Report to be submitted soon: Hawkins

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By HELEN TARAWA
APEC Coordinating Authority chief executive officer (CEO) Christopher Hawkins, pictured, says he has until the middle of next month to submit the Apec report to Prime Minister James Marape.
Hawkins was responding to claims that his term had expired and he should have already submitted the report.
He told The National that the period for the winding up of Apec (Asia-Pacific Econimic cooperation) was 12 months from the conclusion of the Leaders’ Summit – which was mid-November last year.
He said the final report on the hosting of Apec would to be submitted to the minister responsible for Apec which is Marape.
“Once accepted, it is then presented to National Executive Council and tabled in Parliament for the repealing of the Apec Act.
“The period for the winding up of Apec is 12 months from the conclusion of the Leaders’ Week meetings so I have until mid-November to present this report to the prime minister.”
Hawkins said the report was almost ready, with the final component being an independent audit of Apec finances by a first-tier accountancy firm in Port Moresby.
Hawkins said the tender was awarded by the Auditor-General to KPMG who were now awaiting payment to proceed.
“My appointment is by the National Executive Council. I am still going about my duties as Apec CEO until we close it down. And I hope that is soon.
“I am still Apec CEO. Only Cabinet can revoke or close the Apec Authority. I have been waiting for Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari to extend my contract this year so I can be paid. With extensions, there were delays but were rectified,” he said.
Hawkins said Lupari had been working with him in his capacity as CEO all year.
“Lupari had also written to me as the CEO, and he has written to me confirming my appointment as executive director of the National Events Secretariat, but has not signed the variation letter.
“The bottom line is that we must have an audit of Apec finances that is independent of Government.”