The Papua New Guinea parliament has passed legislation to establish an Independent Commission Against Corruption.
Constitutional amendments to establish the commission, in a country often ranked one of the most corrupt in the world, were passed in 2015, but efforts to prepare and table a bill for parliament lapsed until the Marape government came to power last year.
Police Minister Bryan Kramer said his office is looking forward to working with the skilled professionals in the new agency, on issues such as money laundering and corruption, both in PNG and abroad.
Bryan Kramer. Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Koroi Hawkins
Prime Minister James Marape said the new measure, along with the Whistleblower Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act, would work to strengthen the country's institutions.
Attorney General Davis Steven, who has been one of the driving forces behind the legislation, praised the support for the bill, saying it's in the house of parliament that the destiny of the country is decided.