APEC security bill amended

Among the concerns the amendment addresses include pre-authorisation allowing for foreign safety and security personnel to deal with an imminent threat and privileges and immunities to carry out lawful orders.

Amendments to the APEC Safety & Security Bill were tabled in Parliament by Minister for APEC, Justin Tkatchenko, for the second reading and final reading.

The Minister said the amendments address inadequacies and provide sufficient authority and protection of foreign safety and security personnel, particularly in using their own high-end capabilities such as jet fighters and war ships.

He said the amendments address the following:

• The application of other laws to foreign safety and security personnel;
• Pre-authorisation which will allow for foreign safety and security personnel to deal with an imminent threat;
• Privileges and immunities for foreign safety and security personnel to carry out lawful orders;
• Command and control of foreign safety and security personnel, and their assets and the ability of authorised members of the foreign force, including lethal force.

“The proposed amendments of the APEC Safety and Security Act will constitutionally and legally authorise foreign safety and security personnel and assets to be used to assist with the provision of APEC Safety & Security operations in the country,” said Tkatchenko.

The Minister said these provisions are only applicable during the leaders’ summit week and all foreign forces outside this timeframe will fall under PNG laws and command.

Meanwhile, Shadow Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Kerenga Kua, said the amendments do not protect ordinary Papua New Guineans and should not be passed.

New Ireland Governor, Sir Julius Chan, however stated that the amendments have been framed within the constitution and thus also look after the interest of the people.

And it was an overwhelming result with Parliament passing the amendments 65 to 17.

(Loop filepic)