Charles Abel

He was backed by Vice Sports Minister Wesley Raminai in wishing the PNG Prime Minister’s XIII, the PNG Orchids and the PNG Hunters teams, all the very best in their respective matches this weekend.

Abel encouraged the three national teams to get out there and show their best.

Abel reassured the country that the government’s investment in sports will continue, as PNG has proven a force to be reckoned with.

Pruaitch said he stood by his earlier statement that it is in the national interest for locally produced resources such as crude oil, copper, gold, fishery and forest products to be sold to local purchasers in PNG’s national currency, the Kina.

The leader of the opposition said in a media statement today that it is an infringement of our sovereignty for lenders or any other entity to insist that domestic resources be paid for in US dollars or other foreign currencies, when selling to PNG buyers.

He says the Government normally budgets for K170 million for rentals but has reduced this in the budget.

“We need to create the appropriation through the Supplementary budget that will enable Treasury to authorise expenditure up to that level to pay for the rentals,” states Abel.

However, he added they will be looking closely at government rentals and will investigate thoroughly how funds are spent on rentals.

“We’ve got to have a closer look at the Government costs where an audit team will make sure that everything is justified and fair rental has been paid.”

In a meeting with provincial governors yesterday in Port Moresby, Abel said the 100-day plan was just a guide for the government to try and deal with issues in a systematic way.

Minister Abel said the plan aims to restore fiscal discipline by paring back expenditure, growing our revenue base and moving towards a better debt portfolio mix.

He said this will help address liquidity constraints for both the public sector and in the foreign exchange market.

On day 26, Abel has decided to engage all governors in a dialogue process to help capture their input into the budget process.

Speaking at this morning's opening of the Provincial Governor’s Conference and 2017 Supplementary Budget talks, Abel expressed his intention of an open door policy when it comes to drawing up the national budget.

"Before each and every budget, including the 2018 budget, it is my intention to have interaction with party leaders from both sides as well as all the governors to seek their input," said Abel.

Kua said he was shocked to learn that Treasurer Charles Abel’s “100-Day/25 Point Plan”, which has been approved by the National Executive Council, calls for the reduction of Provincial Support Improvement Programme (PSIP) and District Support Improvement Programme grants by K886 million.

“The public has been made to believe that this was a cornerstone policy of the O’Neill Government but Abel has chosen, without the benefit of any public discussion, to virtually wipe out these initiatives in one foul stroke.

Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Charles Abel said the Government is looking for alternative ways to reduce such bigger imports within the 100 Days Economic Stimulus Plan.

The 100-day plan has the primary goals of demonstrating government pro-activity in ensuring sound macroeconomic and fiscal management, restoring confidence, generating investment and moving towards greater economic self-reliance.

Abel said there are other alternatives apart from rice that people could consider and grow in the country.

 He said that there are significant revenue from government agencies that do not reach the government coffers.

“That has to change because there is only one budget in the country and all the revenue must reach the government coffers to implement this budget.

“There is no such thing as other people, non-parliamentarian or non-executive government, conducting the business of government and running separate type of Capital on the outside, bringing in claims that the government will pay.

“Such practices must stop,” the Treasurer warned.

Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer Charles Abel made this announcement during the launch of the 100 Day Economic Stimulus Plan recently.

However, he said the reduction will be only temporary as the Government is committed in funding the PSIP and DSIP.

He said the details of the cut will be highlighted in the Supplementary Budget where the Government will announce in the near future.

Abel added that the Government will maintain the Ward Service Improvement Programme (WSIP) fund and continue to fund the wards across the country.

The plan will basically try to get revenue into the Government coffers before a 2018 Budget proper is announced.

Treasurer Abel said the 100-day plan has the primary goals of demonstrating government pro-activity in ensuring sound macroeconomic and fiscal management, restoring confidence, generating investments and moving towards greater economic self-reliance.

He said while the medium term outlook is positive, the Government is determined to undertake immediate interventions after consultations with Government agencies, Development partners and the business community.