The department of Personnel Management is looking to re-enforce the existing basic human resource and administrative policies and guidelines that have been overlooked, neglected and intentionally breached. This is in compliance with the Marape/Steven governments’ vision to take back PNG.
The Minister for Public Service is encouraging all public servants to acknowledge Special General Order No.11, which is aimed at putting on hold and correcting all applications of the delegated powers from all heads of departments, provincial administrators, and other statutory authorities.
Tasking the Public Service Ministry with strategic priority and key result areas through the DPM, the Marape/Steven Government expects a review of legislations and General Orders to ensure there is alignment and legal compliance.
A statement released from the office of the Public Service Minister, Westly Nukundj, stated that the review of the Public Service Management Act will empower provinces to better manage Provincial Government Personnel within the one national public service. Further achieving quality workforce planning to ensure that the supply of skilled, qualified and competent staff meets the need of a fast growing population and ample job creation for efficient delivery of services to people. Explaining further that the department is finalising that implementation action plan with relevant stakeholders to work together in taking corrective measures in cost saving areas highlighted.
It is known that Public servants consume up to 35 percent of the nation’s budget each year, and it is anticipated that through the implementation of this general order, the public service can expect to reduce its annual costs by 5 to 10 percent.
Related concerns were raised over a week ago by the Chairman of Public Service Reform Committee, Gary Juffa, about the public service in dire need of a major overhaul.
Juffa says the committee is looking forward to a continuous effort with the Public Service Minister, the Cabinet and the National parliament to upgrade the public service machinery.
By Annette Kora – EMTV News, Port Moresby
