New laws in PNG aim to stamp out corruption

8:55 am on 17 August 2016

PNG's government has made ammendments to its Public Finance Management Act in a moves to try and stamp out corruption.

Members of the Papua New Guinea government, including Treasurer Patrick Pruaitch (centre) and Prime Minister Peter O'Neill (right)

Members of the Papua New Guinea government, including Treasurer Patrick Pruaitch (centre) and Prime Minister Peter O'Neill (right) Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades

The Post Courier reported the Finance Minister James Marape was able to pass the reforms with a 70 to nil vote.

The reforms are aimed at tightening rules around the spending to rule out corruption and misuse of public funds.

The new law gives greater powers to the minister and his secretary to demand and obtain information.

Finance inspectors and controllers will also have access to public and statutory bodies to investigate suspected fraud in the government and the private sector.