PM Browne Unveils New Anti-Corruption Safeguards in 2026 Budget

The government will introduce stronger audit systems and new anti-corruption safeguards across the public sector in 2026, Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced Thursday, outlining a major push to tighten accountability and protect public resources.

Speaking during the presentation of the 2026 national budget, Browne said enhanced oversight is essential to ensuring fiscal discipline and maintaining public trust as government spending expands into critical areas such as housing, education, healthcare and infrastructure.

The Prime Minister said the administration will strengthen internal and external audit functions across ministries and state-owned enterprises, with a renewed focus on enforcing compliance and identifying irregularities earlier. He noted that accountability measures will be reinforced with updated standards, stronger reporting requirements and improved monitoring tools.

According to Browne, the reforms form part of a broader restructuring of the public sector, which includes the modernization of the Treasury Department, digitisation of revenue agencies, and upgraded financial controls aimed at reducing waste and eliminating opportunities for mismanagement.

He stressed that the government’s commitment to accountability is central to maintaining fiscal stability, citing the country’s recent surpluses and declining debt-to-GDP ratio as achievements that must be protected through sound governance.

Browne also linked the enhanced audit framework to the government’s broader transparency agenda, saying that tighter controls will ensure that public funds are used efficiently and in accordance with national priorities. He said the administration will continue to build systems that “safeguard public resources” and uphold the integrity of public institutions.

Ministers are expected to provide additional details on the audit-enhancement programme and new anti-corruption safeguards when the budget debate resumes next week.

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