Papua New Guinea's parliament has passed new laws which effectively devolve disciplinary public service powers from Waigani to the administrators at district level.
The Post Courier reports the law changes make a district administrator the chief executive officer of the new District Development Authority, giving them the power to discipline policemen, teachers and public servants who are not performing in remote areas.
Introducing the new laws, Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, says instead of waiting for Waigani to send officers to investigate, the district administrator can more efficiently investigate and take remedial action.
The new powers of the district administrator required amendments to the Local Level Government Act, the Teaching Services Commission Bill, the Police Force Act and the Public Service Act.
