Trade Union Congress raises concerns over foreign appointments to top public offices

Concerns have been raised over the increasing number of foreign nationals being appointed to senior positions in Papua New Guinea's public service.

The latest appointment is that of leading Australian academic and election expert Dr Nicole Haley, who has been named Papua New Guinea's new Electoral Commissioner.

Her appointment follows the recruitment of two other expatriates to senior policing roles in Enga and East New Britain provinces.

The PNG Trade Union Congress has questioned the appointment of the two foreign nationals to senior command positions within the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.

The Union's Assistant General Secretary, Anton Sekum, said there should be clear guidelines outlining the officers' duties, responsibilities and the duration of their appointments.

Meanwhile, the appointment of Dr Nicole Haley as the Electoral Commissioner has been welcomed by many, following years of elections marred by violence, bribery, and nepotism.

Prime Minister James Marape in support of this move says he’s priority is to strengthen transparency, accountability and public confidence in key state institutions.

The Trade Union Congress says this appointment could be a good and bad thing.

The government maintains that these appointments are necessary to improve the performance and integrity of key institutions, as the country continues to strengthen governance and public service delivery.