Maladministrative conduct and penalties

By Mike Puia

THE Ombudsman office has announced the commencement of the new Ombudsman Act 2017 on January 31, 2018 after parliament passage in July 2017.

Announcing the new Act commencement at a press conference yesterday, the Ombudsman, Mr Fred Fakari’i said members of the public can now raise complaints of maladministrative conducts by any government agency, ministry or department or contractor to his office for investigation.

Offense Penalty
Failure to provide specified information in writing before a specified time $50,000 or 5 years imprisonment, or both
Failure to produce specified document or thing before a specified time $50,000 or 5 years imprisonment, or both
Failure to attend an oral examination on a specified date $50,000 or 5 years imprisonment, or both
Knowingly gives information that is misleading in a material particular $50,000 or 5 years imprisonment, or both
Knowingly gives a document that is misleading in a material particular $50,000 or 5 years imprisonment, or both
Impersonation $20,000 or 2 years imprisonment, or both
Obstructing $50,000 or 5 years imprisonment, or both
Threatening $50,000 or 5 years imprisonment, or both
Influencing $50,000 or 5 years imprisonment, or both

 

Fakari’i said he believes the new Act will help curb corruption in general.

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