Appointment in progress

THE National Executive Council (NEC) will soon make an appointment of the new PNG Customs Services chief commissioner, an official says.
Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey told The National that three names had been shortlisted and presented before the NEC when it met this week.
He said of the three candidates shortlisted, two were from within the department while the other was an external applicant.
Ling-Stuckey said it would be the NEC’s prerogative to appoint the candidate that best met all the requirements.
It is understood that the current acting chief commissioner Ray Paul’s term expired last October and a three-month acting appointment was made.
However, no further acting appointment was made.
Ling-Stuckey said the position was advertised in February and many experienced and qualified officers from within and outside Customs had applied.
Concerns were raised on social media about the process in which the appointment was being made.
PNG Customs is an important State agency responsible for border security, trade facilitation and revenue collection.
Meanwhile, Ling-Stuckey, in response to questions about the Customs PNG offices being locked due to non-payment of bills, said the matter had been resolved.