DPP calls for 'strong' disciplinary action against public officials who violate regulations

Following her decision in relation to the PNP Councillor, the Director of Public Prosections (DPP), Paula Llewellyn has made several recommendations for the handling of such cases going forward.

She says a review should be done of the penalty for breaches of the Public Sector Procurement Regulations.

Currently offenders face a maximum fine of $1,000.

However, the DPP says the fine should be increased to reflect the seriousness with which the Parliament views unethical conduct by a public officer involving the award of contracts worth $500,000 or more.

Llewellyn wants a review of the 2008 Public Sector Regulations with a view to removing some of the legislative restrictions which prevent the prosecution of public officials who violate the regulations. 

The current regulations do not cover violations involving contracts awarded below $500,000.

Llewellyn is also calling for reforms in the award of contracts at the parish council level to get rid of loopholes which she says encourages and fortifies unethical behaviour.

She says parish councils would benefit from an objective and transparent selection process despite the sum involved with any contract.

Llewellyn argues that without this, public confidence will suffer and the credibility of the parish council award of contracts process will be undermined.