Anti-corruption agencies – the challenges and growing pains
This article, from the ABC News, highlights the many challenges that exist when trying to develop and implement the work of a new anti-corruption enforcement agency. This agency in Papua New Guinea, used the structures that are suggested when developing an agency, from using an independent commission, to using international expertise as well as setting up new investigative internal structures. Unfortunately, three of the commissioners, two from Australia and one from New Zealand, have been involved in accusations of corruption and mismanagement, and lack of expertise. This “ development has been labelled a "major blow" to PNG's fledgling Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), which has only made one arrest and no prosecutions since it began operations in 2023.” The ICAC has very clear growing pains, but this is not an excuse and needs to be remedied.
What needs to be done today? When these types of accusations occur, this means that the agency structures may need to be reviewed, and the agency actions may be out of control, and need to be remedied. Having seen this up close in several environments in a number of countries, what needs to happen is for the agency to quickly review what is and isn’t working and whether this is due to poor management, poor investigative structures or potential sabotage within the organization. This may seem conspiracist, but when agencies are developing there are many challenges both internal and external. Again, this is also where external civil society activists and oversight groups can review and support the new agency. It is a shame that the three commissioners are international, but the hope is that this will remind everyone that vigilance is important and ensure that change is made efficiently and effectively.
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