Papua New Guinea Loses Up to 10% of Government Spending to Fraud and Corruption, Says ICAC

Papua New Guinea Loses Up To 10% Of Government Spending To Fraud And Corruption, Says ICAC

​In its 2023 Annual Report, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has "conservatively estimated" that Papua New Guinea (PNG) loses up to 10% of its government spending to fraud, waste, and error, amounting to at least 2.4 to 3 billion Kina annually. This significant financial loss could have been utilized for essential public services.

The report also highlights the non-monetary consequences of corruption, such as undermining the democratic process and diminishing public confidence in the government and the rule of law.

Recognizing the critical role of whistleblowers in combating corruption, the report emphasizes the need for effective protection to encourage the reporting of concerns without fear of retaliation. To support this, the European Union (EU) is funding a series of training sessions, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), for the private sector, judiciary, and public servants. These trainings aim to equip participants with the necessary expertise and skills on whistleblower protection in accordance with the PNG Whistleblower Act 2020.

Additionally, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with EU funding, is conducting training for staff of the Office of the Public Prosecutor, the Auditor General’s Office, ICAC, and other relevant government offices to ensure proper investigation and prosecution of corruption cases.

The EU also acknowledges the vital role of media and civil society in the fight against corruption and will continue to support them through various initiatives. One such event was organized by UNDP on Press Freedom Day, celebrated on May 3rd.

These efforts are part of the EU-funded PNG Anti-Corruption Project, initiated in 2021, targeting both state and non-state actors. This initiative complements the five-year EU-PNG Partnership for Good Governance (P4GG) program (2020-2026), which aims to enhance governance and management within the Department of Justice and Attorney General (DJAG), the Royal Papua New Guinea Police Constabulary (RPNGPC), ICAC, and to revitalize the Village Court System.

Under this partnership, the EU has allocated 100 million Kina to promote good governance and uphold the rule of law in PNG.

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