PNG Government Launches Anti-Fraud, Anti-Corruption, and Whistleblower Protection Policy
A Significant Step Forward in Promoting Transparency and Accountability
The Papua New Guinea (PNG) government has launched its Anti-Fraud, Anti-Corruption, and Whistleblower Protection policy at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby. The policy was drafted with assistance provided by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the EU-funded PNG Anti-Corruption Project.
Launch Ceremony
The launch ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, Chief Secretary to Government Ivan Pomaleu, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Edward Vrkic, and other high-level representatives of the government and its development partners.
Policy Objectives
In his remarks, Prime Minister Marape stated that the policy is an upfront statement that corruption and illegal practices will not be tolerated in the public service. The policy aims to prevent fraud and corruption and protect whistleblowers in the Department of Personnel Management and National Executive Council (DPM&NEC).
UNDP’s Support
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Edward Vrkic added that UNDP has been honored to assist in the drafting of this policy and stands ready to provide additional technical expertise to support the national effort to address corruption.
Key Features of the Policy
The policy:
- Recognizes the importance of protecting whistleblowers who report corrupt activities
- Provides a safe and secure environment for them to do so
- Demonstrates the government’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in public service
UNDP Trains Government Officials to Assess and Mitigate Corruption Risks
Training Workshops
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has trained government officials from selected public sector institutions in piloting corruption risk assessments at the national and subnational level. The training workshops were held in July 2023 and brought together government officials from Port Moresby and East New Britain Province.
Objectives of the Training
The training aimed to equip government officials with practical tools for identifying corruption risks and developing mitigation strategies for their respective departments. Participants also learned about the importance of preventing corruption and the role that public servants can play in promoting good governance and integrity in public service.
Outcomes of the Training
Ms. Josephine Advent Pitmur, Deputy Secretary at the Department of Justice and Attorney General, praised the training, saying it will help officials understand what constitutes corruption and prevent actual cases of corruption. The training also enables public servants to effectively progress the Sustainable Development Goals for the benefit of Papua New Guineans and support the network of non-state actors in their anti-corruption efforts.
Quotes
- “This policy is an upfront statement that we mean business and will not tolerate corruption and illegal practices of any form in the Prime Minister’s department and henceforth in the public service.” - Prime Minister Hon. James Marape
- “Such actions, as difficult as they may be, are the only way to ensure everyone equally enjoys lives filled with opportunity, prosperity, integrity, and dignity in Papua New Guinea.” - UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Edward Vrkic