The President of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama, has dismissed concerns about governance raised by the former Chief Secretary.
Bougainville President, Ishmael Toroama Photo: ABG
Earlier this month Joseph Nobetau was critical of the government plans to change the Bougainville Senior Appointments Committee Act.
Nobetau was concerned that a provision which ensured public service appointments were made at arm's length from the government would be removed.
He said the provision was international best practice.
Ishmael Toroama said he was a strong proponent of democratic principles and this remained a priority for his administration which governed Papua New Guinea's autonomous region of Bougainville.
He said the recruitment process would remain the same but the Executive Council would make the final decision.
Toroama said Bougainville had nine chief secretaries and numerous departmental heads during the past 10 years, while it had struggled to fill a number of roles.
The president said the committee had failed to instil stability and bring cohesion and this was why the government was taking direct control of appointments.