Supplementary budget

Namah said such actions taken by the Government fails to address the effects of COVID-19 on the struggling private sector and the people of PNG.

He explained that the passing of the Supplementary Budget will give effect to the recent announcement of the K5.6 billion stimulus package.

Namah said the Government plans to introduce its Fiscal Stimulus Package in the June session of Parliament.

He asked why prolong it for another two months, when they can intervene through the fiscal policy adjustment now.

Speaking to Loop PNG, Abel said the only issue was getting registrations going as people were slowly coming forward to register.

Abel said the physical network has already rolled out with the building of the NID House, the establishment of IT networks in place, and the opening of fixed provincial offices.

“It’s absolutely not a failed project,” said Abel.

In a statement this week, Treasurer Patrick Pruaitch he has already alerted the Prime Minister for an urgent supplementary budget and will now bring to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s attention the concerns raised in the 2016 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook.

He added that an urgent early supplementary budget will demonstrate the Government’s commitment to prudent and disciplined fiscal policy, and maintenance of macro-economic stability.

The Treasury Department’s 20-16 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, provided early warning signals on the need for an urgent Government action on a sustainable budget.

In a statement this afternoon, Treasurer Pruaitch said an urgent early Supplementary Budget will demonstrate the Government’s commitment to prudent and disciplined fiscal policy, and maintenance of macro-economic stability.

Treasury Secretary Dairi Vele has recommended that the 2016 Budget spending be reduced by 1.9 billion kina to bring it in line with revenue shortfalls.

"The country's economy is very strong and the Government will continue to monitor the challengers and make adjustments if necessary but it is too early to call for a minor (supplementary) budget.

O’Neill said the national government when formulating this year budget last year, did frame it against the drop of commodity prices.