Official: Bill ready for final reading

THE Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) Bill is currently before Parliament for its third reading and debate, an official says.
Acting clerk of Parliament Kala Aufa said the Bill went through its first vote by a majority of 98 votes with members of parliament unanimously voting for it.
The Bill went through its second reading in the June session and was adjourned for two months as required by law.
It is expected to go through the third reading and be passed in this session of Parliament.
It is understood that the permanent parliamentary committee on constitutional laws and acts and subordinate legislations held a briefing yesterday with the MPs on the Icac Bill.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Justice and Attorney-General Davis Steven said the constitutional amendment to establish Icac was passed by Parliament on Feb 19, 2014, and commenced operation on Aug 29.
He said the amendment provided that there should be an Organic Law to provide for the structure, administration and jurisdiction and the appointment of commissioners and staff.
“The Constitution also provides for the functions and powers of Icac in particular investigation and prosecution.
“In determining the Icac jurisdiction, the definitions of the terms ‘public official’ and ‘corrupt conduct’ in the proposed Organic Law on Icac are key to defining the type of work Icac is empowered to do,” he said.