ANNUAL STATEMENT FOR LEADERS AS REQUIRED BY (SECTION 28 (1)(B) OF THE CONSTITUTION AND SECTION 4 OF THE ORGANIC LAW ON THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF LEADERSHIP (OLDRL).

Annually a person who is subject to the Leadership Code is required to prepare and submit to the OMBUDSMAN COMMISSION an ANNUAL STATEMENT as required by Section 28(1) (b) of the CONSTITUITION and Section 4 of the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership (OLDRL).

Below are the Persons or Leaders subject to the Leadership Code by Constitutional definition (s26).

• All Members of Parliament (including PM, Opposition Leader & Ministers

• All members of Provincial Assemblies and LLGs (including members of JPP & BPC and JDP & BPC)

• All Constitutional Office Holders (s221)

• All heads (Secretaries) of Departments of the National Public Service

• All heads of Statutory Authorities and other government bodies and agencies

• Provincial Administrators

• Commissioner of Police

• Commander of PNG Defence Force

• CIS Commissioner

• All of PNG’s Ambassadors and High Commissioners

• Public Curator

• Ministerial staff and staff of the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition

• Governor General’s staff

• Executives of registered Political Parties

• ABG members of House of Representatives

Sometimes this process may be tedious and time-consuming. It requires correct interpretation and full disclosure of the required information of the Annual Statement. Information such as the person’s Income, Assets and Liabilities, Shareholdings, Directorships, Chairmanships amongst other information are required to be fully disclosed.

In some cases, leaders may have held business interests and positions in various organizations prior to or after being appointed or elected to office. Such interests must also be fully declared to the Ombudsman Commission.

Failing to declare all the above information could constitute a false declaration and be guilty of a misconduct in office.

Section 4 of the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership (OLDRL) states that a Leader who knowingly, recklessly or negligently gives an Annual Statement or explanation, or any such details, that is false, or misleading or incomplete in a material in a particular, is guilty of misconduct in office.

Section 2 of the Leadership Code also imposes penalties for non-compliance for submission of Annual Statements.

We highly recommend that all persons of interest subject to the Leadership Code must adhere to the Constitution and Organic Law and submit their Annual Statements for the previous reporting periods and current period if they have not done so.

Our firm has a track record of assisting a number of our clients prepare and submit their Annual Statements. Therefore, if you require assistance in completing your Annual Statement, do not hesitate to reach out to us on:

Phone: (+675) 3210100                        

Email: admin@countrywideaccounting.com.pg

Office: Section 58, Allotment 13, Spring Garden Road, Gordons, Port Moresby.