Bedford, Narelle

English

[Extract] The importance of public accountability and need for integrity in governmentdecision-making has been accepted in legal systems generally and this holds true in thePacific.1 Public accountability in this context refers to the public law aspiration to safeguard afair and just society and the accompanying mechanisms which ensure that legislation,decisions, and actions of government are made in accordance with law. Throughout this analysis the concept of requiring governments to be responsible for their actions anddecisions is termed ‘public accountability’. It is closely related to the concept of goodgovernance, which draws a broader circle than the traditional meaning ascribed togovernment and includes the ‘traditions, institutions, mechanisms and processes thatdetermine how power is exercised’ as well as the role of citizens and non-governmentorganisations.2 This analysis will focus on public accountability through Ombudsmen in thePacific, featuring a detailed case study on Vanuatu and the role of its Ombudsman. The paperwill argue that constitutional embedding of key accountability institutions can provide a basisfor the development of a culture of accountability and a foundation to build futureimprovements upon. The development of a culture of accountability also requires a broad,complex network of institutions and people and this wider system operating within Vanuatuwill also be explored

Bond University Research Portal

To grow strong trees start with good soil: Ombudsmen &amp; foundations for public accountability in Vanuatu &amp; the Pacific

https://pure.bond.edu.au/ws/files/27049412/To_grow_strong_trees_start_with_good_soil.pdf

To grow strong trees start with good soil: Ombudsmen & foundations for public accountability in Vanuatu & the Pacific

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Bond University Research Portal

To grow strong trees start with good soil: Ombudsmen &amp; foundations for public accountability in Vanuatu &amp; the Pacific

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

Bond University Research Portal

To grow strong trees start with good soil: Ombudsmen & foundations for public accountability in Vanuatu & the Pacific