The director of Papua New Guinea's Institute of National Affairs says an important opportunity could be lost if an investigation into MPs who failed to submit financial returns, falls by the wayside.
The Registrar of Political Parties, Dr Alphonse Gelu, has referred nine members of parliament to the Ombudsman Commission for failing to submit their election expenses incurred during last year's election.
Political parties also have a poor record - only 12 parties filed returns from at least 40 who participated.
It's the first time the Registrar has taken such a step and Paul Barker hopes that the Ombudsman Commission will be equally motivated to send a strong message to politicians.
"There's clearly pressure on the independent constitutional office holders to avoid taking action against some particularly powerful leaders but also there's such a backlog of investigations and prosecutions that this could join the in-tray and maybe never get addressed for one reason or another."
Paul Barker.
The chief ombudsman says a decision will be reached soon as to whether the case should be referred to the public prosecutor.
