PNG watchdog laments lack of progress on ICAC

9:24 am on 15 August 2018

A Papua New Guinea watchdog says the millions being spent on November's APEC summit could have been used to set up an Independent Commission Against Corruption.

APEC Port Moresby, PNG

Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Koroi Hawkins

At the past two elections, Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has promised to establish an ICAC to fight "systemic corruption" in PNG.

But Act Now's Eddie Tanago said nothing had been done after six years.

He said the public repeatedly heard of large chunks of the national budget being lost to corruption, and it's vital something is done to stem the flow.

"It is very very important that we have this law in place because as it is now we have monies that are supposed to be for education and health services [but] are currently being misused."

Eddie Tanago said the government, with donor support, was spending about $US355 million on the APEC summit.

But he said instead of holding that meeting the money should have been spent establishing a body to tackle corruption.

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