PAPUA NEW GUINEA | Appointment of Acting Ombudsman and Ombudsman

The Chief Ombudsman announces that the Ombudsman Appointments Committee (OAC) had, in accordance with the requirements under Section 217(1) and (2) of the Constitution and Sections 4(3) and 11(a) of the Organic Law on the Ombudsman Commission, appointed Tabitha Suwae as an Ombudsman and Kevin Kepore as Acting Ombudsman. Mr. Kepore’s term as Accounting Ombudsman expired on 9 October 2024. The position of Ombudsman Accounting will be advertised publicly as is the current practice to give an opportunity for potential candidates to apply, including the Ombudsman.

Ms Suwae from Manus and West Sepik Provinces brings to the Ombudsman Commission 29 years of experience in the Public Service of which 24 years are served with the Ombudsman Commission and 5 years with the Department of Justice & Attorney-General’s Office of the Public Prosecutor.

Mr. Kepore is from the Wabag District of Enga Province and has served as Ombudsman Accounting for the last 6 years.

Both Mr. Kepore and Ms. Suwae were sworn in at the Government House by His Excellency the Governor-General of Papua New Guinea on 23 October 2024.

This appointment fulfils the requirement under Section 217(1) of the Constitution which states that there shall be an Ombudsman Commission consisting of a Chief Ombudsman and two Ombudsmen. The appointment marks a significant development for the Ombudsman Commission, as Ms. Suwae fills a position that has been left vacant for almost four (4) years.

Source: The Ombudsman Commission of Papua New Guinea