The Government changed its position on the executive director vacancy at the Samoa Law Reform Commission (S.L.R.C.) and is now re-advertising the top job.

The position has been vacant since September last year after the incumbent, Teleiai Dr. Lalotoa Mulitalo handed in her resignation in order to take up a position outside Samoa.

Last month the Minister for Justice and Courts Administration, Matamua Vasati Pulufana told the Samoa Observer that they were not re-advertising the position as they've accepted the applications of those who expressed interest when the job vacancy was first advertised.

She also said the Public Service Commission (P.S.C.) is undertaking a review of the commission's structure which is another reason behind the delay in the recruitment of a new executive director. 

However, this newspaper is aware that the job vacancy at the commission has been advertised by the P.S.C. for the last two-plus weeks.

Responding to questions from this newspaper, Matamua said they decided to re-advertise the position again with the hope that more people would apply so they would have a larger pool of applicants from which to choose.

She also confirmed that the three applications that they received for the vacant position in the first round of advertising will still be considered when the screening process gets underway. 

In a previous interview with this newspaper, Matamua confirmed that the three applications they received were from within Samoa with one from outside. 

In the interim period, the commission's Assistant Executive Director, Leauanae Sheliza Tapuai has been acting in the position since the former executive director made her exit. 

The former executive director, Teleiai was the third appointment to the position since the commission's establishment in 2008, following Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala–Warren and Leota Theresa Potoi. Teleiai was first appointed in 2016 before her exit last year. 

The core function of the commission is the review, reform and develop laws of Samoa that promote Samoan customs and traditions and enhance the social, cultural, economic, and commercial development of the country.