More Bougainville public servants sacked over fraud claims

9:25 am on 11 July 2019

The chief secretary in the autonomous Papua New Guinea region of Bougainville, Joseph Nobetau, says two more Department of Community Government staff had been dismissed.

Flag of autonomous region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea

Photo: manganganath/123RF

He said they lost their jobs due to gross misconduct, theft and fraud.

The officers were found to have misused funds that had been allocated by the Autonomous Bougainville Government to assist with the funeral expenses of the late premier, Leo Hannet.

"The fact that these individuals could steal money that had been allocated to assist with funeral expenses brings great shame to them and the ABG." said Mr Nobetau

The duo has been referred to the police fraud squad and charges have been laid, with court proceedings pending.

Mr Nobetau said since becoming chief secretary he has been working assiduously to clean up the public service.

In the past two years more than 30 public servants have been dismissed due to theft and poor conduct, with dozens of other cases still being investigated.