-
2020 Govt Accounts opened, Ngangan
Audit Committee launched
See Page 03See Page 02 See Page 04
Secretary Dr Ken Ngangan has announced the 2020 Government
accounts are officially opened at the Vulupindi Haus.
Dr. Ken Ngangan OBE PhD CMA CPA Secretary
With the new working year commencing I would like to extend my
best wishes to all our staff a happy, successful and rewarding
2020. Though we have just come out of the holiday season, the past
weeks have still been busy for the department. We started the year
on a sound financial footing and are well-placed to continue to
support the Government’s fiscal objectives and public financial
management reform agenda.The New Year brings new challenges and
opportunities and there is much to be positive about in terms of
building further on these reforms. A great deal has been achieved
over the past few years in many respects; the improved quality of
policy framework and settings, our operational and governance
arrangement.All of you have worked hard to support the progress we
have made. I encourage you all to give your best to addressing
challenges, grasping new opportunities and supporting the
Department in delivering Government’s reform and development
agendas.With the support of our Minister who provides the requisite
political leadership to the Department we have achieved what we
have so far. I thank our Minister Hon. Rainbo Paita for his
leadership and look
forward to his continuing support and also with you all, for a
rewarding and successful 2020.
Secretary’s Kona
1
Public servants tohave five year contract
Department of Finance
Newsletter Issue No.1 February, 2020
Paita presents K1 million to PAC
Minister for Finance and Rural Development Hon. Rainbo Paita has
presented K1 million to the Public Accounts Committee at the
Vulupindi Haus on Wednesday 22, 2020.On hand to receive the funding
was PAC Chairman Sir John Pundari and witnessed by Secretary for
Finance Dr Ken Ngangan, PAC secretariat, committee members,
Department senior officers and members of the media
fraternity.Minister Paita commended Chairman Pundari for the great
work that is evident in some of the State institutions currently
under investigations.“It is important that we support an
established committee in making
sure every State institutions are accountable for the funds that
they receive from the Government,’’ Minister Paita said.“I am happy
to see Sir John heading this important committee and thank the
Governor for Northern Province Hon. Gary Juffa who had done a
tremendous job in putting some institutions under spotlight.“I want
to also thank the Public Accounts Committee members for the work
done in the past months under the leadership of Sir John. We are
hoping much will be done this year and see how best we can work
together as Public Accounts is crucial in the Public Finance
Management Act. -CONTINUE PAGE 3
We are hoping much will be done this year and see how best we
can work together
PM has instructed the Department of Personal Development and
Public Service to introduce a 5-year contract for every public
servant.
Minister for Finance and Rural Development Rainbo Paita
presenting the cheque to PAC Chairaman Sir John Pundari.
Department of National Planning and Monitoring has officially
launched its Audit Committee
-
2
Secretary Dr Ken Ngangan (pictured) has announced the 2020
Government accounts officially opened at the Vulupindi Haus.The
Accounts have opened on January 6 this year according to Dr Ngangan
as this will allow smooth flow from 2019 to 2020 financial year.Dr
Ngangan said in the previous years the accounts opening takes place
around March and this has changed last two years. It is an
achievement for us as the Department responsible for the government
accounts.“We had a hard close of accounts in 2019 and thanks to
Minister for Finance and Rural Development Rainbo Paita who led the
close of accounts well,’’ he said.“This was a quick turnaround as
we now open the 2020 financial year.“Government accounts are now
ready for use and the Treasury Department can issue warrants to
government
agencies, provinces and government
business should kick off. There is no excuse for public servants
to delay coming to work,’’ he said.As soon as the Treasury
Department starts issuing warrants, funds will start flowing into
provinces and districts and public service work to start.IFMS has
been the success of the quick accounts opening in 2020. “I would
like to also mention that all 2019 cheques can still be in use this
year. I have notified the commercial banks not to reject 2019
cheques and it’s valid for 12 months.Meanwhile, Minister Paita
applauds senior management and staff that stayed behind during the
shutdown period to ensure successful close and opening of accounts
was done in time.
