Parliament sitting

"Our public service must be leaner. Our delivery systems must be effective and efficient.  We must sustain and build on the work that the Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform has started to achieve these reforms,” he said.
 
"Our public services must perform to its fullest potential, and this is where we want to focus our attention.
 
"We will ensure that the appointments of our heads of agencies are merit based."
 
Marape has again reminded public servants that they are responsible for delivering public goods and services. 

"I am happy and honoured to talk in the parliament and say that you guys put your hands up and agreed for me to be the Prime Minister,” he said.

Marape congratulated all parliamentarians new and old for having a seat in parliament.

"I also see freshness and first time members. It encourages me to see great skill and experience,” he said.

Marape was happy to say that 36 PANGU Pati candidates won their respective Open seats to be part of the 11th parliament.

Governor for Manus, Charlie Benjamin nominated the leader of PANGU Pati. The nomination was seconded by Finschaffen MP Renbo Paita and closed by the Governor for Western Governor Taboi Awi Yoto.

97 parliamentarians voted for Marape. Ialibu-Pangia MP, Peter O’Neill and Maprik MP Gabriel Kapris left the chambers so as not to participate in the election of a Prime Minister.

Marape was headed to Government House to be sworn-in.

The ceremony was officiated by the Governor General Sir Bob Dadae at 3:15pm. Following the formalities, Mr Pomat was adjourned with the attire of the speaker and a toast to the Queen.  

Accompanying Mr. Pomat was Clerk of Parliament Kala Aufa, Finschaffen MP, Renbo Paita, Hela Governor Philip Undialu and Goroka MP, Aiye Tambua. 

Mr. Pomat immediately turned back for the Parliament House when his swearing-in ceremony was over, to coordinate the election of the Prime Minister of the new government.

In a media statement, NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Gideon Ikumu said only leaders elected in the recent 2022 elections and parliamentary staff will be allowed access to the parliament premises until the formation of a new government.

The NCD Metropolitan commander said no member of the Constabulary will be allowed to provide close protection security for the leaders when they are in camp or when they enter parliament. 

Minister for Justice, Bryan Kramer highlighted that that up until when the bill was passed, Papua New Guinea had no legal framework in existence.

He said when presenting the Electronic Transaction Bill 2021, stated how digital technologies are transforming the way goods and services are produced, consumed and delivered or traded globally.

The statement revealed that total deficit had risen from K4.6 billion to K7.3 billion and total debt increased to K40, 168 million.

The Treasurer expressed his discomfort with the high deficit levels and the implications that come along with it. In addition to the increased deficit and debt, domestic revenue dropped by K2.5 billion to an outcome of K10, 668 million.

However, the Treasurer described the budget as “The best-managed budget in PNG history.”

As the body of the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare lay in state, the three arms of government will assemble to pay their last parliamentary respects to the founding father of Papua New Guinea.

While announcing the State funeral and Haus Krai arrangement for Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare, the Prime Minister says the body will lay in state at the Parliament House on Thursday 11th of March.