‘PNG Deserves Better’: Suspended ICAC Officials Accuse PM marape of Blocking Corruption Probe

‘PNG Deserves Better’: Suspended ICAC Officials Accuse PM of Blocking Corruption Probe

​Two deputy commissioners of the Papua New Guinea Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) have accused Prime Minister James Marape of political interference after being suspended from office without reasons given.

Graham Gill revealed in a LinkedIn post that he and fellow deputy commissioner Daniel Baulch were informed by email four months ago of their suspension by the ICAC Appointments Committee, which is chaired by Marape. Gill said the notice contained no explanation for the decision.

Gill, who joined ICAC in 2023, said he accepted the position hoping to help PNG tackle corruption. He said the suspension came just as they began pursuing investigations into alleged misconduct by politicians. “It’s a smokescreen to remove those asking serious questions,” he wrote.

He described the suspension of constitutional office holders without justification as “outrageous and unlawful.” Gill added that both he and Baulch had raised internal corruption concerns within ICAC and were later targeted through “retaliatory and fabricated” complaints.

Gill said the ordeal highlights the risks faced by those who report wrongdoing. “This affair sends a poor message to potential whistleblowers — in PNG, you do so at your own peril,” he said.

He also questioned the government’s sincerity in addressing corruption. “If those leading the fight can be sidelined, what does that say about political will?”

Gill concluded that Papua New Guinea needs transparency and accountability from its leaders, stressing that the nation “deserves better.”

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