The Governor-General has urged the Government to engage proactively with the business sector and community, and provide enabling policies to successfully deal with the economic challenges the country is facing.
When officially opening the 10th Parliament session today, the Sir Bob Dadae said these include relevant amendments to legislation in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry and tourism.
He said the Government must also enable more national or landowner participation.
“There must be necessary reforms aimed at creating inclusivity and a level playing field that provides a conducive environment for small and medium-sized businesses to be established, operate and grow the economy.”
He also advised the government to look into downstream processing as a means of growing the economy.
“It is imperative that the financial and administrative systems are strengthened and implementable at that level to ensure the rural masses share that noble aim of ‘Fair and Equitable Distribution of Resources’ that is visibly enshrined in our National Constitution.
“The road ahead will be challenging. If we are to achieve our goals, however, we must rise up together as one and meet the challenge.
“It therefore requires the unequivocal bipartisan support and commitment of all Parliamentarians when debating and enacting laws on political, economic, social and environmental development policies which are beneficial for Papua New Guinea.”
The GG also noted that in this term of Parliament, a good number of MPs are in the Opposition bench and is confident that the Opposition will use its numbers to debate on and support bills and policies for the good of our people and our nation.
“I also urge the Government to take on board any workable alternative proposals presented by Opposition.
“Only then will we be able to look back and measure our progress and chart a way forward which is feasible, sustainable and draws the tangible and desired outcomes for the people you represent.”