MPs’ pay delayed due to accounts roll-over: Abel

National

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
THE Government has assured members of parliament who did not receive their first pay for 2019 that the matter was being sorted out.
Treasurer and Deputy Prime Minister Charles Abel said the pay problem stemmed from the accounts roll-over.
“They did not get their fortnight pay because it has to do with the accounts rolling over,” he said.
“But they will be paid today (yesterday).”
He said although the public accounts were closed since December 14 and would be reopened at the end of this week, “special provisions are made for salaries”.
The pay problem also affected staff members of Parliament in Waigani. Public servants resumed duties on Wednesday, after the Christmas break.
Abel denied speculation that the MPs were not paid because no funds had been allocated to Parliament.
Clerk to Parliament Vela Konivaro supported Abel.
“We did not get paid because the public accounts were closed,” he said.
“And also our fortnightly pay was due when the accounts were closed. Treasury and Finance Department staff were on holiday so no one could not process our pay.
“Thus, it was beyond our control. I understand that the public accounts will open this week.” Konivaro said they had been advised that parliament grants were being processed.
“When we receive them, we will process the outstanding entitlements for MPs,” he said.
“These are fortnightly or monthly grants for the payment of personal emoluments such as salaries and allowances, for goods and services payments to service providers, and retirement benefits for former members.”