This extensive and informative report gives an overview of the National Audit Office's (NAO) activities, accomplishments, and financial performance during the year. It highlights notable events, initiatives, and collaborations undertaken by the Office," a statement by the NAO read.

"In the Foreword, the Auditor General essentially reflects on key developments and results achieved during 2023. These included the completion of the NAO Audit Plan for 2023, the issue of 14 publications, the formulation of the new NAO Strategic Plan for the period 2024-2028, and the Office's participation in a significant number of local and international events. Incidentally, he concludes his Foreword with a reference to the warm message of heartfelt appreciation from former President George Vella, to all the staff at the National Audit Office during his last official visit to the Office as President of Malta, for all the useful and professional work conducted by the Office."

The Deputy Auditor General discusses the NAO's Strategic Plan 2024-2028, outlines the five strategic goals included in the Plan, and refers to the formulation of action plans to achieve the strategic goals, it said.

The report includes a scholarly article by Professor Josette Caruana - a resident academic at the University of Malta who has extensive experience in the area of public sector auditing - on 'Audit quality, accountability, and the political appetite of the legislator'. The author highlighted a number of factors deemed relevant for public sector audit quality and accountability, for potential consideration by the legislator.

"Part one of the report provides an overview of the external environment in which the NAO operates, focusing mainly on public finances. It also outlines the governance structure as well as the results and activities of the various audit and administrative sections of the Office. The Office's professional relationship with its local and international stakeholders - without impairing its independence - is also discussed in detail in this part of the Report."

"Part two presents the NAO's business model, which explains how the Office transforms inputs into outputs and outcomes that create value over time. It also outlines in some detail the process leading to the formulation of the NAO's Strategic Plan 2024-2028. The section ends with the NAO's outlook for the future and how the Office plans to enhance its operations further."

Part three includes the audited financial statements of the NAO, providing an overview of its financial performance and position.

The Report can be accessed by visiting the NAO's website www.nao.gov.mt or on its Facebook page www.facebook.com/NAOMalta.