Ian Ling-Stuckey

The Prime Minister in a recent media release expressed his commitment to thoroughly investigate key issues affecting the country in his capacity as Treasurer. 

Marape revealed a look into key areas of ongoing concern for Papua New Guinea. And looks forward to a complete review that aligns with the government’s commitment to economic stability and the well-being of the people.

He made this statement after he and Prime Minister James Marape met with US President, Joe Biden today at the White House in Washington, DC.

“The United States economy is the largest in the world, valued at $US26,854 billion (K97,650bn) in 2023, according to the latest IMF figures.

“This is still nearly 40 percent larger than the second largest economy of China, of $ US19,373 billion (K70, 447bn).

Minister for Treasury and Member for Kavieng, Ian Ling-Stuckey made this call after the Supreme Court dismissed Glen Kiso's application for leave to review Judge George Manuhu's ruling that originally dismissed Kisos application.

Ling-Stuckey said his legal team were also exploring appropriate civil actions that can be taken against Kiso for defamatory, fabricating false allegations and malicious intent against him.

“The NGE 2022 was a free and fair election in New Ireland and especially, in peaceful Kavieng electorate.”

The petition, by Glen Kiso, challenged Ling-Stuckey’s election as Member for Kavieng Open in the 2022 general elections on grounds of bribery, undue influence and illegal practice.

It was dismissed by Judge George Manuhu, who said the petition failed to comply with the mandatory requirement of section 208 (d) of the Organic Law, where the two attesting witnesses are mandated to state their occupations and addresses; the precise section, lot number or street name. Not postal addresses.

Representing the petitioner, Kiso, was Moses Murray from Murray and Associates Lawyers, while the first respondent, Ling-Stuckey, was represented by Ian Shepherd from Ashurst Lawyers, and the second respondent, Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai, was represented by Serah Kunai from Jema Lawyers.

The petition challenged Ling-Stuckey’s election as Member for Kavieng Open in the 2022 general elections on grounds of bribery, undue influence and illegal practice.

Unfortunately, there were only twenty open positions.

“Minimal labour jobs. Dishwashers, waiters, waitresses.

He added, “We had seven hundred degree holders, apply to become teachers at the University of Goroka. We’ve recently had the Lae Biscuit Company shut down for two weeks because it can’t sell its products.

Nomane said Papua New Guinea has a youth bulge issue in the country that the government must take note of.

“There’s too many young people without any prospects or opportunity for employment in the country.”

Kavieng MP and Treasurer, Ian Ling-Stuckey was guest of honor.

Mr Ling-Stuckey reminded them that Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10 is about reduced inequality within and amongst countries and is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations in 2015.

The Assembly made the call in a three-part motion passed in the New Ireland Assembly meeting held on the 21^st of December 2022. 

The Appointed Chief Representative, Robin Kamkam, in moving the motions called on the appropriate State agencies to audit the expenditures of the Lihir Mining Royalties including investigating a secret bank account in Singapore allegedly operated by Namatanai MP Walter Schnaubelt.

The motion further read that it must also established whether Schnaubelt is a born citizen of PNG.

This is according to Minister for Treasury, Ian Ling-Stuckey when these points were the centre of discussion between the Treasurer and Head of Telstra, Andy Penn and Telstra staff in Melbourne, Australia.

“Around the globe, it is recognised that modern telecommunications can connect people in ways simply not possible using traditional land-line phone services. A good, fast data connection can allow our small and medium-sized enterprises to reach out to markets throughout the world without having to go through middlemen,” Mr Ling-Stuckey said.

Increased investment flows into PNG to help grow the economy, was the key item of discussion. 

Mr Ling-Stuckey said it was also an opportunity to relay the Marape-Basil Government’s gratitude for the strong support from Australia in dealing with the devastating health and economic impacts of COVID-19 in Papua New Guinea.

“A key example of this is the planned investment by Telstra into PNG. 

“There was agreement that this major investment could serve as an example for other Australian companies making major future investments.