Following the recent media report regarding the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-related benchmarks and the strong stand that the PNG Government was taking to strengthen the fight against money laundering and corruption, including the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) as a fully independent body ICAC acknowledges the report and wishes to clarify its position. ICAC as an independent constitutional body operates without direction from external entities in establishing its priorities, they recognise the importance of governance benchmarks, however ICAC did not agree to the benchmarks placed upon the agency. ICAC clarifies that it is important to note that the tasks listed under these benchmarks fall outside the ICAC's direct control and rely on the actions of other government bodies. Thus, ICAC has already informed the IMF and Treasury of this position, highlighting that they have also requested written advice from both the IMF and the Treasury regarding the origin and rationale behind the inclusion of the ICAC in these benchmarks. The claim that PNG stands to lose millions due to a potential delay in IMF funding is highly speculative. The IMF retains full discretion in its decision-making and may well choose to proceed with the next phase of funding regardless of these two procedural benchmarks. ICAC therefore clarifies also that the appointment of an ICAC Oversight Committee is beyond the ICAC's control, and it is understood the responsible Secretariat is preparing to take steps towards the committee's appointment. In February 2024, the National Executive Council approved an ICAC submission for funding for Department of Prime Minister and NEC to establish a secretariat for the oversight committee. The ICAC is advancing discussions with several agencies to progress the MOUs and regardless of the existence of MOUs, the ICAC is developing strong relationships with key agencies. The ICAC remains fully committed to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Joint Taskforce hence ICAC has played a leading role in the formation of the AML Joint Taskforce (AM LJTF), launched in December 2024, and continues to work with key agencies to strengthen cooperation in tackling financial crimes. This is a clear priority for PNG's response to the FAT F Mutual Evaluation Report. The ICAC understands that the IMF is currently considering whether the agreements formalising the AMLJTF meets the requirements of the benchmark relating to MOUs. The ICAC also recognises the importance the funding from the IMF to the Government and the rationale behind establishing governance benchmarks, but the ICAC will not be directed as to how to fulfill its mandate. Their work is guided by their statutory independence under the Constitution, and the ICAC will continue to operate accordingly in the best interests of transparency, accountability, and good governance.