PSU Demands Restoration of Government-Wide SmartStream Access

The Public Service Union (PSU) is demanding the immediate restoration of government-wide SmartStream access for finance officers across the public service.  The union says officers can now view financial transactions only within the ministries where they are assigned and can no longer examine payments across government. SmartStream is the system used to record and manage government financial transactions.  The PSU argues that cross-ministry access is necessary to identify unusual payment patterns, particularly as the Auditor General examines payments linked to the so-called “Mira Millions” controversy. Those allegations remain under investigation, with an initial audit report expected at the end of September.  The union acknowledges that access restrictions may be necessary to protect personal information and preserve internal controls. It maintains, however, that any limitations should be targeted, legally justified and implemented after consultation.  Among its demands, the PSU wants the instruction authorizing the change made public, assurances that officers will not be penalized for reporting irregularities, and confirmation that oversight bodies retain unrestricted access.

The Government has not yet publicly responded to the union’s claims or explained the reason for the reported changes.