Shadow Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey

In an earlier analysis of tariff tax, Ling-Stuckey said over 70 new tax increases have been imposed by PNC from 1 January 2019.

This includes a 15 percent tax increase for wheat flour, additional tariff tax of K1.70 per kilogram on all imported fresh chicken pieces and a new 25 percent tariff on all creams, yogurt and ice-creams, including UHT milk.

However, in response, Abel said the tariff on flour only affects retail packaged imported flour.

In part two of his analysis of tariff increase (first part published last week), Ling-Stuckey said in its 2019 Budget, through 37 pages of detailed information, the government has snuck in or confirmed tax tariff increases on 664 items.

The Opposition’s statement follows the release of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) 2015 and 2016 reports.

“These comprehensive EITI reports provide a very valuable source of information on how resource companies are contributing to PNG’s development,” said the Shadow Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey.

“As the reports are only into their fourth year, the report includes some important recommendations for making them even better. The Alternative Government strongly supports even more accurate information in future reports.