7Sep, 2022
Minister of Public Service Hon. Joe Sungi, MP receiving a welcome gift from the Chairman of the Public Services Commission Mr. Apeo Fuata Sione.
PSC CHAIRMAN WELCOMES PUBLIC SERVICE MINISTER INTO OFFICE
7/09/2022
The Chairman of the Public Services Commission Mr. Apeo Fuata Sione officially welcomed the Minister for Public Service Hon. Joe Sungi, and congratulated him on his re-appointment as the Member for Nuku and also as Public Service Minister, in a ceremony held at the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance, that was organized by the Department of Personnel Management, PILAG, and PSC.
Mr. Sione in his speech said the Commission envisions a cordial working relationship with the Minister in order to deliver on the government’s agenda on Public Sector Reforms as outlined under the Loloata Accords and to implement the Commissions programs and projects in its Corporate Plan 2019 – 2023.
“We had a good cordial working relationship with you as we endeavored to implement the government’s agenda on the Public Sector Reforms”, said Mr. Sione.
The Chairman further added that PNG is going through some difficult and rapid socio-economic and socio-cultural changes that have never been experienced before, therefore PSC, just like PILAG and DPM will need to manage these changes in order to take advantage of the opportunities presented to it to develop an efficient public service mechanism that will provide quality service to our people.
‘’The Commission through its Corporate Plan 2019-2023 will uphold its Constitutional mandated roles and functions, corporate goals, values, and integrity to promote the principles of good governance, accountability, and transparency to ultimately achieve its vision to transform the National Public Service into a vibrant, effective and efficient service delivery machinery”, said Mr. Sione.
The Chairman further reiterated that under Minister Sungi’s political leadership going forward, PSC will continue the working relationship it has with sister organizations, DPM and PILAG, to bring about an efficient and vibrant public service system that the people of Papua New Guinea will benefit from.
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21Feb, 2023
PSC PRESENTS K350,000 CHEQUE TO WAKO LANDOWNER BUSINESS INC.
The Chairman of the Public Services Commission Mr. Apeo Fuata Sione, LM, M. PP yesterday presented a cheque for K350,000. 00 to the Wako Landowner Business Incorporated Group of Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province in a ceremony held at the PSC office in Waigani.
The Wako Landowner Business Inc. is the landowner group of Portion 721 in Kagamuga where PSC is currently building its first regional office.
Principal Landowners Mr. Willie Wananga and Mr. Joe Las Wananga of the Yamaka tribe were on hand to receive the cheque and thanked PSC for assisting them to finally receive their land award after waiting for almost 40 years.
“That is our customary land, and our forefathers in their wisdom gave the land on which Portion 721 is also located to the State for infrastructure to be built. So, when they gave that land, the State was supposed to present a land award as a form of appreciation, but that never happened. Our forefathers have followed up on this award for 40 years and many have already passed on, and still, nothing has been forthcoming from the State. When the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) planned to build their office on our land, we raised our grievance with IPA and they went out of their way to help us from which K46,000. 00 was released but the balance is still outstanding”, explained Mr. Willie Wananga.
Mr. Wananga added that when he heard that another government entity was going to build on their land they were frustrated and raised this grievance with the Secretary of the PSC Secretariat Mr. Terence Tupi who was on-site at the time, and Mr. Tupi was very cordial and empathetic and advised them that PSC will take this onboard and assist them.
“The kind assistance from PSC has now seen the landowner group receive this payment today and I want to thank the Chairman, Commissioners, Secretary, and the PSC for their invaluable assistance so that now we see a part payment from the State”, said Mr. Wananga.
PSC Secretary, Mr. Terence Tupi further elaborated that the award was for K700, 000.00 + 50% interest which was to be paid to the landowner group when they gave up their customary land to the State. He said when the Yamaka tribe brought their grievances to PSC whilst he was on site in Mt Hagen, he raised this issue with the PSC Steering Committee which is made up of various government stakeholders in December 2022 and was advised to pay K350, 000.00 from the PSC’s PIP project funds whilst the outstanding balance will be settled by the State through the Department of Finance. This is so that the construction of the PSC office will proceed without any obstacles.
Meantime, the construction of the PSC office in Mt. Hagen is expected to be completed by the end of March 2023.
21Feb, 2023
TIPNG Board Chair Peter Aitsi speaking at the launch.
2022 CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX LAUNCHED
BY NADIA. MARAI
The Transparency International PNG released the results of the 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) last week Tuesday (31/01/2022) in line with uplifting the global embargo.
