MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that the Australian Government is to provide $2
million towards improvements to governance in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Officials from PNG'S Ombudsman Commission are in Australia to discuss the new
Ombudsman Commission Institutional Strengthening Project and today I met
personally with the PNG Chief Ombudsman.
Chief Ombudsman Simon Pentanu, ombudsmen Joe Waugla and Ninchib Tetang and
other officials have also held talks with AusAID officers on the three year
project.
The PNG Ombudsman Commission has a unique role which makes it different from
other ombudsman commissions. In addition to the normal role of investigating
complaints against government bodies, the PNG Ombudsman Commission also enforces
the Leadership Code entrenched in the PNG Constitution. By enforcing the Code,
the Commission works to prevent malpractice and corruption involving public
officials.
The project will help the Commission to be more effective and efficient in
implementing the Leadership Code and investigating complaints against government
bodies and agencies. The AusAID institutional strengthening project is aimed at
improving the management of the Commission, as well as raising the PNG people's
awareness of the role of this important body.
Media contacts: David Alexander, Mr Thomson's Office (02)
6277 4665 Mobile (0412) 146 181 Mark Giffard AusAID Public Affairs (02) 6206
4966