All sectors of society must rally their support in a national effort against corruption in the country.
This was the call to action by the Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) following the appointment of Commissioners for Papua New Guinea’s Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC).
The appointment of the Andrew Forbes as the ICAC Commission and Daniel Baulch & Graham Gill as Deputy Commissioner, are in line with the Organic Law on the ICAC (OLICAC), which provides the constitutional basis for ICAC as enacted by Parliament in 2019.
TIPNG Board Chair Peter Aitsi said the commencement of the terms of the PNG ICAC Commissioners should be rightfully celebrated as an achievement of the country in taking a positive step forward in combating the scourge of corruption.
“Now the Commissioners have taken office, the Government must ensure adequate funding is provided to the ICAC in the preparation of the forthcoming national budget.”
“ICAC under its constitutional mandate must remain free from influence and interference from political or special interest groups.’
“Additionally, its mandate must be strengthened through active partnership with existing law enforcement agencies and for the public to clearly understand their role in reporting corruption to ICAC.”
Since its establishment in 1997, TIPNG has continued to advocate with successive governments for the need for an independent constitutional office to promote national integrity and address corruption.
This advocacy has included support for the Government to ratify the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in 2010, and to develop a National Anti-Corruption Strategy which provides an implementation framework for ICAC and other anti-corruption measures.