The CPI is a survey that scores countries and territories around the world based on perceptions of public sector corruption. The scores reflect views of the experts and surveys from business people, not the public.
The 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index scored Papua New Guinea a low 30 out of 100,highlighting a stagnation in the government’s efforts in clamping down on public sector corruption. While there have been positive developments, unfortunately these have largely been isolated and have not been fully implemented and as a result minimizing their impact and effectiveness.
In launching the 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index, TIPNG Board Chair Peter Aitsi said, ‘’Political leaders must recognize the dire threat that corruption poses to national and international peace and security, and must make anti-corruption efforts an integral focus of foreign and domestic policy by prioritizing transparency which will enable proper oversight and enable meaningful engagement of civil society in scrutinizing the use of public funds.’’
Among other organizations which included the Interim Commission Against Corruption, the Public Services Commission as an office of integrity attended as well showing it’s support to combating corruption in PNG.
The Public Services Commission (PSC) is serious about its Anti-corruption stance; therefore, we have aligned ourselves to other institutions of integrity who are promoters of good governance and are at the forefront in the fight against corruption. Organizations like TIPNG, ICAC and Ombudsmen Commission among other institutions of integrity.
PSC in partnership with the Transparency International (TIPNG) successfully launched its agency level Anti-Corruption & Integrity Strategy last year in doing its part to combat corruption.
21Feb, 2023
Image: Minister for Public Service Hon. Joe Sungi alongside EU Ambassador E.U delegation to PNG his excellency Jacques Fradin officially launching the PSC CMS online as PSC members look on.
PSC LAUNCHES ITS CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
BY PSC MEDIA
The Public Services Commission in partnership with European Union of Papua New Guinea has launched its Case Management System. The European Union (EU) has stepped in as a development partner to provide technical and financial support to the Public Services Commission to develop its Case Management System(CMS) at a cost of over K1 million.
The Case Management System is an online digital system developed particularly for workflow processes within the Public Services Commission to eliminate the excessive usage of paper work to enhance work based performance and improve time management. The CMS also ensures that all officers within the organization involved in the resolution of a case or workflow can also easily access information and communicate with each other through a single interface.
The EU PNGPSC MOA was signed in 2020 and the CMS project was tendered by the EU and the successful bidder was scheduled to start work in March 2020. However, the effect of the Civid-19 pandemic, that forced the world into a total lock down, also further postponed the project to March of 2021.Through meaningful consultations by both the PSC and the EU, recently saw the launch of PSC’s first Case Management System.
‘’The Public Services Commission (PSC) in line with the ongoing Public Services Reform has made some important administrative decisions to make changes in the way it manages its core functions , that is, Review of Personnel Matters, Investigations and the Merit Based Appointment Process. One such decision was made some years back and that was to manage its core functions with the use of digital platforms to keep pace with the changing times in the 21st Century. The Commission was of the view that change in an organization leads to many positive aspects-that lead to retaining a competitive edge and also remaining relevant to keep pace with the changing times. Change encourages innovation, develops skills, develops staff and leads to better business opportunities, and improves staff morale. ’Says Mr Apeo Sione Chairman PSC.
‘’The need to make PSC services more efficient was due to years of backlogs of workloads, at times poor quality work output from officers and the times managements inability t properly manage all workflows in their respective divisions, These and others were number of issues affecting PSC that created an impetus for a greater use of available technology. And one of the best ways to address these issues was to adopt the Case Management System’’.
Chairman Sione further thanked the European Union for its technical and financial support and is committed to ensuring the system is implement to increase productivity and work efficiently in PSC.
13Dec, 2022
Minister for Public Service Hon. Joe Sungi alongside EU Ambassador E.U delegation to PNG his excellency Jacques Fradin officially launching the PSC CMS online as PSC members look on.
PSC LAUNCHES ITS CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
BY PSC MEDIA
The Public Services Commission in partnership with European Union of Papua New Guinea has launched its Case Management System. The European Union (EU) has stepped in as a development partner to provide technical and financial support to the Public Services Commission to develop its Case Management System(CMS) at a cost of over K1 million.
The Case Management System is an online digital system developed particularly for workflow processes within the Public Services Commission to eliminate the excessive usage of paper work to enhance work based performance and improve time management. The CMS also ensures that all officers within the organization involved in the resolution of a case or workflow can also easily access information and communicate with each other through a single interface.