Ngangan announces2020 accounts open
One of the completed house at Tokarara. Inset: (L-R) Nelly
Atasoa (Project Manager), Gibson Gotaha (Housing Project
participant), and Chris Kandaro (Assistant Project Officer) during
site inspection at Gibson’s residence at Tokarara Sub-Division.
Free up state land, says Marape Decent accommodation is a basic
need for everyone in our country which public servants are no
exception. Many public servants are having difficulty owning a
first home and this has been an ongoing problem faced throughout
the country. Even though accommodation is not a condition of
employment for public servants, it is the sole responsibility of
the employer to provide incentives and opportunities. Prime
Minister James Marape said this during the Public Service
Dedication Service that he has issued instructions to Lands and
Physical Planning Minister to idenity and free up state land for
public servants to build houses. On that note the Department of
Finance under my leadership has decided to embrace home ownership
scheme, Dr Ngangan said.This is not a new program and has been
managed by the Department well before my time and all we are doing
is to ensure scares resources are well managed and fairly
distributed to hardworking officers who have
been loyal and have contributed a lot in public service, This is
to make sure when they retire they will have a shelter and that
will reduce some of the stress that they will be encountering after
their work life. Although resources are scarce but will try our
very best to provide that support to our staff and it must be seen
as a provision of incentives and not a condition of employment that
can be provided to everyone. We are also working in partnership
with Department of National Planning and Monitoring to embrace the
government agenda of National Affordable Land and Housing Project
which many of our staff will also benefit and that will also
eventually reduce the huge pressure that is on our back as a
Department. Site work is progressing well and I believe the first
lot of participants will be announced soon by the Government
through the National Planning project office.Incentives will be
provided by this government and therefore public servants are
encouraged to give their best in work performance.
Providing prudent PFM system for sustainable PNG News &
Reviewwww.finance.gov.pg
-
3
Providing prudent PFM system for sustainable PNG News &
Reviewwww.finance.gov.pg
FROM PAGE 1
“It is our responsibility as the Finance Department to make sure
timely funding is given and we will continue to support the great
work that the team is doing to bring some issues under spotlight.
He said we want to give the public confidence that all state
institutions will be accountable for all the funding that is
given.’’PAC Chairman Sir John thanked the Government through the
Ministry and the Finance Department for making K1 million available
to the Committee.He said this is unprecedented which shows the
commitment this government has under the leadership of
Marape-Government in supporting Parliamentary Accounts
Committee.“This is the first time the government has recognised the
significance of a Parliamentary Accounts Committee. This funding
will be used to address issues surrounding us in conducting inquiry
into institutions,’’ he said.He also thanked Secretary Ngangan,
Department of Finance staff for the great work in supporting
Minister Paita and the Ministry.
Pundari acknowledges Finance department
Dept pledges support for Planning’s Audit Committee The
Department of Finance is glad that the National Planning and
Monitoring Department has finally come on board to have an audit
committee which was launched on 25 of February, 2020.Finance
Secretary Dr Ken Ngangan thanked the Planning Minister, Secretary
and the team for the effort to see this committee successfully
launched and vows to support them.‘‘That demonstrates confidence in
your management in terms of good governance, risk management, sound
internal control of transparency and accountability,’’ he
said.‘‘Having an Audit Committee in the Department and its function
removes a lot of criticism that come our way“It gives confidence to
people that we are doing the right thing. We will work together to
see this effective and it is our responsibility to provide relevant
information subject under scrutiny. ‘‘With that I look forward to
working with you all to make sure that audit committee functions in
the National Planning and Monitoring Department.’’National Planning
and Monitoring Acting Deputy Secretary (Programming and Monitoring)
Loia Viara said it is a milestone achievement for the
Department as our Department is a central agency where we lead
in planning, policy making and development of the capital
investment budget is such an important part of the process that we
take it internally.‘‘There is a high level of expectations at the
political level to deliver the capital budget effectively,
efficiently so that we can bring the services down to our people
and the only way forward is to ensure we have this process to make
sure there are control mechanisms in place,’’ she said.‘‘The
reasons why we establish this committee is to provide objectives
inside on the implementation of the investments, evaluates the risk
involve in the operations, access the control mechanisms, and
compliance to our laws and regulations.’’She said in terms of
strengthening this going forward we have the audit team working on
the structure and we have a division of its own. We are increasing
manpower and allocated budget for as part of our monetary aspects
of things.’’She said with the leadership of our secretary and his
determination we are so pleased to have this launched today.PAC
Chairman Sir John Pundari
(L-R) Planning and Monitoring Acting Deputy Secretary (Planning
and Monitoring Wing) Loia Viara, Finance Secretary Dr Ken Ngangan
and Auditor General Gordon Kega durinng the launching of the Audit
Committee.
