News and Press Releases

Section 26 of the Leadership Code Act [CAP 240] provides that a leader must not have or seek a beneficial interest in a government contract, except where such interest is obtained on a transparent, arm’s-length commercial basis, in accordance with the law, and through a legitimate tender process. This applies where one of the parties to the contract is the Government, a statutory body, or a company wholly or partly owned by the Government. The provision is designed to ensure that public resources are managed fairly and without improper influence from those in positions of authority.

The Office of the Ombudsman recently participated in an awareness outreach initiative held on Malekula Island. The program was jointly supported by Vanuatu Transparency International (TIV), in collaboration with the Right to Information (RTI) Unit and the Vanuatu Electoral Office (VEO).

The Ombudsman of the Republic of Vanuatu, Mr. Hamlison Bulu, accompanied by two officers from his Office, Mr. Joshua Allanson from the Annual return Team and Ms. Melissa Thompson from the Legal Team had the opportunity to meet with the Institutional Affairs Committee of Parliament. This special committee comprises with Members of Parliament representing both the Government and the Opposition, working collaboratively to address matters of institutional significance.

More Articles …

  1. Weekly Afternoon Sport Activity
  2. Reminder: Filing of Annual Return Under Section 31(2)(a) of the Leadership Code
  3. Ombudsman Office Conducts Induction Program for Newly Elected Shefa Province Councilors
  4. Notice to Ombudsman Clients
  5. Ombudsman launching of the Corporate Plan (2025 – 2030) and the 2026 Business Plan
  6. Regional Workshop - Being an effective Investigator
  7. Keeping Government Contracts Honest: Section 26 of Leadership Code Act
  8. Office of the Ombudsman Temporarily Relocates, Reminds Leaders of Annual Declaration Deadline
  9. Distinguished New Zealand Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier's Landmark Visit to Vanuatu 9 August to 12 August 2023: Strengthening Bonds and Promoting Collaboration
  10. Ombudsman Office of Vanuatu Concludes Enquiry into Appointment of Acting Principal and Suspension of VIT Staff
  11. Ombudsman Reminds All Leaders to submit their 2022 Annual Returns to avoid Further Legal Consequences
  12. Change of plea by Leaders Appearing before the Supreme Court for Failure to File Annual Returns
  13. Ombudsman Issues Public Report On the Return Flight of Air Vanuatu From Samoa on 23 March 2021
  14. Monday 14th of March 2022 Last Day for all Leaders who have not filed their 2021 Annual Returns
  15. Ombudsman calls on all Leaders who have not submitted their 2021 Annual Returns to submit their Returns to avoid further Legal Consequences
  16. Ombudsman Meets with Public Service Commission (PSC) Members and Senior Members of the PSC Secretariat
  17. Public Reports on the Breaches of the Ombudsman Act, the Leadership Code Act and the Public Services Act by the leaders’ defined by law issued
  18. Leaders pleaded Guilty for failing to file Annual Returns
  19. First 11 ever Leaders to Appear before the Supreme Court for plea on the charge of Failure to File Annual Returns
  20. Ombudsman of the Republic of Vanuatu Publishes Public Report On the Establishment and Management of the Members Education Support Scheme (MESS) by VNPF Board and the Ministry of Education and Training.
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