The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and the Department of the Prime Minister and National Executive Council (PM&NEC) have formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday June 25″ in Port Moresby.
This MOU will strengthen cooperation in the prevention, detection, and investigation of corrupt conduct within government administration.
It establishes a framework for secure, lawful, and timely information sharing between the two agencies, enhancing their ability to coordinate efforts, support investigations, and promote greater transparency and accountability in government operations.
ICAC Acting Commissioner Thomas Eluh described the partnership as a significant step towards strengthening institutional collaboration in the fight against corruption.
“Corruption is complex. It does not exist in isolation, and neither can our response to it. It cuts across systems, processes, and institutions. For that reason, coordination between agencies is essential,” Mr. Eluh said.
“The MoU builds on ICAC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration across government by establishing similar information-sharing arrangements with key agencies. Such partnerships are critical for information and intelligence sharing and support evidence-based decision-making in the fight against corruption.”
“I commend the leadership of the Department of Prime Minister and NEC for recognising the importance of this partnership and for its commitment to strengthening integrity within the public sector. Our mandates are distinct and independent, but they are complementary in ensuring an accountable and integrity-driven public administration,” he said.
Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, welcomed the signing of the MoU and affirmed the Department’s commitment to supporting whole-of-government efforts to strengthen integrity and accountability.
The signing of this MoU is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the principles of transparency and good governance, by fostering a culture of accountability within the highest levels of government administration.
The Chief Secretary reiterated that we are ensuring that our systems are robust and resilient against malpractice.
“This partnership with ICAC is a vital component of our strategy to restore public trust and ensure that every government action is guided by the rule of law,” Mr. Pomaleu said.