The Ombudsman Commission of Papua New Guinea now has a woman positioned as the Acting Chief Ombudsman.
Prime Minister James Marape on Thursday announced that Ms. Tabitha Suwae is now the Acting Chief Ombudsman following a decision made by the Ombudsman Appointments Committee (OAC) to appoint her to the position.
Ms. Suwae, who has been serving as an Ombudsman since October 2024, assumes leadership of the Ombudsman Commission in an acting capacity while the substantive position of Chief Ombudsman is advertised and filled through an open and competitive recruitment process.
Prime Minister Marape congratulated Ms. Suwae on her appointment and commended outgoing Chief Ombudsman Mr Richard Pagen for his distinguished service to Papua New Guinea.
“Mr. Pagen has served our country with integrity, professionalism, and courage. He has carried out his constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law. “
“I sincerely thank him for his dedicated service and wish him well in his future endeavours. He remains eligible to apply for the substantive position should he choose to do so.”
Prime Minister Marape said Ms. Suwae’s appointment reflected the strength of leadership development within the Ombudsman Commission.
A career public servant, Ms. Suwae brings 29 years of public service experience, including 24 years with the Ombudsman Commission and five years with the Office of the Public Prosecutor under the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.
Before being appointed Ombudsman in October 2024, she served as the Commission’s Director of Legal Services.
She is from Manus and West Sepik provinces.
“I congratulate Ms. Suwae on her appointment and have every confidence that her extensive experience, professionalism and commitment to the Constitution will ensure the Ombudsman Commission continues to discharge its important responsibilities with independence and integrity.”
The Ombudsman Appointments Committee had deliberately chosen to advertise the position of Chief Ombudsman to ensure the office continued to be filled through a transparent, competitive and merit-based process.
