THE chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee (SPC) on Public Sector Reform and Service Delivery today welcomed the Prime Ministerial decision to hold an ICAC inquiry into the recent events at the National Airports Corporation (NAC).
“It is a step in the right direction for the fight against inefficacy, waste, mismanagement and corruption in the Public Sector.
“I am sure the terms of reference outlined by ICAC will provide valuable insights for the Marape government to follow,” he said.
Governor Juffa who is also the Oro Governor said the SPC will be watching the investigation closely and will collaborate if necessary.
However, it has a broader focus and will not be involved in nor duplicate the ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption) investigation.
He said the SPC was concerned about the apparent failure of systems and processes at NAC, which constituted a threat to national security and the safety of the travelling public.
It also heightened the risk of cancellation of remaining international air services, which are essential in the war on coronavirus.
The SPC is reviewing State-Owned Enterprises, and Governor Juffa said early indications are that the same weaknesses are evident as in NAC.
“The turnover of four CEOs and directors and management in a short space of time is a telling sign,” he said.
“There is clearly a wider problem across the public sector – a general lack of transparency and accountability and specifically weak processes for board appointments and management recruitment.
“Political interference, nepotism, cronyism, and general corruption, waste and mismanagement lead to weak structures and systems and ultimate failure to deliver a satisfactory level of goods and services to the public cheaply and effectively.
“If the State wishes to operate commercial enterprises then reasonable and well-established commercial practices must be the prevailing standards.”
Governor Juffa reiterated State-Owned Enterprises must also comply with the relevant legislation – for example, the Audit Act and their own established legislation.
Failure to comply with well recognized principles of good governance, and relevant legislation, is a recipe for disaster.
