Millions swindled from ABG

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
AN independent investigation into the Bougainville administration has exposed alleged payroll fraud practice by public servants, the autonomous government’s Chief Secretary Joseph Nobetau says
He said investigations identified ghost names on the payroll, excessive allowances and salaries and other malpractice in defrauding the ABG millions in public funds.
Nobetau said in a statement that it was “very bad and selling dreams away” when they would have the referendum to determine their future in nine months.
“One of the biggest issues faced this year has been the uncovering of mass payroll fraud. An independent audit by the Department of Personnel Management and Finance has now revealed our worst fears,” Nobetau said.
“Bougainvillean public servants have been stealing from the government and selling out Bougainville over many years – claiming allowances they were not entitled to, paying salaries well in excess of their classification level, paying themselves and not turning up for work,” he claimed
Nobetau said the administration was standing shoulder to shoulder with the Minister for Public Service, who said the fraud was nothing short of theft.
“I am committed to ensuring that the fraud squad investigates these matters and that where criminality is found, that individuals be held to account,” Nobetau said.
“Nobody is above the law. Nobody has the right to take what is not rightfully theirs. And nobody has the right to steal from law-abiding Bougainvilleans. To do so, brings shame to the person, to their family and Bougainville as whole.
“I want to assure taxpayers and proud Bougainvilleans that those responsible for this fraud will be held to account and that we will do better.
“Changes have already been made to ensure that payroll fraud never happens again.
“The good news is that our eyes are not closed and we will not look the other way. The majority are better than that, the majority want a brighter future for Bougainville.
“I expect that in time both disciplinary and criminal charges will be made.”
Nobetau said they had started removing ghosts names from the payroll.
He said changing attitude and mindsets was part of the government reform was not easy, but was Bougainville’s aspirations under the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
“We are on a united but difficult mission to move Bougainville from a provincial government to an autonomous government to prepare for Bougainville’s future political status,” Nobetau said.
“We cannot do that while public servants are busy lining their pockets with public money.”
Meanwhile, ABG President John Momis said he fully supported Nobetau and that under the organic law on leadership, he was obliged to report all possible breaches.
“The chief secretary has my support to continue to liaise with the Ombudsman Commission to ensure the highest standards of good governance under the Bougainville Peace Agreement,” Momis said.