Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

MR 070918 Ombudsman

MEDIA RELEASE

18 September 2007

For immediate release

Australia backs moves to improve complaint handling

 

The Australian Government today welcomed moves to improve the handling of complaints against the Police, Defence Forces and Corrective Services in PNG. 

Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis, made the comments during a seminar organized by the Ombudsman Commission of PNG.

The seminar in Port Moresby brought together around 100 figures to discuss systems for managing internal complaints and ways to improve links between the Ombudsman Commission of PNG and the Police, Defence Forces and Corrective Services.

Mr Moraitis said: “Australia has a longstanding commitment to supporting the law and justice sector in PNG, in particular the Ombudsman Commission.

“This seminar is another example of how we are helping the PNG Government to advance its own objectives in relation to law and justice.”

The Australian Government has provided support to the Ombudsman Commission of PNG through a Twinning Program with the Australian Commonwealth Ombudsman. The Twinning Program is supported by the aid program.

A number of Australian speakers spoke at the seminar: Australian Commonwealth Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan, Detective Superintendent Steve Hulbert, of the Australian Federal Police’s Professional Standards unit and Inspector General Geoff Earley from the Australian Defence Force.

During his speech Mr Moraitis said oversight agencies, like the Ombudsman Commission, played an important role in facilitating good governance.

“Good governance is about better management. This includes strong leadership of the public sector. Strong and effective leadership is essential for good governance, sustained growth and development,” he said.

“Oversight agencies, like the Ombudsman Commission, play an important role. But the departments themselves must also take responsibility for their performance.”

Media Inquiries: Leigh Arnold, Public Diplomacy Manager, T: 325 9333 ext 275