Northern Governor Gary Juffa

The National Government needs to exercise caution and needs in-depth research when addressing tax issues in the country.

“The government continues to target the same people with increased tax every year when they can set up measures to address tax issues properly and fairly,” Juffa said in a statement.

“There are big companies like supermarkets, logging and even foreign owned companies that avoid tax to maximise their profits using all types of means.

Juffa, in a statement, says this sinister push is ill-founded and disrespectful to the people of Papua New Guinea, especially women.

He states that legalising prostitution is not the solution to the social issues surrounding the activity, and it will only cause greater problems and even encourage it.

PNG’s inability to address growing transnational crime and lack of capacity would only mean that the industry would be poorly regulated. It would certainly be run by organised crime syndicates already operating black market brothels using foreign prostitutes.

In an email to Loop PNG, Juffa said those figures, K600m, was from APEC Minister Justin Tkatchenko, and not from the Opposition.

“The PM has accused the Opposition, or namely me, of plucking figures from thin air regarding hosting of APEC 2018.

“He has claimed that the Opposition has suddenly created a figure of K600m, which he says is not the true cost,” responds Juffa.

“However, these figures originate from the APEC Minister’s Office and was reported by media outlets.

“I do not deny we should host major events but at what cost and what benefit?

His remarks follow PM Peter O’Neill’s call on the Opposition to show maturity and try not to politicise important national events, especially APEC 2018.

O’Neill made the comments after Opposition member, Northern Governor Gary Juffa, stated that the K600 million earmarked for APEC can be used to fund crucial government services.

However, Polye guarantees the PM that they understand the issues well.

He said O’Neill should not overlook the real issues under the guise of international events.

Prime Minister O’Neill made the comments after Opposition member, Northern Governor Gary Juffa, stated that the K600 million can be used to fund crucial government services.

“The budget for APEC in 2017 will be significantly less than the false K600 million that the Opposition has taken out of thin air,” PM O’Neill said in a statement.

“Figures are being worked through now by our budget teams and will be further revised for the 2018 budget.

“Half of the expenditure on APEC next year will be an investment in the military and security of our nation.

His comment follows the confiscation of high-powered weapons by PNG Customs because the importer failed to declare the goods. 

Chief Secretary to Government Isaac Lupari, who also heads the National Security Advisory Council, said the guns belong to the Police. They are now currently locked up at the PNG Defence Force Igam armoury in Lae.   

“Crimes in breach of laws prosecutable by Customs and Police have been committed. They must be investigated and prosecuted by both organisations,” said Governor Juffa, a former PNG Customs Commissioner.

Juffa exclusively told Loop PNG that if the government is not careful, the situation will lead to a crisis similar to the Bougainville case.

"More than 200 cargoes of LNG shipment have left our shores and the landowners are yet to receive a toea from the Government, which is unbelievable,” said Juffa.

"It was fine for the government to take them to Kokopo and have them sign all types of agreement without questioning their land ownership.

The launching was witnessed by executive officers from various companies, school children and the general public at the Independence oval in the heart of Popondetta town.

Northern Observer is a community newspaper to inform and promote good governance in the province, an initiative of the Oro Provincial Government.

The monthly publication is aimed at informing the people on what is happening within the province and around the country and allows locals to have their say and contribute towards the development of Oro.