Implement 2022 back pay at a later date, says Polewara

By ANTOINETTE POIVI
ACTING Chief of PNG Defence Force commodore Philip Polewara has directed for the 2022 back pay to be implemented at a later date when individual pay for all service men and women is corrected.
“The priority now is to correct all deficiencies.”
He said the back pay implementation cannot happen when there were shortfalls and discrepancies in the payroll.
“In the process of correcting pay period six, we discovered that there were few service personnel who had some discrepancies in their pay during pay period five.
“We will correct all those issues and ensure everybody is on correct pay level before we look at implementing the back date,” he said.
Polewara said their team at the Department of Defence continues to work with the Department of Finance to rectify the payroll issue.
All payroll staff took the Easter long weekend to work through to complete data upload and to make sure that corrections are done before pay period seven.
He said as of Friday most of the data had been uploaded into the system and Defence staff were working diligently, day and night, to complete the upload.
“I commend the men and women of the force for their discipline during the pay discrepancy experienced in pay period six and extend sincere appreciation to families who are bearing with us during these difficult times.
“Despite the difficulties we face in our pay, I would like to thank all service men and women throughout the force who are assisting people around the country.”
Polewara also thanked the personnel involved in assisting our people in the Highlands, East Sepik, and the search and rescue operation that is underway in New Ireland waters.