Justin Tkatchenko

This is the first seat that was declared out of the four in the nation’s capital and now the first to go for trial in the Court of Disputed Returns before Justice David Cannings.

Petitioner Samson Kirilyo is challenging Tkatchenko’s election based on the scrutiny process of the Electoral Commission.

The trial commenced with the hearing of two applications, or objections, challenging the competency of the petition.

Tkatchenko’s objection was based on a requirement in the actual filing of the petition.

Minister for APEC, Justin Tkatchenko, said after the APEC Summit in Vietnam, lots will be learnt from the SME in Vietnam that will help SME businesses in the country.

"A similar concept by the Vietnamese SME can be done at Gordon market.

"We will empower men and women in this sector, if we give them opportunity to involve in SMEs."

Minister Tkatchenko added that Papua New Guineans need to be exposed in this area, and APEC will make a huge impact on such.

APEC Minister, Justin Tkatchenko, who is in Vietnam for the APEC Summit said those three key areas will be the main agenda PNG delegates will learn from the Vietnamese whilst in Vietnam.

Minister Tkatchenko said although the Government had spent a lot of money on security and protocol, they need to step up further as we host the APEC in 2018.

He said nothing is impossible and PNG can deliver APEC in a Pacific way.

He added that team effort must always be of paramount importance if PNG wants to deliver the APEC Summit.

The state leases were for public space and road reserves for NCD.

Almost two months ago, the Lands Department launched the NCD Lands Unit with the aim to preserve, protect and secure all NCD public spaces.

Tkatchenko commended the Lands unit team for the tireless effort in doing the land reserves plans for NCD.

“We’ve always said to secure our markets, our schools, our public parks and reserves.”

The building is expected to be complete by June next year.

The APEC security partners’ working group was given the opportunity to tour the Lagatoi APEC Haus on Tuesday (Oct 31) afternoon.

They are trying to ensure the upcoming 2018 APEC meetings are held in a secure and safe environment.

APEC Minister Justin Tkatchenko, along with the security working group, are anticipating a low threat environment come 2018.

At the centre of global attention will be the iconic APEC Haus, which is currently under construction.

Minister in charge for APEC, Justin Tkatchenko, said PNG will produce one of the best APEC Meetings ever.

“We are looking forward to a very successful APEC meet come next year, when all the world leaders come to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.”

Tkatchenko said at the end of the day, it’s a team effort and with Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, the leader of the city, Governor Powes Parkop and himself to implement, nothing is expected to go wrong.

PM O’Neill said with less than two months remaining before the start of APEC 2018, it is timely for the Minister to resume the portfolio he held before the National Elections.

Responsibility for APEC will be added to the Minister’s current portfolio of Lands and Physical Planning.

"Minister Tkatchenko has substantial experience in the co-ordination of major events at the ministerial level,” the Prime Minister said.

"As minister he oversaw the successful delivery of the Pacific Games and the Pacific Islands Forum.

This is the first election petition, out of the 77 that were initially filed, to have its trial date set in the Court of Disputed Returns.

Justice Collin Makail set the petition for a week trial next month after it went for pre-trial conference today.

Filed by Samson Kirilyo, the trial will be heard at Waigani National Court buildings from November 20-24.

Returning Officer for the Moresby South electorate, Michael Are, has been summoned to give evidence in the trial, amongst others.

The ultimate prize in international rugby was welcomed at Kaugere by Member for Moresby South, Justin Tkatchenko, together with local rugby league club representatives, students and the public.

Tkatchenko thanked Oil Search for the great initiative in bringing the Trophy down to the grass roots level, and also commended the government and all stakeholders that were involved in bringing the Rugby League World Cup 2017 to PNG.