Papua New Guinea’s Government Investigates Allegations of Corruption in Australia-Funded Refugee Support Program
Audit Ordered After Whistleblower Alleges Widespread Corruption and Mismanagement
The Papua New Guinea government has announced that it will conduct an audit into the country’s refugee support program, which is funded by Australia, after allegations of widespread corruption and mismanagement surfaced. The program, established in 2021, provides accommodation, health, and other support services for refugees who were exiled to PNG as part of Australia’s offshore detention regime.
Allegations of Corruption and Misuse of Funds
A whistleblower within the PNG immigration authority alleged that millions of dollars had been potentially misused, including allegations of corruption surrounding the hiring of cars. The whistleblower claimed that private vehicles were “cross-hired” to disguise the beneficiaries of contracts, and relatives of senior officials allowed their private vehicles to be hired through a front company, then claiming a personal benefit.
Audit to Cover Program Management, Funding, and Service Providers
The government’s deputy prime minister and immigration minister, John Rosso, has ordered an audit into the program, which will cover:
- Current management of the program
- Bilateral funding from Australia
- The process involved in managing funds with a list of all service providers
Rosso has also written to PNG’s chief migration officer, Stanis Hulahau, demanding a report on the secretive program.
Denial of Allegations by Chief Migration Officer
Hulahau has denied the allegations, saying they are false and motivated by malice. He claimed that the money had been used legitimately by service providers who provided services to refugees and asylum seekers.
Background on the Program
The refugee support program was established in 2021 as part of Australia’s offshore detention regime, which was run on Manus Island before it was shut down by PNG’s supreme court. The majority of the remaining 64 refugees and asylum seekers are still being held in PNG, with most having been there for a decade.
Australia funded the program through a contract signed in 2021, but the details of the agreement have remained secret. Money for the program came from Australia’s $303m irregular maritime arrival “offshore management” budget and was sent to PNG’s immigration and citizenship authority, which paid private contractors to provide:
- Accommodation
- Groceries
- Medical care
- Transport
Services Cut or Reduced Due to Lack of Funding
With slower-than-expected resettlement due to Covid travel restrictions, the Australian money has essentially run out, and services required to support the refugees and asylum seekers have been cut or drastically reduced. Some refugees have been threatened with eviction from their accommodation, while several PNG businesses are owed millions of dollars.
Concerns About Investigations Being Suppressed
A source close to the program expressed concern that investigations into the whistleblower’s complaint may be suppressed, adding that time is running out for the remaining refugees, who face an indefinite and uncertain future.