THE ACT Chief Minister and Cabinet Directorate took 2043 days to pay an invoice, surpassing the government's policy of paying bills within 30 days by more than five years.
The bill, for $356.18, was issued in mid-2005, but was not paid until the supplier approached the directorate in mid-2010.
The mistake appears to be due to a clerical mishap, with answers to questions on notice provided to the ACT Liberals revealing the directorate does not have a record of receiving or processing the invoice at the time of issue.
ACT Opposition Leader Zed Seselja described the overdue bill as a disgrace.
''To not pay the provider any interest - which it appears hasn't happened - is even worse.
''Local businesses should not be disadvantaged by this government's inability to get the basics right. A Canberra Liberals government will not allow this to happen.
''Our policy is to pay providers within 30 days, and those with contracts of up to $1million who have to wait more than 45 days will be paid interest on the overdue amount.''
The data shows 616 invoices were paid after the due date during the 2010-11 financial year.
The Chief Minister and Cabinet Directorate had the tardiest record, responsible for 40 of the 60 invoices paid more than 90 days overdue.
Documents show 45 invoices were paid between 61-90 days late, while 118 were discharged between 31-60 days overdue. A further 393 bills were one to 30 days overdue at the time of payment. Mr Seselja said a Liberal government would require all agencies to provide quarterly reports on their payment performance. He called on the auditor-general to conduct compliance audits on government payments and to review small business participation in government tenders.
Treasurer Andrew Barr said interest was not paid on the overdue bill because the company did not request compensation.
''In relation to the invoice referenced in the inquiry, I understand that the company involved had many invoices paid in full since then.
''This invoice - for less than $400 - appears to have been missed. This is unfortunate, and I apologise to the business concerned. However, such instances are not common.
''I am assured that the Chief Minister's Directorate works hard to ensure invoices are paid promptly as this is important in maintaining good working relationships with our service providers and suppliers.''
Mr Barr said no interest has been paid by the government on late accounts in the past two financial years.
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