parliament

The debate was started by Opposition Leader Don Polye who said the unfounded allegations by the government that the Opposition is behind the university students were all lies.

He said the misperception that the Opposition members have put words into the student body is utterly false.

“It is very difficult to influence highly educated people who have been educated and have knowledge of general matters that affects their livelihood in the present time and in future,” Polye told Parliament.

Around 18% of the world’s total tuna stock is found in PNG’s 2.5 million square kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Annually, about three-quarters of a million tonnes of tuna are caught in PNG waters.

Much of the growth in the fisheries sector is taking place near Lae, where four new plants are planned for Malahang, with broad support from the provincial government and landowners.

Regardless of  a Point of Order, attempts from the Opposition bench, acting Speaker and chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Private Business Aide Ganasi did not entertain them.

Ganasi in his statement told Parliament that the motion lacked the number of signatures under section 145 of the Constitution.

According to law the number of signatures on the motion must be 11.

However, the Opposition has only 9 signatures on the motion.

Public Service Minister Sir Puka Temu told Parliament during question time today.

Sir Puka was responding to question without notice from Chuave MP Wera Mori.

Mori asked why senior public servants negotiating in the Wafi-Golpu Project paid themselves extra allowances amounting over a million kina.

"With no successful completion of the project why were bonus paid?"

Sir Puka said to look into the allegation raised because payment are made after negotiations are completed, but he added that provision does allow for extra payment.

When responding to Polye’s question during Question Time in today’s Parliament session, on why he (O’Neill) should not allow the police to clear him, O’Neill in a defensive tone said he could not, on a political witch hunt subject himself to such ridicule to undermine the office of the Prime Minister and set the precedence.

However, he stated in Parliament that: “ If there is evidence that I have received one financial benefit I will resign tomorrow.”

Havo Moli was the leader of the Nagriamel movement and the sole MP for the Malo/Aore constituency.

His death means there will be a by-election less than a month since Vanuatu went to the polls for the snap election.

ABC reports the death of Moli will not affect the balance of power in the Vanuatu parliament.

In a press conference today Opposition leader Don Polye said under the Constitution, any decision to recalling of Parliament is a prerogative of the cabinet.

However, given the situation, Polye said the Speaker and Governor-General must discuss the option with the Prime Minister.

He said these are times the leaders need to think outside of the box in the best interest of the country.

Govt fails on parliament sitting rules: Polye

http://www.looppng.com/content/govt-fails-parliament-sitting-rules-polye

The Opposition is seeking legal opinion on the apparent shortfall on parliamentary sitting days in the 2015 parliamentary calendar.

Big El Nino effect recorded in November

Leader of government business James Marape  moved a motion for a vote of confidence in the Prime Minister.

Those in the chamber  have just voted .. 78 members voted for the PM and 2 against.

The two who voted against the motion are Oro Governor Gary Juffa and Goilala MP William Samb

Parliament has just been adjourned to 3rd November for the tabling of the annual budget.

As per requirement under the 2013 constitution, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has nominated former military officer and current cabinet minister Jioji Konrote for the position, where as the opposition leader Ro Teimumu Kepa has nominated Taveuni chief and former military commander Ratu Epeli Ganilau.

The constitution requires the President has had a distinguished career in any aspect of national or international life, whether in the public or private sector.