PNG's aids council accused of inappropriate spending

The Australian Government says it is confident none of the money spent on helping (PNG) curb its HIV AIDS epidemic has been used inappropriately.

The acting director and several top level managers working for PNG's National Aids Council have been suspended over allegations of inappropriate spending.

The Australian Government has given more than $1 million to the National Aids Council for HIV prevention and education programs.

AusAID says it has in place strict guidelines on how the funds are used and that the funding has been satisfactorily acquitted.

The PNG Government allocated the Aids Council $10 million in the 2008 budget.

The country's Health Minister wants an investigation into the Council's spending completed by the end of March.