The EU PNGPSC MOA was signed in 2020 and the CMS project was tendered by the EU and the successful bidder was scheduled to start work in March 2020. However, the effect of the Civid-19 pandemic, that forced the world into a total lock down, also further postponed the project to March of 2021.Through meaningful consultations by both the PSC and the EU, recently saw the launch of PSC’s first Case Management System.
‘’The Public Services Commission (PSC) in line with the ongoing Public Services Reform has made some important administrative decisions to make changes in the way it manages its core functions , that is, Review of Personnel Matters, Investigations and the Merit Based Appointment Process. One such decision was made some years back and that was to manage its core functions with the use of digital platforms to keep pace with the changing times in the 21st Century. The Commission was of the view that change in an organization leads to many positive aspects-that lead to retaining a competitive edge and also remaining relevant to keep pace with the changing times. Change encourages innovation, develops skills, develops staff and leads to better business opportunities, and improves staff morale. ’Says Mr Apeo Sione Chairman PSC.
‘’The need to make PSC services more efficient was due to years of backlogs of workloads, at times poor quality work output from officers and the times managements inability t properly manage all workflows in their respective divisions, These and others were number of issues affecting PSC that created an impetus for a greater use of available technology. And one of the best ways to address these issues was to adopt the Case Management System’’.
Chairman Sione further thanked the European Union for its technical and financial support and is committed to ensuring the system is implement to increase productivity and work efficiently in PSC.
24Nov, 2022
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMISSION PRESENTS ITS 2021 ANNUAL REPORT
Date: 23RD November 2022
In accordance with Section 17(1) of the Public Services (Management) Act 1995 (as amended) the Chairman of the Public Services Commission Mr Apeo Fuata Sione today officially presented to His Excellency, Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, GCL, GCMG, KSt.J at the Government House at Konedobu the PSC 2021 Annual Report.
The 2021 Annual Report covers the period from January 01st, 2021 to December 31st 2021, and captures the activities, achievements, challenges and recommendations of the Commission.
The Report also contains an unaudited financial statement on the Commission’s Annual budget for the 2021 Fiscal Year. Despite various challenges including funding constraints the Public Services Commission continues to uphold and carry out its constitutional functions and responsibilities without fear and favour.
This is PSC’s 26th Annual Report presented to the Governor-General, to date. The Commission, therefore, is up to date with its Annual Reports to National Parliament.
23Nov, 2022
Image: Mr. Ngawi highlighted to the inductees the role of the Public Services Commission and the different roles and functions it performs. (Pic: PSC Media)
PUBLIC SERVICES COMMISSION TAKES PART IN THE INDUCTION OF NEW OFFICERS OF THE OFFICE OF CENSORSHIP
By Dorah Gawi
23/11/22
The Public Services Commission (PSC) took part in the Public Service Induction program for four (4) Officers of the Office of Censorship this morning at the Sanctuary Hotel in Port Moresby.
The team from PSC included the Director of the National Review Division Mr. Joshua Ngawi, Principal Assessment Officer Mr. Timothy Waringe, and Principal Investigator Mrs. Ravugera Ginis.
The presentation surrounded the roles and functions of the Public Services Commission regarding Personnel Review Matters, assessment of the appointment function, and investigation with emphasis on the rights of permanent public servants and what administrative services are offered at the PSC.
The team also stressed the importance of understanding the legislations that relate to their employment as employees of the public service like the National Constitution, Public Services (Management) Act 1995 (as amended), Public Service General Orders, and other important legislations.
The inductees were able to ask questions to gain insight into some grey areas that they were not familiar with in regard to processes and procedures of the public service.
PSC commended the Office of Censorship for carrying out this very important program for their new hires adding that the induction program is a mandatory requirement for all public servants to undertake as instills a sense of pride in the mission and values of the public service and equips new officers with the foundational understanding of the processes and procedures within their organization and that of the National Public Service as well.
23Nov, 2022
PSC ANTI-CORRUPTION & INTEGRITY COMMITTEE ON NBC TALKBACK SHOW
2/11/2022
By Nadia Marai
The PSC Anti-Corruption & Integrity Committee made an appearance on NBC’s Morning Talk-Show hosted by radio personality Mr. Stephen Mase.
The Committee that included the Team Leader by Mr. David Hanaromo (Director Investigations), Ms. Rachael Wii (Director Assessment) and Ms. Dorah Gawi (Principal Media & Publication Officer) were accompanied along-side the Transparency International PNG’s Project Lead for the PAIS program Miss. Daera Ganiga.
