Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates – 3 March 2017: Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Fiji

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These updates are provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Anti-Corruption Project for Southeast Asia, and the joint UNODC - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project, with support of the Australian Government.

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SOLOMON ISLANDS:
Watchdog says Solomons anti-corruption bills might never pass.  PendingSolomon Islands anti-corruption legislation, which includes the establishment of an Independent Commission Against Corruption and introduction of whistleblower protection and freedom of information laws, might never be passed according to the chairperson of Transparency Solomon Isands.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/325656/watchdog-says-solomons-anti-corruption-bills-may-never-pass

KIRIBATI:
Kiribati launches new anti-corruption group.  A group of private citizens have launched a new advocacy group called Kiribati Citizens Against Corruption (KCAC).
For more information, contact Ngatau Neneia (Mr.), founder and interim executive director, at corruptionwatchkiribati@gmail.com or at mobile # + 00 686 73044358.

FIJI:
Biman: Report delay a breach.  TheNational Federation Party says revelations by the newly-appointed auditor-general that auditor-general's reports for 2015 will be submitted to Parliament in March is a gross breach of the 2013 Constitution and the Audit (Amendment) Act of 2006.
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=391044
$1.9 million recovered in three more companies under tax evasion policy.  Three more companies have been investigated under the Whistleblower Policy resulting in a tax collection of more than $1.9 million.
http://fijivillage.com/news-feature/19-million-recovered-in-3-more-companies-under-tax-evasion-policy-5k92rs/
Former BAF boss in court.  Former Chief Executive Officer of the Bio Security Authority of Fiji Matai Matakitoga was convicted for corruption-related offences by the Suva Magistrates court.
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=391155

PAPUA NEW GUINEA:
PM O’Neill appoints Michael Dick as PNG Chief Ombudsman.  Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O‘Neill has announced that Michael Dick would be appointed as the Chief Ombudsman, Richard Pagen appointed as Ombudsman and Apeo Fuata Sione would be re-appointed as Public Service Commissioner.
http://news.pngfacts.com/2017/02/pm-oneill-appoints-michael-dick-as.html

Thank you to the team at UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project for sharing these updates.  For more information, please contact:
Maria Adomeit, Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, UNODC, maria.adomeit@unodc.org
Mihaela Stojkoska, Anti-Corruption Specialist - Pacific, UNDP, mihaela.stojkoska@undp.org
Luisa Senibulu, Governance Programme Associate, UNDP/UNODC, luisa.senibulu@undp.org

Maria Lee, Peace & Development Administrative Assistant, UNDP/UNODC, maria.lee@undp.org

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