Prime Minister James Marape has announced the appointment of Tabitha Suwae as Acting Chief Ombudsman, saying the position will be permanently filled through an open, transparent and merit-based recruitment process.
Ms. Suwae assumes the role following a decision by the Ombudsman Appointments Committee after serving as an Ombudsman since October 2024.
PM Marape also paid tribute to outgoing Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen, thanking him for his service and commitment to upholding the rule of law.
“Mr. Pagen has served our country with integrity, professionalism and courage. He has carried out his constitutional responsibilities without fear or favor and has demonstrated unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law,” PM Marape said.
“I sincerely thank him for his dedicated service and wish him well in his future endeavors. He remains eligible to apply for the substantive position should he choose to do so.”
PM Marape said Ms. Suwae’s appointment reflects the depth of leadership within the Ombudsman Commission.
A career public servant, Ms. Suwae has 29 years of public service experience, including 24 years with the Ombudsman Commission and five years with the Office of the Public Prosecutor under the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.
Before her appointment as Ombudsman in October 2024, she served as the Commission’s Director of Legal Services. She is from Manus and West Sepik provinces.
“I congratulate Ms. Suwae on her appointment and have every confidence that her extensive experience, professionalism and commitment to the Constitution will ensure the Ombudsman Commission continues to discharge its responsibilities with independence and integrity,” PM Marape said.
PM Marape said the Ombudsman Appointments Committee deliberately chose to advertise the substantive position to ensure the office is filled through an open and competitive process.
“Constitutional offices such as the Ombudsman Commission must be filled through open competition so that the most qualified Papua New Guineans have the opportunity to serve,” PM Marape said.
He said appointments to key constitutional offices should continue to be guided by merit, transparency and independent assessment.
PM Marape described the Ombudsman Commission and the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) as the country’s twin institutions for promoting accountability and good governance.
“These institutions exist to protect the integrity of our public service and ensure all public office holders operate within the law,” he said.
PM Marape noted that ICAC is also progressing through an open recruitment process for its substantive leadership positions.
Pending those appointments, retired judge Don Sawong has been appointed Acting Commissioner, while Thomas Eluh and Justice Ellenas Batari are serving as Acting Deputy Commissioners.
PM Marape said the Government has strengthened recruitment processes by including independent observers, including Transparency International Papua New Guinea, during appointments to major constitutional offices.
Although not required by law, he said the approach was adopted on the advice of the Chief Secretary to improve transparency and public confidence.
“As Prime Minister, I do not choose who applies. Vacancies are advertised, qualified Papua New Guineans compete openly, independent panels assess and rank applicants, and appointment committees make decisions based on those recommendations,” PM Marape said.
PM Marape said the reforms support the Government’s PNG Reset @ 50 agenda, which seeks to strengthen institutions, improve governance and reinforce merit-based leadership.
“As we commemorate 50 years of nationhood, our task is not only to celebrate our achievements but also to reset Papua New Guinea for the next 50 years,” PM Marape said.
He said strong institutions, transparent appointments and a continued commitment to fighting corruption would remain central to the Government’s long-term governance agenda.
“I have consistently reminded my Cabinet and Government members that if they follow the law, they have nothing to fear from institutions such as the Ombudsman Commission and ICAC,” PM Marape said.
“Our government remains firmly committed to building independent institutions that protect our country from corruption, nepotism, abuse of office and misconduct, and ensure public office is always exercised in the interests of the people of Papua New Guinea.”