PNG PM hits out at opposition over ICAC

3:14 pm on 4 June 2015

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister has accused the opposition leader of misleading tactics over the tabling of legislation to establish the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

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Photo: RNZ

Peter O'Neill says ICAC legislation is to be tabled at the next sitting of parliament, scheduled for July or August.

The opposition leader Don Polye has recently criticised the government for taking too long to create the commission.

Mr Polye said that the prime minister promised to establish ICAC three years ago yet it is still not up and running.

He also asked Mr O'Neill to explain what happened to 7 million US dollars budgeted last year for the establishment of ICAC and supporting the anti-corruption unit, Task Force Sweep.

Mr O'Neill moved to disband Task Force Sweep last year after its investigation into a major fraud case led to an arrest warrant for him.

However the prime minister now accuses the opposition of undermining the process by spreading misinformation about his government's efforts to set up ICAC.

He says ICAC legislation is extremely complex and must not be rushed.