23 Sep 2005

PNG Catholic bishops condemn move to let guilty MPs keep posts

9:25 am on 23 September 2005

Catholic bishops in Papua New Guinea say the community must oppose efforts by MPs to avoid being dismissed for misconduct in office.

The MP Kappa Yarka is pushing a controversial bill which proposes that leaders found guilty of misconduct can keep their jobs.

It's due to go before Parliament next month.

The Bishops' Conference says it's ridiculous to suggest that an employer can't sack a person found guilty of stealing or misusing the position, yet that's what the proposed change implies.

The bishops say one of the elements of justice is punishment and this needs to remain in place to ensure the community has faith in the justice system.