By SEPKOLIN WALNE
Prime Minister Marape has commended Minister for Defence Dr Billy Joseph for stepping aside from his portfolio voluntarily, describing it as an act of leadership and accountability in the national interest.
He praised Minister Joseph for taking this step in the interest of transparency and integrity.
“Leadership is about responsibility, and this decision allows a clear and independent process to take place,” PM Marape said.
He said that he would assume full responsibility for the Defence Ministry as the Government moves to investigate serious concerns surrounding recruitment processes at PNG Defence Force Headquarters at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby.
“A three-member high-level independent investigation team will be appointed to examine longstanding concerns relating to recruitment practices at Murray Barracks,” the Prime Minister said.
“We want to have Australian Defence advisers to be part of a three-man high-level investigation team led by the chief secretary, state solicitor and a senior defence official from the Australian Defence Force have been asked to be associated with this to have a look into what is happening at Murray Barracks.
“This is not the first time. We had a slip-up about five years ago and also 10 years ago.”
Mr Marape said the PNGDF recruitment issue had persisted for the past 10 to 15 years, and it was time to resolve it.
“We are dealing with a matter of national security. Recruitment into our Defence Force must be beyond reproach. It must be transparent, merit-based, and free from any form of influence or conflict of interest,” he said.