Papua New Guinea has a new government, and with it has come some very welcome progress in the campaign to stop the stealing of public money by corrupt politicians and public servants.

New Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, has announced:

1. Legislation to establish an Independent Commission Against Corruption. ICACs have been successful in several other countries including Australia and Hong Kong in stemming corruption. In PNG there is a glaring need for a new well-resourced watchdog with the power to prosecute and an ICAC has been one of our principal demands

2. The sale of the controversial Falcon executive jet which the previous government purchased to provide a luxurious taxi service for senior Ministers. The jet cost $51 million to buy and another $10 million a year to run - money which the new government says will be spent on education and health services.

3. The appointment of a public prosecutor to "immediately investigate, charge, prosecute and jail persons, or groups, or companies who have illegally profited from the state's coffers". 

4. Repayment of K125 million to the National Provident Fund which was illegally obtained by the previous government to fund projects in a single electorate.

These announcements show that politician's have been listening to the people and that our efforts to speak out have had a very important IMPACT.

ACT NOW! has publicly welcomed the announcements, while stressing the need for effective implementation.

While only time will show how deep the new government's commitment to fighting corruption really is, ACT NOW! will be doing everything it can to hold the Prime Minister to his promises.