Weak laws hamper bids to root out corruption, says report

EFFORTS to root out corruption in politics are being undermined by weaknesses in legislation, according to a new report.

One of the chief problems is that the Standards in Public Office Commission cannot appoint an inquiry officer to investigate alleged corruption unless it has first received a complaint.

The commission monitors the conduct of public office holders. Three years ago, it urged the Government to change the law and give it greater powers to launch inquiries, but the request fell on deaf ears.