Gov't initiates Anti-Corruption Commission [1]
Friday, February 22, 2008 - 18:29. Updated on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 - 14:32.
An Independent Anti-Corruption Commission will be set up and it should be in operation before the end of the year, according to the Solicitor General Linda Folaumoetu'i.
Linda said that the commission would have extensive power, "to investigate suspected corruption, and prosecute civil servants of wrong doing."
The establishment of Commission is co-funded by the Australian Government, and the position of a commissioner is currently being advertised. A commissioner should be announced by March.
The Solicitor General supported the move by government to establish an independent Anti-Corruption Commission. She said that the commissioner would be assisted by nine deputies who will investigate suspected corruption of any person or authority that was brought to the Commission's attention by a complaint.
Linda pointed out that an Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2007 had been passed, detailing the functions of the commission, as well as the nature of corrupt conduct in relation to a Minister of the Crown, a government official and a member of the Legislative Assembly.
Power to prosecute
In the Act the Commission will also have powers not only to investigate but to bring charges against suspected people.
The Commissioner may also appoint a Director of Corruption Investigation, a Director of Leadership Code and Prevention and such other persons necessary to do its job.
Linda said the existing Public Complaints Commission that deals with complaints against public officials would be abolished once the new Anti-Corruption commission was established.
Under the Anti-Corruption Act, official misconduct included breach of trust, fraud in office, misdemeanor in public office, extortion or imposition, bribery, blackmail, obtaining or offering secret commissions, fraud, theft and willful damage of public property, tax evasion and others.