The chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform and Service Delivery, Gary Juffa has welcomed the Prime Ministerial decision to hold an ICAC inquiry into the recent events at the National Airports Corporation (NAC).
“It is a step in the right direction for the fight against inefficacy, waste, mismanagement, and corruption in the Public Sector,” said Juffa.
Governor Juffa said the SPC will be watching the investigation closely and will collaborate if necessary.
However, will not be involved in nor duplicate the ICAC investigation.
He added SPC was concerned about the apparent failure of systems and processes at NAC, which constituted a threat to national security and the safety of the traveling public.
The SPC is reviewing State-Owned Enterprises, and Governor Juffa said early indications are that the same weaknesses are evident as in NAC.
“The turnover of four CEOs and directors and management in a short space of time is a telling sign,” he said.
“There is clearly a wider problem across the public sector – a general lack of transparency and accountability and specifically weak processes for board appointments and management recruitment.
“Political interference, nepotism, cronyism, and general corruption, waste, and mismanagement lead to weak structures and systems and ultimate failure to deliver a satisfactory level of goods and services to the public cheaply and effectively.
The SPC is examining the effectiveness of Public Sector reform over the years, and at present – costs, implementation, and results, Governor Juffa said.
“The SPC will act to protect the interests of Papua New Guineans and the nation,” he said.
In regard to the recent mayhem, Juffa said those involved will be held accountable.
“Not only did they disrupt air services and endanger lives and property, but they also caused significant negative exposure for the NAC and indeed the Government of the day as well as the collective image of Papua New Guinea.”
