It has been an inspiring and rewarding journey over the past 50 days as we connected with you through our 50 Days of Integrity campaign. Throughout this series, we have explored critical issues—from corruption trends to the importance of International Anti-Corruption Day—aimed at fostering awareness and accountability. As we wrap up this series, it’s worth pausing to reflect on a key question at the heart of our discussions: What exactly is “corrupt conduct,” and when does ICAC have the authority to act?
Corrupt Conduct and ICAC’s Jurisdiction
The definition of corrupt conduct in the Organic Law on the Independent Commission Against Corruption (OLICAC) provides the ICAC with its jurisdiction. Corrupt conduct is a broad category of conduct defined by the OLICAC. Corrupt conduct may involve any of the following:
- Dishonest use of official functions (power or position)
- Abuse of official functions (power or position)
- Exercise official functions with bias
- Misusing official information or materials obtained in the course of official function
- Obstruction, perverting or interference with the course of justice
In that broad category there are different criminal offences that may be committed by public officials or public officials in collusion with other persons who are not public officials. In simple terms, corrupt conduct is any action that harms fair government processes, breaks public trust, or interferes with justice.
Who can the ICAC investigate for corrupt conduct?
ICAC’s mandate is broad. It can investigate public officials as well as private individuals and companies involved in corrupt conduct, whether through collusion, influence, misuse of official functions or information, or interference with justice. In short, anyone who undermines integrity in public administration can be investigated.
To fully understand the ICAC’s jurisdiction, it is important to clarify who qualifies as a public official. Under the OLICAC, a public official is a person who is:
- A leader under the Leadership Code
- A Staff member, officer, or member of a public body
- Hired or contracted to provide services for a public body or official
- Acting on behalf of a public body or official
- Appointed to an office by the Governor-General
This definition means that, the jurisdiction of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) extends beyond government employees. It includes contractors, consultants, and any individuals acting for or on behalf of public bodies. This broader definition of “public officials” reflects the country’s experience, where corrupt conduct has been committed not only by those formally employed within government or state agencies but also by individuals engaged under contractual or other arrangements.
Now that we have clarified what corrupt conduct is and who the ICAC can investigate, the next step is: you must report corrupt conduct. Every report helps the ICAC act, close gaps, and prevent corruption from spreading.
How to Report Suspected Corrupt Conduct
You can lodge a complaint or provide information to the ICAC:
- In person: Visit Central Government Office, Tower B, Waigani,
- By post: PO Box 353, Vision City, Waigani, NCD, 121
- By email: complaints@icac.gov.pg
- By phone: 300 7500
- The ICAC also provides a complaint form on its website (www.icac.gov.pg).
When lodging a complaint or report, it is important toprovide as much detail as possible—names, dates, locations, documents, and any witnesses. Accurate, specific information helps the ICAC assess the matter more efficiently.
What Happens After You Report?
When you report suspected corrupt conduct to the ICAC, the ICAC Assessment team follows a structured process designed for fairness, confidentiality, and thoroughness:
- Acknowledgement
ICAC confirms receipt via the channel you used (online, phone, or in person). - Initial Assessment
The Assessment team determines jurisdiction and whether the complaint and information provided is corrupt conduct so that the ICAC can use its powers to investigate the complaint - Preliminary Inquiry (if needed)
The ICAC may seek further information before deciding next steps. - Decision on Action
Depending on the assessment, the ICAC may:- Open a formal investigation.
- Refer the matter to a more appropriate agency (e.g., police, Ombudsman Commission) if outside the ICAC’s jurisdiction.
- Take other actions permitted under the OLICAC, including prevention measures.
Criminal Prosecution and Disciplinary and Preventive Based Outcomes
Investigations into corrupt conduct can result in two types of outcomes:
- Criminal Offence – Criminal Prosecution
Where investigations reveal serious criminal offences such as bribery, abuse of office, misappropriation of funds, or obstruction of justice—the matter may proceed to criminal prosecution. - Disciplinary Offence – Disciplinary and Preventive Measures
If the conduct does not amount to a criminal offence but constitutes a breach of administrative standards, the ICAC may recommend appropriate administrative or disciplinary actions. These may include:
- Termination or suspension of the government employee involved
- Administrative sanctions or disciplinary action
- Policy or structural reforms to strengthen corruption resistance and prevent future corrupt conduct
If You See Something, Do Something
Reporting corrupt conduct is more than referring someone for investigations—it’s about prevention. Every report helps stop corrupt conduct before it spreads, deters others from engaging in corruption, strengthens integrity, accountability, and transparency in public administration.
When corrupt conduct is tackled, government systems work better ensuring equitable distribution of wealth and adequate provision of public infrastructure. These benefits directly impact the welfare of our people and the future of Papua New Guinea.
