Strategy for fighting PNG government corruption set

A national strategy, which includes the establishment of an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), has been formulated to fight fraud in Papua New Guinea, the National reported.

The plans, adopted by several law enforcing agencies at a workshop, will be presented to the PNG government for its endorsement.

Representatives from a cross-section of society, including the police force, Ombudsman Commission, Transparency International and the Attorney General’s Department, participated in the workshop.

The workshop, initiated by the International Development Law Institute and the Center for Democratic Institutions, was funded by AusAID.

Among issues discussed was the need for PNG to develop a new culture of attacking corruption proactively and greater awareness for people to examine their own consciences.

There were also recommendations on electoral system reforms, a code of ethics for public servants and enactment of freedom of information legislation to protect people who report corrupt practices. Procedures, to ensure that all senior appointments in public service are made on merit, were also adapted.

During the workshop, the participants

also expressed the need for renewed commitment by schools and churches to teach ethical behavior.

The need for government institutions to work more closely in fighting corruption

also was stressed. Furthermore, donor agencies were urged to support the fight against corruption by funding training and equipment to strengthen investigation skills. Police Commissioner John Wakon said the police force, collaborating with other government agencies, hadachieved good results.

Wakon addressed the workshop along with Chief Ombudsman Simon Pentanu, Attorney-General Michael Gene and Transparency International chairman Sir Anthony Siaguru.

Sir Anthony said, “We hope and expect the Government to endorse and adopt the recommended strategies to strengthen existing Government institutions and implement means of curtailing corruption undermining our society.” ■