PRIME Minister James Marape has announced the appointment of Ms Tabitha Suwae as Acting Chief Ombudsman following a decision by the Ombudsman Appointments Committee (OAC).
Ms Suwae, who has served as an Ombudsman since October 2024, will lead the Ombudsman Commission in an acting capacity while the position of Chief Ombudsman is advertised and filled through an open, competitive and merit-based recruitment process.
A career public servant, Ms Suwae brings 29 years of public service experience, including 24 years with the Ombudsman Commission and five years with the Office of the Public Prosecutor under the Department of Justice and Attorney-General. Before her appointment as Ombudsman, she served as the Commission’s Director of Legal Services. She is from Manus and West Sepik provinces.
Prime Minister Marape congratulated Ms Suwae on her appointment, expressing confidence in her leadership and commitment to upholding the Constitution.
“I congratulate Ms Suwae on her appointment and have every confidence that her extensive experience, professionalism and commitment to the Constitution will ensure the Ombudsman Commission continues to discharge its important responsibilities with independence and integrity,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the OAC’s decision to advertise the position of Chief Ombudsman demonstrated a commitment to transparency and merit-based appointments.
“Constitutional offices such as the Ombudsman Commission must be filled through open competition so that the most qualified Papua New Guineans have the opportunity to serve. Merit must always be the guiding principle in appointments to our key constitutional offices.”
Marape said the Ombudsman Commission and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) remain the nation’s twin pillars of integrity and good governance.
“These institutions exist to protect the integrity of our public service and ensure public office holders operate within the law. They are fundamental to safeguarding our democracy and strengthening public confidence in government.”
He said the Government had strengthened recruitment processes for major constitutional offices by including independent observers, including Transparency International Papua New Guinea, to reinforce transparency and public confidence.
Although not legally required, Marape said the approach was adopted on the advice of the Chief Secretary to ensure appointments remain free from political influence and are based solely on merit.
He added that respected Papua New Guineans serve on independent selection panels to assess applicants before recommendations are submitted to the relevant appointment committees.
“As Prime Minister, I do not choose who applies. Vacancies are advertised, qualified Papua New Guineans compete openly, independent panels assess and rank applicants, and appointment committees make decisions based on those recommendations.”
The Prime Minister also thanked outgoing Chief Ombudsman Mr Richard Pagen for his distinguished service.
“Mr Pagen has served our country with integrity, professionalism and courage. He has carried out his constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law.
“I sincerely thank him for his dedicated service and wish him well in his future endeavours. He remains eligible to apply for the substantive position should he choose to do so.”