By DALCY LULUA
THE Public Service Commission (PSC) launches its Corporate Plan 2024-2028 depicting the Commission’s plans for the next five years.
Chairman of PSC Apeo Fuata Sione said this five year Corporate Plan 2024-2028 was the result of meticulously review of the PSC Corporate Plan 2019-2023 carried out jointly by the members of the Commission and the PSC Corporate Plan Review Committee Team.
“The active participation by the staff and members of the commission in the review resulted in this new Plan 2024-2028 that is a home grown plan that was compiled without sourcing expertise of outside consultants or stakeholders.
“This Corporate Plan contains programs, activities, projects and public service reform initiatives which are realistic and can be achieved,” he added.
Chairman Sione said the PSC experienced some difficult time in the implementing of its Corporate Plan in the last five years.
“Like any other Government Organizations, a colorful plan on paper didn’t mean that it would be successfully implemented in full.
“And we anticipated that there would be seen and unforeseen challenges along the way.
“I’m sure that every Heads of Government Organizations will appreciate the challenges encountered in the full implementation of their organizational plans,” he added.
He disclosed that the difficulties the PSC experienced have been both external and internal factors.
“Some of the external challenges that we had to contend with have been; continous budgetary cuts undertaken by the Department of Treasury which was similar to what happened in the previous years from 2019 to 2023.
The continuous delays in the release of warrants on time from the Treasury had seriously affected the PSC’s routine operations,” he stressed.
He further said they had to put up with internal challenges mostly attributed to ongoing capacity issues such as organizational restructure, inadequate resource funding, budgetary request allocations to PSC and importantly the issue on the proposed legislative amendments on amalgamation of the Secretariat with the Commission which will be looked at under Corporate Plan Projects in the new PSC Corporate Plan 2024-2028.
The Chairman said in spite of all the challenges as mentioned, the PSC was able to overcome some and sail through the last five years.
“The new fifth edition PSC Corporate Plan 2024-2028 basically sets the blueprint in which the Commission will strategically move towards supporting the implementation of its corporate goals by taking responsibility and striving towards achieving the key outcomes by articulating the plan with defined goals, strategies and projects,” he added.
He further said the Commission through the Corporate Plan envisages itself to uphold its Constitutional mandated roles and functions, corporate goals, value and integrity to better serve the Public Service.
“with this plan, the Commission aims to promote the principles of good governance, accountability and transparency and achieve its startd vision and objectives. The plan will ensure enhanced innovations and transformation of the public service through excellent leadership, thus promoting, fundamental principles and values of good governance,” said the Chairman.
Ambassodor Delegation of the European Union to PNG His Excellence Jarques Fradin said It is a testament of our long working relationship and the common goal of Euroean Union and the PNGPSC share in promoting accountable and transparent governance process in the public service.
“The PSC is progressively striving to transform itself to becoming a pillar of PNG’s institutional governance structure. Having developed this 5 year Corporate Plan is a testimony of the gains you made in the precious years and allows you to articulate your aspirations until 2028.
The PSC plays a vital role in the overall good governance and public sector management structure. It is important that such organization is properly guided and supported so that it can fully fulfill its core
functions and mandate,” he added.
Minister for Public Service Commission Joe Sungi applauded the Commission for launching its fifth Corporate Plan however, he stressed that there are many more things that needs to be done.
“Launching of the Corporate Plan shows that you have been working but we have a lot to do,” said the Minister.
Minister Sungi said some of the issues the department has are; keeping information confidential, public servants being reappointed through court orders, political interference with public office and engaging of private advisors for the departmental heads.
“These issues must be addressed in the new Corporate Plan so we move forward,” said the Minister.
