The Prime Minister Peter O’Neill CMG MP, has provided the National Government’s response to 21 issues raised in petitions from Landowner groups in Hela Province.
The Prime Minister commended the petitioners for showing flexibility in discussion with the Government and extending their call for response which has enabled the Government to consult relevant Agencies and other landowner leaders. (Responses attached)
“I am fully aware of the frustrations of our people in Hela Province,” the Prime Minister said in his response to the petition.
“What I can assure you is that this Government is committed to working with all stakeholders, including the Hela Provincial Government, in addressing the State's commitments in the Agreements.”
The Prime Minister said people trying to take the law into their own hands is not the right way to get their views across and the consequences can have a negative outcome for communities and the nation.
“I am grateful for the mature and responsible manner in which you have expressed this frustration.
“It is through dialogue and consultation that we can be able to amicably resolve the issues.”
It should be noted that there are challenges for the State to address the issues which it is obligated under the UBSA and LBBSA when there are divisions amongst the Landowners grouping, divergence of views and legal challenges mooted in the Courts by landowners.
“These factors have indirectly or directly contributed to the State's inability to deliver on its obligations in the above Agreements.
“One of the critical issues is the Clan Vetting which has been outstanding since the signing of the UBSA and LBBSA in Kokopo in 2010.
“In recognizing the importance of this Issue, the Government has established a State Team headed by the Secretary for Justice and Attorney General to undertake this exercise.
“I am confident that with the support of everyone, including Landowners Leaders, people of Hela Province and the developer, we can expeditiously complete this exercise.
“This will surely help or pave the way for the disbursements of benefits as well as addressing many of outstanding State obligations in the UBSA and LBBSA Agreements.”
The Prime Minister detailed the next steps in the consultation process with Landowners.
“I have directed my Chief of Staff, the Secretary for Petroleum and Energy, and Secretary for National Planning and Monitoring, to continue to engage with the recognized leadership of the Landowner Groups both in POL 1 and PDL 7 to address some of these issues, including IDG and BOG.”
The Prime Minister provided the Government’s response to Landowner leaders that included the South Hides PDL 7 Landowner Association Inc, Gigira Laitepo Palamanda Association Inc and Hides Hiwa Block Landowners Association Inc.