Seminar told of corruption risks, how to address it

By STARZA PAUL
WEAK leadership in public and private institutions breed corruption, a seminar has been told.
During a monthly seminar organised by the Economic and Public Sector Programme at the Holiday Inn in Port Moresby, speakers from the public and private sectors told of the risks corruption could cause and how it should be addressed.
The speakers on the panel pointed out that strong leadership and attitude change were needed to eradicate corruption in communities and the nation.
International Revenue Commission Commissioner-General Betty Palaso said the organisation had a zero tolerance policy on corruption in its workplace.
She said it conducted educational programmes for its staff to educate them on this serious issue.
Palaso said the commission collected taxes from organisations and individuals so its staff had to be very careful when dealing with those funds.
“People could lose trust and confidence in the IRC if corruption creeps into this important institution,” she said.
“Consequences of corruption can be great and as an agency, if we fall victim, the consequences could be great as it could lead to revenue collection, loss of confidence in the agency and reduce staff confidence in the integrity of the organisation,” she said.
Transparency International PNG chairman Lawrence Stephens said every year billions of kina were misused through corrupt practices.
Stephens said corruption was a serious threat to the political and socio-economic security of every community.
He said millions of kina meant for service delivery were misused and people were left to suffer.
He said everyone, from the top level to the bottom, in any institution needed to change their attitude.
“Corruption can be described as abuse of power and position for self-gain and enrichment,” he said.