Appendix 2: Memorandum from Mr Jonathan
Sayeed
On the 23rd March 2005 in an apology to the House
I said:
"I also accept and unreservedly apologise
for inadvertent but incorrect additional costs allowance claims.
However it occurred, the responsibility is mine, and it has become
apparent that I claimed for some items that I should not have,
and did not claim for some items that were permissible. I will
repay any discrepancy".
I have repaid any discrepancies.
I recognise, and apologise for the fact, that I signed
expense claims that were wrong, that, in the Commissioner's words
I "did not properly observe the administrative rules relating
to the allowance, and therefore breached the Code of Conduct in
this respect". However, I would ask the Committee to
consider the following points:
There was no attempt to deceive and this is evidenced
by the fact that most of the incorrect invoices clearly showed
the property they referred to. During the past two years, to the
best of my recollection, the Department of Finance and Administration
never queried any one of those invoices so I was unaware that
mistakes were being made.
The evidence shows that I had neglected to submit
allowable invoices that I had in my possession for the correct
property. Had I done so, then for the year 2004/2005, the discrepancy
would have been small and, had I been able to find all the payments
I had made, may possibly have been nil. I cannot make the same
assertion for 2003/2004 as I was not permitted to 'replace' for
a 'closed' year the incorrect invoices with those that I had,
and which would have been permissible. Had I been permitted to
do so then the discrepancy would have been greatly reduced and
again may have been nil.
The consistent error occurred because of the way
expense claims were handled in my office. I am responsible for
my office and its actions as well as those of myself. I did not
exercise sufficient care but in the Commissioner's own words "the
facts which have come to light do not reveal evidence of such
dishonesty".
I reiterate my unreserved apology for inadvertent
but incorrect additional cost allowance claims.
18 July 2005 Jonathan Sayeed
| 
