Minister questioned over absence of secretariat

A CABINET minister was questioned at an inquiry into gender-based violence why his department has failed to set up a secretariat to deal with the issue.
Inquiry chairman Charles Abel told Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion Wake Goi that the absence of
a secretariat was “not good enough”.
“We want to make sure this structure is set up as soon as possible and we need the paperwork to get this moving by tomorrow morning to give a commitment to the Treasurer to fund it,” Abel said.
“We cannot be sitting here listening to (gender-based violence) problems.”
Department acting secretary Jerry Ubase said they were working on the structure, funding and assistance from the UN Women for the job description for the positions.
Ubase said the department received K2 million in 2018, K1 million in 2019 and K1 million in 2020.
“We have received nothing yet for 2021,” Ubase said.
The committee members include Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat, East Sepik Governor Allan Bird, National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, Chimbu Governor Michael Dua, Morobe Governor Ginson Saonu and Goroka MP Aiye Tambua.
Bird told Ubase said the inquiry wanted to see “a written plan, and a work plan”.
“Victims of gender-based violence have been waiting a long time (for a secretariat).
“Where does the buck stop?”
Ubase promised that his team would address the delay.
“We will hold a strategy meeting next week and hope to establish the secretariat in the coming months,” he said.