A decision on the former PNG deputy prime minister's fate will be made on April 24 to allow three witnesses to give evidence before it hears submissions on penalty from the defence and prosecuting counsels.

The tribunal found Avei guilty of:

• failing to ensure that 250,000 kina ($US85,000) in public funds allocated for the development of rural infrastructure in the Kairuku-Hiri electorate were properly applied;

• failing to properly acquit the same funds;

• failing to pay rentals to the National Housing Corporation in 1995; and

• knowingly, recklessly or negligently omitting to disclose to the Ombudsman Commission substantial information in relation to his rental liabilities in his annual statements for six consecutive reporting periods from 1995 to 2001.

Avei was suspended from duties on October 10, 2006, when the nine allegations where presented to the tribunal by the Public Prosecutor.