Pacific

Tuvalu appoints first Chief Ombudsman

07:18 am on 12 August 2014

The Permanent Secretary of the Tuvalu's Public Utilities ministry has been appointed as the country's first Chief Ombudsman.

Sa'aga Talu Teafa will take up the five year post in October.

The Prime Minister, Enele Sopoaga, says the appointment is a long-awaited part of the country's Leadership Code Act, which was delayed because of a lack of money.

Mr Sopoaga says the appointment of an Ombudsman is essential for the leadership code's implementation, which is hoped will eliminate or greatly reduce corrupt practices in government.