TI PNG Concerned Over Sacking of Whistleblower

Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TI PNG) has expressed concern at the recent sacking of a whistleblower in the National Capital District Commission (NCDC). One of the country's national newspapers has reported that the whistleblower was an Internal Auditor whose report had formed the basis for an investigation into the affairs of the NCDC.

TI PNG said that this was a clear indication of the need for PNG to follow other countries in the introduction of whistleblower-protection legislation. TI argues that there must be a procedure for whistleblowers to follow and to be protected so that they are willing to risk their jobs and their reputations in exposing corrupt practices.

TI PNG recognises that blowing the whistle on corrupt practices takes courage and whistleblowers are often exposed to threats on their lives and to their families. Furthermore, they are often victimised in their work place if their identities are made known. TI PNG has made whistleblower protection one of their priorities in 2004.

According to TI PNG Manager Annie McPherson, the act of the whistleblower does not amount to improper conduct against the Commission as his employer. Rather, the whistleblower recognized the lack of transparency and accountability in the administrative and management practices of the National Capital District Commission. By making the disclosure, he revealed corrupt conduct that involved a substantial mismanagement of public resources.

McPherson urged the government to take all reasonable steps to protect people who make such disclosures from any detrimental action in retaliation for making the disclosure.

For more information, please contact:
TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL (PNG)
Mogoru Moto Building, 5th Floor, PO Box 591 Port Moresby, NCD
Phone 320 2188 Fax 320 2189, E-mail:tipngi@daltron.com.pg
Website: www.transparencypng.org.pg