PNG Cabinet endorses bill for anti-corruption commission

11:32 am on 15 October 2019

Papua New Guinea's Cabinet has reportedly approved legislation to establish an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

Papua New Guinea's MP for Esa'ala, Davis Steven.

Papua New Guinea's Justice Minister, Davis Steven. Photo: Post Courier

Justice Minister Davis Steven said the long-anticipated ICAC Bill was ready for Parliament, The National has reported.

Constitutional amendments to establish an ICAC in a country often ranked one of the most corrupt in the world were passed in 2015, but efforts to prepare and table a bill for parliament lapsed.

But now, Mr Steven said he hoped MPs could deliberate on the bill in the next sitting of Parliament.

Mr Steven attributed the delay to a variety of factors, including what he called "bureaucratic rigmarole".

But, the Government was determined to have an ICAC established by 2022, he said.

The Attorney-General said citizens and interested groups could access the full text of the ICAC bill when it is published in the National Gazette.

The ICAC bill would also be published on the department's website.

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