THE Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) has concluded the consultation phase for Terms of Reference No. 23 – Review of the Laws Relating to the Monitoring and Evaluation of Public Funds, following a stakeholder seminar held in Port Moresby.
The seminar marked the final stage of the Commission’s consultation process, bringing together key government agencies, stakeholders and members of the public to share their views on the findings and law reform recommendations contained in CLRC’s draft report.
The forum provided stakeholders with the opportunity to ensure the final report delivers practical and effective law reform proposals aimed at strengthening the monitoring, evaluation and accountability of public funds in Papua New Guinea.
Participating stakeholders included the National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC), Department of Provincial Government and Local-level Government Affairs (DPGLLGA), Department of Implementation and Rural Development (DIRD), Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council
(CIMC), PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA), PNG Science and Technology Secretariat, National Energy Authority (NEC), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), National Narcotics Bureau, Department of Treasury, Office of the Public Solicitor, together with representatives from other institutions and members of the public.
The draft report presents law reform recommendations addressing seven key areas identified throughout the review. These include the regulation of Service Improvement Funds (SIPs), Constitutional Grants, the District Development Authorities Act, the jurisdiction of the Auditor-General, and the effectiveness of budget and audit committees at the district level, among other legislative and institutional issues relating to the monitoring and evaluation of public funds.
In his opening remarks, CLRC Secretary Dr. Mange Matui reaffirmed the Commission’s statutory mandate to review and reform the laws of Papua New Guinea in response to emerging national challenges.
“Under the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission Act 2004, the Commission is entrusted with the responsibility of reviewing and reforming the laws of Papua New Guinea to ensure they remain relevant, effective and responsive to the changing needs of our nation.”
Dr. Matui said the review was particularly timely as Papua New Guinea continues to invest in key development sectors.
“As Papua New Guinea celebrates fifty years of Independence, our nation continues to pursue ambitious development priorities through significant public investment. Every year, substantial funding is committed towards improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, law and justice, agriculture, rural development and many other sectors that directly affect the wellbeing of our people.”
Dr. Matui added, “The recommendations arising from this review are intended to assist Government in strengthening legislative and institutional arrangements that support evidence-based decision-making, improve transparency and reinforce public confidence in the management of public resources.”
The seminar concludes CLRC’s consultation process for TOR No. 23. Feedback and recommendations received from stakeholders will assist the Commission to vet its law reform proposals before the final report is submitted to Government and tabled in Parliament for consideration.