In February 2021, the Ombudsman Commission received a complaint from a nurse-midwife in a rural district health centre in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. The nurse-midwife alleged inconsistencies in the payment of her allowances and salaries since 22 April 2015.
It was alleged that the inconsistences occurred during the transition of the Public Service to the Bougainville Public Service, Autonomous Bougainville Government. During this period there was a slow system update of the records of public servants. The nurse-midwife however claimed that she was never informed of the reduction of her allowance and salary despite her follow-up on the matter with the relevant Government departments.
The Commission commenced investigations by issuing its notices under the Organic Law of the Ombudsman Commission to the relevant Government departments. There were several follow-up, consultations and case conferences conducted by the Commission, emphasizing the need for a timely resolution. The relevant department responses to the Commission indicated ongoing efforts to resolve the matter. On 18 December 2023, outstanding salaries totalling KI1,116.78 in cheque payment were paid by the relevant Government department to the nurse-midwife. The nurse-midwife expressed appreciation to the Commission for its assistance.