PNG Government announces new Anti-Corruption Taskforce

PNG Prime Minister Peter O'neill announces new Taskforce

The National Executive Council has announced the establishment of an Interim Office for Anti-Corruption, or I-O-A-C.

A statement from the Prime Minister's media unit, says the I-O-A-C will be responsible for coordinating anti-corruption investigations, and will be operational, until investigative responsibilities are transferred to the Independent Commission Against Corruption or ICAC, when the Organic Law to have this office established, is passed.

Retired Justice Graham Ellis, is the appointed Chairperson of the Interim Office for Anti-Corruption, and the statement says he, will restore impartiality to the investigation of corrupt activities.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says, PNG has suffered because of political interference in corruption investigations, and it is time to restore neutrality to this process.

Mr. O'Neil described recent events relating to fraud allegations against him as disgraceful behavior, and has hijacked corruption investigations for political purposes.

He claims, that here is more information against the Task Force Sweep compromising its investigations, which will be released in due course by appropriate authorities.

The IOAC has been approved to operate for six months, while an Organic Law is being prepared for Parliament to establish a permanent Independent Commission Against Corruption.