Calvin Caspar at NBC News PNG CoI RESUME TOMORROW The Commission of Inquiry into into processes and procedures of brief-out of cases and payment of public monies to law firms, will resume tomorrow (Tuesday 28.10.14), after it was adjourned last month. Since it started, the Warwick Andrew Inquiry has heard of no proper briefing out of State cases by the Attorney General and Justice Department to private law firms. It also heard that there is no set rate for paying out private firms who take up State cases, and that the Solicitor Generals Office needs competent officers to calculate the work done by private firms. The Inquiry also heard that theres also no competent officers at the National Court to properly tax claims by private lawyers. The Andrew Inquiry also heard evidence of some private lawyers and firms, trying to get paid a second time from either the Finance or Treasury Departments, even after they are paid out by the Attorney General and Justice Department. It also heard that two sets of recommendations from the Amet and Sheehan inquiries into strengthening the processes and procedures of brief out of cases, and payment of monies to private law firms by State agencies years ago, were never implemented. It also heard suggestions to legislate the recommendations, so that improvements are mandatory under the law. The hearing heard evidence from Treasury and Finance Secretaries, and a number of principals of private law firms including Greg Manda from Greg Manda Lawyers, Alfred Manase from Manase and Company Lawyers, Michael Wagambie and Paul Laias Kandi from Wagambie Lawyers, Solicitor General Faith Barton-Keene, National and Supreme Court Registrar Ian Augerea, State Solicitor Daniel Rolpagarea and others. Those scheduled to appear in resumption of the hearing include former Attorney General Kerenga Kua, his successor Ano Pala and other private lawyers.
Posted on: Mon, 27 Oct 2014 07:31:09 +0000
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