Secretary for the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLLGA) Leo has called on public servants within his department to embrace a culture of discipline, accountability and personal responsibility as the country enters its next 50 years of nationhood.
Mr. Leo made the call during the presentation of induction certificates to 11 Senior Provincial Monitoring Officers and the signing of senior officers’ contracts by 29 departmental officers at the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) in Port Moresby last Friday.
The event was attended by Department of Personnel Management Secretary Taies Sansan, National Monitoring and Coordinating Authority Advisor-Investment coordinator Mr. Sam Talepakali, Director Corporate Services Allan Kamala, SILAG representatives and senior officers from the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs.
Speaking on the theme of “Reset PNG after 50 Years,” Mr. Leo said the process of rebuilding the country must begin with public servants changing their attitudes, behavior and work ethics.
He challenged officers serving under his leadership to reorganize themselves, eliminate bad habits and abandon practices that undermine professionalism in the public service.
Mr. Leo said while individuals have the right to smoke, chew betel nut and consume alcohol in their private lives, public servants must understand the standards expected of them in the workplace.
“You have the right to smoke, chew betel nut and drink beer, but I also have my right as the Secretary of this department. You cannot smoke in front of me, and you cannot chew betel nut in front of me,” he said.
He described such behavioral changes as part of the “reset” that is needed within the public service.
The Secretary also stressed the importance of punctuality and professionalism, reminding officers that official working hours begin at 7:45am and that employees must be present and ready for work on time.
Mr. Leo said resetting the nation begins at home, in personal lives and through the way public servants conduct themselves every day.
He told officers that the contracts they signed represented more than employment agreements, describing them as commitments to uphold the values of accountability, transparency, integrity and morality.
“The signing and oath-taking are indications to the people of Papua New Guinea that this group of officers is different,” Mr. Leo said.
“I repeat again, we are signing to accountability, we are signing to transparency, we are signing to integrity and morality. It begins with ourselves and in our homes.”
Mr. Leo said the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs must lead by example in promoting good governance and restoring public confidence in the public service.
Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/dplga-officers-sign-oath-of-loyalty-and-senior-management-contracts/
He urged officers to demonstrate the values they have committed to and become agents of positive change as Papua New Guinea prepares for the next chapter of its development.