New legislations show Govt serious about fighting corruption: AG

MINISTER for Justice and Attorney-General Davis Steven says the Government is serious and will fight corruption by way of the Whistleblower and Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) acts.
The acting Prime Minister was responding to questions by Samarai-Murua MP Henry Isi Leonard who queried why the Government allowed senior public servants who were alleged to be corrupt to continue to work.
“The legislations that we have passed reaffirms the commitment of the Marape-Steven government in ensuring that we put the foundation works in place to deal with what appears to be an important concern in our country today,” Steven said.
“From the debate that was generated in respect to the bill on the whistleblowers, the focus is now towards the employer-employees in the public space where these issues were raised.
“The country must come to a position where we fight corruption seriously, that we not only talk about it but we put in place legislation, necessary subservient regulations where acts of Parliament is concerned, especially the Public Service Management Act (PMSA) and other acts that govern the employment with the public space.”
In reference to those officers who have been implicated or charged and are currently employed, Steven said it was a matter of contract.
He said their employment contracts needed to be examined and appropriate action taken.
“The law as it stands at the moment, gives the presumption of innocence. Our constitution is very clear on that, against proven guilty.
“That’s the overwhelming position that Government must always be mindful about.