-
‘Public servants to have five year contract’
4
Prime Minister James Marape has instructed the Department of
Personnel Management to introduce a 5-year contract for every
public servant.PM Marape revealed this at the public service
dedication service on Friday 31, January. He said every public
servant down to the lowest staff, must be attached to a
contract.“Currently only the departmental heads are linked to
contracts and they come in and go but the body and mass of public
servants remain below the radar of scrutiny.PM Marape called on DPM
to take stock of general orders and have every public servant
attached to a key performance indicator based-system contract.“I’m
proposing a five-year contract term for every public servant to the
lowest officer we
have in our system.“Every public servant right across will have
a contract-based attachment to the state and in the term of your
contract.“If you are not delivering consistently, then you will not
be kept anymore in the public service,” Prime Minister said.PM
Marape urged every public servant to take note of what they’ve
accomplished and have planned for this year and make every effort
to achieve these goals.
Prime Minister James Marape speaking at the public service
dedication service.
Prime Minister James Marape has launched the annual 2020
operational plans for all departments and state agen-cies on
Friday, 31 January, 2020.The launch coincided with the annual
public service dedication service at the Sir John Guise Stadium
indoor complex.The dedication service was attended by ministers,
department heads and chief executive officers of the statutory
bodies, and public servants.Prime Minister Marape challenged all
public servants to deliver what they had planned for this year.“By
the end of this year, if you do not achieve what you have planned,
then you might as well resign,” he said.
PM Marape made it clear his government will not entertain
complacency, corrup-tion, inefficiency and ineffectiveness in the
system and called on all public ser-vants to take note. “I have
claimed success and productivity, not complacency and corruption.
“Success or failure of our country up till today has been the
aggregate of the contri-butions of politicians and public servants
because we are the lot consuming over 60 per cent of our country’s
budget available since 1975,” he said.“The future of this country
is in our hands as public servants. There must be a sense of
awakening, of consciousness, a sense of emotional attachment to our
country for
it has looked after our public service well so far,” PM
said.
PM Marape launches 2020 work plan
“
”
If you are not delivering consistently, then you will not be
kept anymore in the public service.
Providing prudent PFM system for sustainable PNG News &
Reviewwww.finance.gov.pg
-
5
Parlt passes Whistleblower Bill 2020
IFMS system benefical, despite challengesThe Integrated
Financial Management System (IFMS) will hold government departments
accountable and transparent, says Finance Minister Rainbo Paita.‘’A
plan was set out by the Finance Department and was endorsed by the
Government in 2015 to roll out the IFMS and it was pilot in six
provinces,’’ he said.‘’I know there are challenges as the system
needs internet access and electricity to function.‘’There are
infrastructure that we can build before
rolling out the IFMS. We can also see where we can customize the
system to fit our needs.’’Paita said people should view the IFMS
not only on the challenges but also on the positive side of it.‘’We
are adjusting to a new system but I know there are challenges, but
with this system in place, there can be accountability and
transparency,’’ he said.‘’You can access information online on
every Government Department.’’ -The National
The proposed Whistleblower Bill has been passed by the members
of the Parliament during the recent season this month.Minister for
Finance and Rural Development and Leader of Government Business
Rainbo Paita thanked Minister for Justice and Attorney General
Davis Steven on passing the proposed Bill successfully. Mr Paita
said Commission Against Corruption (ICAS) is an approved authority
and once authorised, an employee can make disclosure to ICAC for an
impropriety that constitute a corrupt conduct for investigation. Mr
Steven said; “This proposed Bill is a conduit for employees that
note suspicious improprieties to make protected disclosures in
accordance with relevant disclosure channel.’’Mr Steven said the
concept of whistle blowing of impropriety is not a new concept.
