Parliament sitting

Ministers to meet before parliament

His announcement of minister and departmental meet also includes the forum with governors to address more functions in the Provincial level.

“We will go through what we have done in the first six months, what we have done since government formation last August for us to report to the country in the upcoming sitting of parliament,” said the Prime Minister. “The country expects to know what we have done thus far, myself Deputy Prime Minister and senior ministers will meet to ensure the country’s report card is ready.”

No warlords, just criminals

Mul-Baiyer Member, Jacob Maki, in the Parliament Sitting on Tuesday 14 March, posed questions to Minister for Internal Security responsible for the Royal PNG Constabulary and PNG Correctional Service, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, regarding the most recent killing and the abduction and rape of a young woman.

“There are warlords in Hela Province holding hostages in captivity and demanding ransom, young girl being taken hostage and repeatedly being raped by criminals going viral on social media and creating fear among citizens of this beautiful nation.

Parliament Passes Landmark National Trade Bill

The bill was presented by the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru who, in 2017 introduced the National Trade Policy and the SME Policy and Master Plan. 

Minister Maru said the National Trade Bill 2023 was one of the most important laws in terms of trade and investment because it was set out to achieving the PNG Vision 2050 which specifically notes the importance of diversifying the economy by promoting and expanding trade and investment in the country.

Gov’t Plans To Strengthen State Institutions

He said the government must sustain and build on the work that the Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform has started to achieve these reforms.

Prime Minister Marape said, “Our delivery systems must be effective and efficient. Our public services must perform to its fullest potential, and this is where we want to focus our attention.”

The PM said they would ensure that the appointments of heads of agencies are merit based. Public servants are responsible for delivering public goods and services.

PM Suggests One Ministry For Police, CS

PM Marape said, “If you are a lawbreaker of our country, you are an enemy of our country. We must use the appropriate pathways for dispute resolutions. We want you to use the village courts, district courts, national and supreme courts. We must strengthen the judiciary system, and the reward system for our judiciary.”

The Prime Minister said the government would look at the country’s discipline forces closely and work on instilling discipline back to the command structures.

Marape Talks Land Reforms

“We have to deal with land issues head on. Land is the key component of economic development. Only 3 percent of total land area is alienated, while 97 percent is under customary ownership,” he said.

He said the government needed to unlock the potential for land from a productivity standpoint.

“Formalization and codification of our land assets under 97 percent ownership of our people has the potential to unleash important economic activity for all people as long as the legislative bedrock is sufficiently crafted to suit our specific situation,” said PM Marape.

Marape Keen On Sustaining Connect PNG Policy

Marape said, “This policy is the critical economic enabler that will accelerate economic activity and connect our country through improved roads, airports, airstrips, wharves and ports, ICT and energy to build an inclusive country and stimulate growth and further opportunities.”

He further stated, “We must quarantine resources to fund these investments. We must fully implement projects in energy, road infrastructure and ICT to make this initiative sustainable. It is about unlocking our country so that it realizes its full potential.”

Marape Adamant On Building K200b Economy

PM Marape said, “I want Papua New Guinea in the next decade to be a K200 billion economy. I wanted Papua New Guinea to be the Richest Black Christian Nation on Earth.”

The PM emphasized that his statement recognized that Papua New Guinea’s political forebears ushered in political independence in 1975.

He said they crafted legislations, built institutions, wrote policies and established relationships to deliver us political independence.

Coalition Partners Congratulate Marape

United Resource Party leader, William Duma and National Alliance (NA) Party leader Allan Bird accompanied the Prime Minister to the Government House for his swearing-in ceremony yesterday, Tuesday, August 10th.

PM Promises Improved Health System

"The lives of our people will not be compromised. 
 
"We will give you the top priority. The greatest gift to our people as we celebrate 50 years of nationhood will be to improve our health system. 
 
"We are committed to upgrading 21 provincial hospitals and a hospital for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. We must review which hospitals are on track as far as construction is concerned.