O’Neill set on establishing anti-graft body

 PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill is determined to establish an independent commission against corruption this year.

He said the commission would have the necessary resources to not only detect corruption but also to see successful prosecutions.

“As a young developing nation with unbounded opportunity, we do face some critical challenges and none in reality is greater than corruption and theft and fraud when it comes to public funds and property,” he said.

“I want to specifically deal with corruption. Deterrence is the best way to stop, or at least minimise corrupt activities. And if the prospect of being caught is greater, the incidence will decline,” O’Neill said.

He said the real problem against corruption was that successful prosecutions were few so the campaign to address it had been low.

“We have to change that and we will do so by a powerful, independent authority that will detect corruption and abuse and prosecute those responsible,” he said.

“You have my commitment that this issue has been my priority. 

“But we need to get it right from the outset. 

“And that is why the development of the legislation needed to establish the authority has taken a little time.”

Meanwhile O’Neill is happy with the progress of decentralising the delivery of goods and services to districts and local level governments.

He the government has begun the long and demanding task of ensuring better service delivery by devolving decision making and implementation to the lower levels of government because they were closest to the rural communities. 

“I don’t think we have focused enough on that in the past on what is really good for the people, what is really the best and most effective way to meet community needs, and the growing expectations of our people.”