BY NED GAGAHE
Guadalcanal Premier William Atu has expressed serious concern about the Public Service Bill 2025’s exemption of permanent secretaries from disciplinary actions, warning this could undermine good governance and public trust.
Speaking before the Bills and Legislation Committee on Monday, Premier Atu highlighted Clause 79 of the Bill, which excludes permanent secretaries, the highest-ranking public officials, from the disciplinary provisions that apply to other public servants.
“So, clause 79 also appears as immune to any disciplinary of permanent secretaries from disciplinary provisions, under clause 79, threatens the accountability at the highest levels of the public service.
“This exemption creates a dangerous leadership gap. Without accountability, senior officials may avoid consequences for misconduct or poor performance,” he said.
Atu warns that this lack of oversight can weaken leadership, reduce public confidence in government institutions, and affect the quality of public service delivery.
“The public must trust that all officials, no matter how senior, are held to the same standards of honesty and performance,” he said.
Premier Atu urges the committee to remove the exemption and put in place a clear system to oversee the conduct of permanent secretaries to ensure transparency and responsibility at the top levels of government.
The Premier’s concern comes amidst calls across the provinces for stronger accountability and better public service standards to improve governance nationwide.
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