Kondra’s application dismissed

 A leadership tribunal recommendation to have North Fly MP and former Tourism and Culture Minister Boka Kondra dismissed from office still stands.

National Court judge Collin Makail yesterday dismissed Kondra’s application for judicial review of the tribunal’s decision finding him guilty of allegations involving misapplication of public funds and official misconduct, and recommending his dismissal from office.

Kondra misapplied K85,276 from district funds by paying for the electorate’s office space in Kiunga from Dec 2008 to Dec 2009, when he had been allocated K36,623 per annum payable fortnightly for electoral rentals among others.

In the same period, he misapplied K134,966.92 by paying for accommodation for himself and his family in Port Moresby, while he was receiving his housing allowance in his fortnightly salary.

He misapplied K18,200 by servicing his outstanding debts incurred from hiring a motor vehicle during the 2007 national elections.

The tribunal found Kondra guilty of the six allegations in April last year (2015) and recommended for his dismissal in May.

Kondra then filed a judicial review application to review the decisions on the grounds that the tribunal had viewed irrelevant considerations, failed to view relevant considerations and there was error of law and injustice.

“There is no dispute that the money was used to settle the claims for the office, rentals, hire car and the accommodation. The application for judicial review is dismissed,” Makail said.