Prime Minister clarifies status of ICAC leadership and reaffirms commitment to fighting corruption

Prime Minister James Marape has today reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fighting corruption through the Independent Commission Against Corruption [ICAC].

This follows public commentary circulating in the media that may cause confusion regarding recent developments in the Commission’s leadership.

The Prime Minister has made it clear that the Government has not suspended the work of ICAC, and the Commission remains operational and functional under its current caretaker leadership while an internal inquiry into its three senior commissioners is ongoing.

“Let me state clearly that the Independent Commission Against Corruption continues to function,” Prime Minister Marape said. “This Government, under my leadership, passed the ICAC legislation in 2020 and has since worked to establish it as a key institution in our national fight against corruption.”

The Prime Minister addressed concerns stemming from circulating statements believed to be made by one of the suspended commissioners which suggest that the Government has interfered in the work of the Commission.

“If Mr Daniel Baulch has come out in this manner, then he is pre-empting the legal process and the internal inquiry. Like anyone else, he has the right to seek legal clarification, but that should not override the formal processes that are in place,” Prime Minister Marape said.