“This Bill is a modest approach in establishing protection
mechanisms for employees”, he said. “It is important to note that
this Bill
is not the only solution to addressing the issue of corruption,
rather, a piece of the anti-corruption system that will encourage a
culture of accountability and transparency.’’He said the proposed
Bill is designed to provide for employees to report suspected
improprieties in workplace and protect employees who make protected
disclosures from occupational detriment; and provide remedies to
employees who suffer occupational
detriment having made protected disclosures. He said under this
proposed Bill, employees now have an avenue to disclose any
suspicious impropriety within their workplace in terms of a
criminal offence, failure to comply with a legal obligation, a
miscarriage of justice, endangering the health and safety of an
individual, environment damaged, unfair discrimination and
deliberately concealing any conduct.
Hon. Minister Rainbo Paita speaking during the Parliament
session recently.
Providing prudent PFM system for sustainable PNG News &
Reviewwww.finance.gov.pg
-
6
nNew Officers Induction
nWebsite Launching
nExecutive Management Retreat
nPFM/DFM Regional Workshop
nR & R Exercise- Southern/HQ & NGI
For any stories or events contact the Communications &
Reporting Branch at OSD...
Up Coming Events Dept focuses on improving servicesThe
Department of Finance is focused on improving delivery of services
in PNG through the implementation of the Integrated Financial
Management System (IFMS). IFMS is an important tool for financial
management and is part of reformation of the Government Accounting
System, Finance and Rural Development Minister Rainbo Paita
said.Six provinces have been chosen to pilot the project and other
provinces.’’Minister Paita said integrated financial management
system shares certain core components such as Accounting, PSIP/DSIP
management, and Information System.“These components are integrated
together in financial management system in terms of accountability
and transparency in service delivery”, he said. The Government at
the time were looking at integrating the entire government
financial system, not just having system that were isolated and
operating but to have more holistic integrated government system.
There was a plan set out by the department and endorsed by the then
government in 2015 to have the IFMS rollout. “The members will
appreciate the big issues like corruption and transparency that
will provide visibility to our account”. “Many of the District
Finance Officers and Provincial Finance Officers, when we ask for
the reports they don’t give us the reports on time”. “With the
advantage of having IFMS system, you can check through the system,
it is a user friendly.’’“From the district level up to the national
level you can access to see the implementation of your funds that
you get through the district.’’ The biggest issue was that the
issue of having a transparent system that is accountable to
reporting. That was the reason why the IFMS was rolled out to have
system connected. “I think it needs some holistic approach because
implementing the IFMS on the ground is one and IFMS will need
other
infrastructure such as electricity, and internet connection”.
“Some of the districts where there is no electricity is quite
difficult because IFMS depends on internet”. He said one of the
districts has raised concern on electricity to have internet
connection but we can use our DSIP and PSIP to have it connected.
“The most important thing to rollout the IFMS is the training of
officers both at national and sub national level,’’ he said.“Just
like my district many of the officers don’t know basic computer
skills, it is time to up skill those officers through the rolling
out of the IFMS system. “The Department of Finance is looking at
ways to improve those issues.“We are working with the vender who is
responsible for the IFMS system so that we can customise the
system”. “Many of the districts we don’t set up the district
tenders board yet, we are procuring below K500,000. “Once those
District tenders board are establish will procure according to the
district budget. “Holistically the system is good and accountable.
“With this system, there is a controlled mechanism in place. “It is
a mechanism and infrastructure that is failing and we need to find
solutions to it. “We have limited budget to rollout the IFMS in the
country and I will talk to the Treasurer to assist us with some
funding to rollout the program”.
From the district level up to the national level you can access
to see the implementation of your funds that you get through the
district
“
”
Providing prudent PFM system for sustainable PNG News &
Reviewwww.finance.gov.pg
