CALL TO ESTABLISH AN INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION The little known Anti Corruption Committee (ACC) lacks resources and a clear mandate The general public may not be aware of or familiar with the existence and work of the ACC-“Anti Corruption Committee.” A report on the ACC is set out in the 3rd Quarter report of the Audit Office, 1 January 2011-31 March 2011 tabled in parliament at the last session in April 2011. This committee was established under statute and its formation approved by Cabinet. Its five members are; Audit Office-Auditor General Crown Law-Solicitor General Ombudsman Office-Ombudsman Financial Intelligence Unit-Head Police-Police Commissioner. The ACC has no legal basis and operates in an informal environment that brings the heads of the ACC together through a mutual arrangement. Its main function is to provide integrity in the public service through the key agencies responsible for prevention, investigation and prosecution. Collectively, the ACC acts as a watch dog to deter corruption activities and promote accountability and transparency. The report on the ACC says the level and complexity of corruption in the Cook Islands is relatively small scale on a per capita basis however, the country is not free from external threats through the financial institutions as assets management and protection offshore banking that operate and flourish here. Main challenges faced These include; -Lack of financial and human resources and no clear mandate. -No lead agency to spearhead the fight against corruption both within government and civil society. A proposal is to consider an agency such as an Independent Commission against Corruption. -No effective efforts to raise public awareness through education and training programmes. -Lack of a generic code of conduct for senior officials and a leadership code for MPs with penalties. -Need to become a full member and ratify the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC). Key matters to consider These include; -Implementing some legal basis and statutory framework for the ACC with specific terms of reference, functions and responsibilities, powers and adequate funding. -Carrying out systematic training and awareness educational programmes in the community such as schools and NGOs. -Training and awareness for MPs and senior government executives. -Seek government endorsement to increase budget allocations for law enforcement agencies and ACC member’s agencies. -establish ethical and leadership codes of conduct for MPs, senior executives and officials. -Request “Transparency International” to conduct a survey to gauge the level and state of corruption in the country. -Attain full membership into UNCAC.
Posted on: Mon, 05 Aug 2013 08:57:16 +0000
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