Vanuatu’s new Public Service Commission Chairman, Simil Johnson, says the commission wants to make sure Government departments are providing quality services to the people and are cost-effective.

He says a review will take place and he will be recommending changes to the Public Service Act 1998 if need be to ensure Government departments are working well.

He says the review “will not happen overnight” but the commission will address matters where change is needed in due course.

Mr Johnson, who was appointed this week by President Obed Moses Talli, says issues in public service recruitment processes are one example of an area of concern that the commission he leads will look at, in collaboration with Public Service officers.

Mr Johnson says how to equip public servants so they can do their jobs properly is another issue to be reviewed and ensuring the concerns of public servants are dealt with within the law.

Mr Johnson, who was the former Director of the Vanuatu National Statistics Office was appointed to his new role as Commissioner along with four other new Public Service Commission members who are: Marinette Lucy Abbil, Robin Mulonturala, David Seule Timatasaliu and Job Dalesa.

Mr Johnson has replaced the former Public Service Commissioner, Martin Mahe.

The appointments are for five-year terms, and were made by the President in consultation with the Prime Minister.

The President appoints the commission chairperson each year.