Pacific Media Watch

4 June 2011

PNG: Media council embroiled in AusAID fraud audit

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PNG Media Council president Joe Kanekane (left) and Pacific Islands News Association president Moses Stevens at a media function. Photo: PNG Media Council
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7486

PNG correspondent Liam Fox

PORT MORESBY (ABC News Online/Pacific Media Watch): A senior figure in the Papua New Guinea Media Council has been suspended after an audit of Australian aid found "anecdotal evidence" of fraud.

Executive director Nimo Kama has been suspended after an independent audit of AusAID's funding to the organisation.

AusAID says the audit found funds "had not been managed in accordance with procurement guidelines" and there was "anecdotal evidence of fraud".

A spokesman declined to say how much money was involved, but the ABC understands it is a few thousand dollars.

AusAID provided the council with $500,000 last year, but further funding has been withheld until an investigation is complete.

Council president Joe Kanekane confirmed Kama's suspension but said there was no element of fraud, only that he was found "in a position of compromise".

AusAID is a major supporter of the media council as part of efforts to strengthen the country's media.

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