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by pltm
(PLTM) - In an attempt to foster transparency and accountability in government, Governor Augustus Jaspert announced plans to introduce new and amended legislation, including the introduction of ‘whistle blowing protection.’ The Governor also made public, a decision taken to publicise all Cabinet decisions.
In his Speech from the Throne on Thursday, September 13, Governor Jaspert said: “Cabinet has decided to publicise Cabinet decisions in keeping with the Government’s commitment to promote more openness and transparency. As such, the Premier and I will shortly announce how the publicising of Cabinet decisions will be implemented.”
The Governor revealed that a Public Service Management Bill will be introduced to strengthen the Public Service and provide the legal framework, “for the overall management, organisational structure and administration of the Public Service.”
This, he said, will set the foundation for the revised public service code which will replace General Orders of 1982. “This will also include whistleblowing protection legislation which will provide an avenue for reporting maladministration,” the Governor stated.
Governor Jaspert went on to state that an Integrity and Public Life Act to provide for the establishment of the Integrity Commission for the purpose of establishing probity, integrity and accountability in public life, will also be introduced, “it will seek to preserve and promote the integrity of public officials and institutions.”
Additionally, he mentioned plans to introduce a Code of Conduct which will identify a set of standards that ministers are expected to follow in protecting the integrity of their public office.
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