Acting Labour secretary named

RAVU Vagi is serving as acting Labour and Industrial Relations Secretary until a permanent appointment is made, says Public Service Minister Elias Kapavore, pictured.
Vagi was seconded from the Department of Personnel Management where he holds the position of deputy secretary.
Kapavore said the decision was made in consultation with the Labour and Industrial Relation Minister Mehrra Kipefa.
“Minister Kipefa wanted somebody there to facilitate some of the things he wanted to do,” Kapavore said.
“After the position is advertised and it goes through the necessary process of shortlisting and others, then we will take it to National Executive Council.
“Once a substantive appointment is made, Vagi will resume his role as DPM deputy secretary.”
He said Vagi had been with the department for over a month now and will be there depending on the selection process.
Kapavore said the selection process was almost completed.
“The screening team will collect the applications, go through the summary of applicants and will take it to the Ministerial Executive Appointment Committee (which Kapavore chairs).
“My team will in consultation with the Minister Kipefa take it to the NEC.
“We were trying to maintain that position, ensuring that someone is there to provide the leadership and support the minister when the position is on the market.”
The department is still processing applicants for the position of Defence Secretary, secretary for the Department of Implementation and Rural Development, and the provincial administrators for Southern Highlands and Milne Bay.