30-year-old Prosecution files finally archived

Old Public Prosecution files, some rotting and gathering dust and cobwebs since the 1970s have finally been appropriately logged in the new electronic system and sent to the National Archives.

This came about as the Australian Government injected approximately Vt9 million into refurbishing the office of the Public Prosecutor- formerly a condominium civil servant home, then a degraded, run down office and now a brand new, professional office which re-opened on Wednesday.

Acting Public Prosecutor (PP), Leon Malantugun, applauded the efforts aimed at reflecting the high standard and high quality of justice the office dispenses.

“The Public Prosecutor’s Office holds the critical function of being an independent office with the mandate of prosecuting trials and appeal on behalf of the Government, providing legal advice to law enforcement agencies on investigations, instituting criminal proceedings and providing advice to the government on measures to reform the criminal law,” he said.

He said achieving these functions requires two essential things, effective people and an effective office.

“With support we are fostering and developing our people, and now we have an effective office,” said the Acting PP.

“Many of you will remember the state of our old building. Rain poured through the roof, the plaster peeled, electricity failure caused by water and rotting archives.”

In thanking Manuake Construction (contractor) and Jackson Kemoe from the Department of Public Works for ongoing architectural and engineering support he also paid tribute to his staff.

“My dedicated staff worked weekends and overtime to file and archive old PPO files,” he said.

“Many files were rotten and dusty and have been sitting dormant, some since the 1970s.

“These were appropriately logged in the new electronic system, supported by the Stretem Rod blo Jastis and sent to the National Archives.”