[ap-intact] INFO: Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (22 August 2015) -- Regional, PNG, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Cook Islands, Samoa

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[Facilitator’s note: Thank you to Annika Wythes, Luisa Senibulu, and Samita Singh of the joint UNDP-UNODC Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project for sharing these updates.]
Regional:
Pacific journalists undergo combating corruption workshop. Over 30 journalists from Fiji, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu recently participated in a two-day workshop on the UN Convention against Corruption Awareness Training for Pacific Media, in Tonga, organized by the Australian Governmenbt-supported UNDP-UNODC UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) project. http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/regional/8064-pacific-journalists-undergo-combating-corruption-workshop

PNG:
Another MP to stand trial for fraud. The Governor of Papua New Guinea's Western province, Ati Wobiro, and two others are to stand trial in the National Court on fraud-related charges. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/281912/another-png-mp-to-stand-trial-for-fraud
Solomon Islands:
Controversial forestry minister is removed. The Solomon Islands prime minister has removed his Minister of Forests, Bodo Dettke, following widespread criticism of the appointment. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/281749/solomon-islands'-controversial-forestry-minister-is-removed
Solomons defrauded of millions - Dettke. The outgoing Minister of Forests in Solomon Islands says the Government has been defrauded of $US62 million in export duties and withholding tax. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/281924/solomons-defrauded-of-millions-dettke
Secretary to Solomons PM Dismisses Conflict of Interest Charge. Special Secretary to Prime Minister’s Office (SSPM) says allegation against him as a director to one the companies that took up the proposed housing scheme for public servant is a misunderstanding. http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2015/August/08-19-11.htm
Sawn timber audits planned. There are hopes that an independent organisation can be set up to ensure timber production in Solomon Islands is sustainable and legal. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/281890/solomons'-sawn-timber-audits-planned
Corruption taints us with bad image. Revelations of corrupt practices, especially in the growing mining sector, is an odour colour to the country’s image, according to research findings by Dr Graham Baines. http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/8035-corruption-taints-us-with-bad-image
Fiji:
Call to strengthen policies. It is not about putting stringent policy to manage anti-corruption within organisations but it is the policing of these policies that needs to be strengthened says Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption principal officer Research and Development, Siteri Rabici. http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=318452
Cook Islands:
Opposition claims foul play over boat deal. A Cook Islands opposition party is calling for transparency after a government deal over a boat went wrong. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/281958/cooks-opposition-claims-foul-play-over-boat-deal
Samoa:
Samoa MP Calls Electoral Amendment Bill ‘Corrupt’. Member of Parliament for Faleata West, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, said a proposed Electoral Amendment Bill (No. 4) 2015 would favour two urban parliamentary seats. http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2015/August/08-20-13.htm

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