PNG Treasurer's money troubles

Papua New Guinea's corruption watchdog has referred the country's Treasurer to the public prosecutor for alleged misconduct in office.

PNG's Ombudsman Commission has accused Patrick Pruaitch, who is also PNG's Finance Minister, of double dipping into vehicle, expense and entertainment allowances.

Following its investigation into the Minister's conduct, the commission also accused Pruaitch of failing to declare gifts, misappropriating district support grants in 2003 and failing to provide financial statements on time from 2001 to 2005.

The commission has handed over its investigation to the acting public prosecutor, who will decide whether grounds exist for an independent leadership tribunal.