Prime Minister

Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill in declaring the 53^rd Medical Symposium open this morning in Port Moresby, said for the symposium to continue in order to advance the delivery of healthcare in our country.

O’Neill said improving access to universal healthcare is a top priority of the Government and that the government is committed to reforming healthcare services in the country.

“There are 111 parliamentarians but shockingly all of them are men! There are no women. Our House of Parliament is a ‘Hausman’ (house of men)!” said Fr Victor Roche.

He is calling on all members of parliament including the opposition to vote for the proposal.

There are only 6 nations in the world where there are no women representatives in the parliament. PNG is one of them.

Roche questioned why women were undermined even though 48.9% of PNG’s population are female.

He said one of such is the hosting of PNG Games in Kimbe, West New Britain Province.

O'Neill in a media briefing on Thursday said he will be meeting with WNB Governor Sasindran Muthuvel next week and set a date for the event.

He said sports is one of the top priority for the government since taking office and they will make sure to fulfill all its commitments.

"We are going to assist WNB to host the games," says O'Neill

(File picture)

The two seperate appeals were joined after parties in the case agreed, that they had similar grounds, as both appeals arise from the same National Court decision, which dismissed the review case, challenging the legality of the arrest warrant that was taken out against the Prime Minister in June 2014.

This reference was filed on July 10 by Runner-up in the Ialibu-Pangia seat, Stanley Liria, questioning the legality of polling that was conducted on Sunday in the electorate.

The reference returned for directions hearing today before Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia. This case is now posted on the fast track list of Supreme Court cases.

Mal Varitimos who is assisted by Tiffany Twivey-Nongor for the Prime Minister, indicated they will be filing an application that will ask the court to dismiss the case.

PM O’Neill made the comment as the agenda is being prepared for the next Parliamentary sitting, and the Government prepares to deliver APEC Papua New Guinea 2018.

“The Tenth Parliament is a fresh start, an opportunity to deliver legislation that will further advance our Nation,” he said.

“If they ever want to be taken seriously, the Opposition will need to debate issues properly.

Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia granted the stay order this afternoon.

This means the arrest warrant that was issued by the Waigani District Court, on 12 June 2014, cannot be effected by police on the Prime Minister until the court determines the appeal.

PM O’Neill’s lawyers filed the appeal in the Supreme Court yesterday to challenge the decision of the National Court, which dismissed the judicial review former Police Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki filed in 2014.

Baki to invite PM in for questioning

The police commissioner is set on inviting Prime Minister Peter O’Neill in for questioning.

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/baki-invite-pm-questioning-64614

Baki urged to enforce warrant

Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah has called on Police Commissioner, Gari Baki, to enforce the warrant of arrest on Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

Lawyers representing Prime Minister Peter O’Neill filed an urgent application yesterday morning, to ask the Supreme Court to stay the dismissal of the National Court review, pending the appeal.

They went before Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia this morning after directions were issued yesterday for court documents to be served on the Solicitor General and the state, including the Chief Magistrate.

O'Neill was formally sworn in at 3:56pm by Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae.

This follows his election, 60-46, by parliament moments earlier.

Present to witness was New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan, Western Highlands Governor, Paias Wingti, and several returning and new MPs.

Also present was his wife, Lynda Babao-O'Neill, who was emotional and embraced her husband before formalities.

A brief toast to end the formalities was followed by a chat with guests before Sir Dadae departed.

O'Neill is on his way to Parliament.