The committee spoke about how PSC’s Anti-Corruption & Integrity Strategy was developed as well as highlighting the four (4) Key Objectives and eight Key Priority Areas to be implemented.
When asked about how this initiative came about, Mr. Hanaromo stressed that PSC stands committed to promote good governance, and have therefore taken part in numerous anti-corruption programs. PSC has said has also provided a platform for other organizations like the Department of Finance to roll out its Phones Against Corruption program through the PSC Awareness Program so when we were approached by TIPNG to develop an Anti-Corruption Strategy at the agency level, the Commission was more than happy to sign the MoU with Transparency International PNG .
‘’At PSC we promote good governance and we believe in good governance and so when TIPNG reached out we saw that as an opportunity to practice what we stand for. At times we have allegations that are raised against our officers for receiving bribes or engaging in corrupt activities so we saw that as an opportunity for us to use that platform to address those issues and in a way that can also be an avenue for us to properly address those complaints”, said Mr. Hanaromo.
Furthermore Ms Wii spoke about the eight key priority areas which will further address the four key objectives as captured in the strategy.
‘’The eight key priority areas includes; setting up of the corruption complaints desk to manage corruption complaints, enforcing the Public Service Management Act and the Public Service Ethics & Code of Conduct, improving compliance in mandatory functions and requirements of the PSC ,promoting and strengthening honest leadership, ensuring compliance and manageability of the finance management system, strengthening accountability and oversight, strengthening public awareness of PSC’s core function and to further strengthen coordination and partnership with PSC stakeholders.
Ms. Gawi also mentioned how the strategy will be rolled out, making mention of the various platforms that will be utilized to implement this strategy.
‘” The PSC Anti-Corruption & Integrity Strategy will be rolled through the PSC Awareness Program, hopefully by next year, depending on funding. The onus here is to inform the public about our stance against corruption and about how anyone for that matter can report issues of corruption that they cite officers of the PSC taking part in, we have provided platforms through our Facebook page, PSC enquires email and LinkedIn and in addition we also have a complaints box that will be placed at the reception area where anyone can come in and drop an anonymous tip or lay a complaint every complaint will be taken seriously’’ said Ms Gawi.
Miss. Ganiga from TIPNG spoke about their effort in advocating for a corruption free country and its assistance towards helping government agencies like PSC, develop and implement strategies to fight corruption at their respective levels.
“So far there has been a total of five agencies within the public service that have signed MoU’s to develop their agency’s Anti-Corruption strategy, and only two (2) have launched their strategies, PSC is the second, after the National Economic & Fiscal Commission launched theirs in June, 2022”, said Miss. Ganiga.
The Public Services Commission is serious about its stance against corruption and would be implementing its Anti-Corruption and Integrity Strategy 2022-2025 to address corruption its level as an agency of integrity.
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23Nov, 2022
PSC PNG Chairman Mr Apeo Fuata Sione receiving a gift from PSC Vanuatu Secretary Mr James Melteres.
PSC WELCOMES VISIT BY PSC VANUATU
2/11/2022
By Nadia Marai
The Public Services Commission of Papua New Guinea was pleased to host its Melanesian counterpart, the Public Services Commission of Vanuatu in an important meeting held yesterday at the Commission’s office at Waigani attended by the Chairman of PSC in PNG Mr. Apeo Fuata Sione together with Commissioner National Ms. Judith Stenis, Commissioner Provincial Mr. Joseph Aka, Secretary, PSC Secretariat Mr. Terence Tupi and Senior Management Committee.
The delegation from PSC Vanuatu included Secretary PSC Mr. James Melteres and VIPAM Chairman and Executive Officer of the Ministry of Youth Sport Development Mr. Rex Tandak who are part of a visiting delegation from the Government of Vanuatu currently in PNG to review and validate courses under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Pacific Institute of Leadership & Governance (PILAG).
Secretary Melteres in the meeting highlighted the differences between the two (2) Commissions and added that PSC Vanuatu is here to learn and adopt some best practices, particularly the Merit Based Appointment Process used by PSC PNG in the
recommendation of appointments of Departmental Heads. Furthermore, he stressed the need for Constitutional bodies to carry out their roles and functions without political interference.
Another important agenda that was discussed was to have PSC PNG work in collaboration with other public service agencies in the Pacific region for organizations to learn from each other and perform their roles more efficiently and effectively.
The meeting was particularly to establish and improve existing partnerships between the two organizations in the Pacific and to foster a greater bilateral and multi-cultural understanding and corporation in the Melanesian Spearhead Group (PSG).
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