The Constitutional Law Reform Commission (CLRC) launched its new website today, marking a milestone in their efforts in reaching the public and raising awareness on important law reforms in the country. CLRC Secretary Dr Mange Matui said the commission’s first website was launched in 2021, but it did noT suit CLRC’s interests hence, they engaged a different developer to refurbish their website. He said the website will now bridge the gap between CLRC and the public and its stakeholders. “This platform (website) is vital as it bridges the gap between connecting our fellow stakeholders and citizens directly with the Commission, fostering a seamless participation in law reform processes by accepting their views, taking part in CLRC questionnaires, consultation and general inquiries in regard to law reform agendas.” Dr Matui said website will cover vital publication and information suitable for public consumption and will promote conveniency of public and stakeholder engagement directly with the Commission. “This will undoubtedly ensure that transparency and integrity is upheld in all our internal and external affairs, in dealing with ourselves and in dealing with our external stakeholders as well and providing all necessary insights and information possible for public consumption,” said Dr Matui. Publications accessible to the general public and relevant stakeholders through the website are the issues papers, position papers, terms of references, constitutional directives, draft reports, reviews, monographs, corporate publications and newsletters and related documents. Dr Matui further said the website will “provide an in-depth understanding of the Commission's roles and responsibilities in reviewing and reshaping laws enshrined within the Constitution, enabling upholding justice and ensuring that the legal framework evolves to meet the needs of society.” Present to officially launch the website, Member for Okapa Open and Chairman of CLRC Hon. Saki Soloma acknowledged CLRC staff and the website developer, Digitec for delivering an interactive, user-friendly website. He said this platform will enable the effective functioning of CLRC’s roles. “This crucial development is essential for the effective administration or administering of CLRC functions and responsibilities by promoting transparency and integrity of the commission.” He said the launching of this website resonates with the Digital Government Act 2022 which emphasizes on the use of information and communication technologies across all public sectors, granting accessibility and engagement between government departments, stakeholders and public. “Let me assure all our stakeholders, working communities and general public that all you need to know of the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission regarding its visions, admission statements, public cases, updates and public engagement inquiries will be provided and facilitated through our refurbished website.”

The NCD & Central Police Command held its end-of-year parade today at the Unagi Oval in Gordons, Port Moresby. Parade host Metropolitan Superintendent Commander Silvester Sika and Assistant Commissioner of Police for NCD/Central Benjamin Turi addressed their men in blue; reflecting on the year so far and the events of Black Wednesday and how it had ruined the reputation of the Constabulary, and stressed on how they can move forward in restoring the pride of the Constabulary and the public’s confidence in them. First to address the officers at the parade, Met. Sup. Sika said Port Moresby is a vibrant and dynamic city but, like any other place, it has its challenges particularly in law and order. “In recent months we have seen an increase in criminal activities including theft, assault and other violent crimes that you can name, these crimes have become so sophisticated for us to deal with.” “These incidents are not only threatening the safety and well-being of our residents and our investors but also undermines the overall sense of security in our city.” He said it is now their duty to correct these issues and work towards creating a safer city by working together with the community. Reflecting on Black Wednesday, Met Sup Sika stated the event has forced necessary changes in the management and operation of the Constabulary. “This event has really given us a test in the management space, some critical operational and administrational decisions were made to ensure the command remained vigorous and focused on its mission to provide the policy service.” Met Sup Sika said for the festive period, they have put in measures to tackle crimes in the city. He said they will increase police presence around the city and set up special operation units to target organized crimes and groups through strategic approaches. He also advised station and zone commanders to create their own policing strategies for their respective commands during this festive season. “I want to emphasize that the safety and security of our community is paramount, we are committed to working together with residents, businesses to create a safe environment for everyone and your cooperation in crucial in achieving this goal.” Meanwhile, ACP Central/NCD Benjamin Turi in delivering his address thanked the community’s continued efforts to support the police. Praising the City Wardens and youths taking part in their own neighborhood watch who are doing a great job in assisting police in keeping their communities safe. He appealed to police officers to give these groups their full support and assist them when needed and not mock them. “You lead them, counsel them and be there when there when people who try to attack them, that's your duty also,” said ACP Turi. He also thanked the NCD Governor Powes Parkop and his three MPs for their support, the Chinese community and business houses who continue to support police operations in the city and the Australian Federal Police. ACP Turi said following his appointment two months ago, he was tasked by the Commissioner Manning to restore and strengthen the integrity, discipline, accountability and the public’s confidence in the Constabulary. He made the police officers read out their Police Code of Ethics and emphasized that they abide by it to restore the pride of the Constabulary. “The Code of Ethics is our guidelines on all our dealings with public and within ourselves, we will not go wrong if we abide by them.”

Apart from the big announcement on Thursday confirming PNG’s inclusion in the NRL, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his counterpart Prime Minister James Marape in a joint statement announced the entry into force of the Australia – Papua New Guinea Bilateral Security Agreement. According to the statement, as a legally binding framework for closer security relations, the Agreement is a landmark chapter in the Australia – Papua New Guinea Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership. It stated that the Agreement elevates, broadens and modernizes the two nation’s longstanding security relationship, ensuring consultation on security-related developments and allows them to work even more closely together to contribute to the region’s security. Since signing the Agreement in December 2023, Australia has responded quickly to support Papua New Guinea’s defence and internal security priorities as its security partner of choice. This includes Australian support to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary by commencing construction on new policing facilities, delivering a new police patrol vessel, as well as support for recruitment, training and forensics. Australia has expanded its flagship Australia – Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership to boost the delivery of initiatives to promote safe and secure communities across Papua New Guinea. Both leaders also welcomed PNG’s establishment, with Australian support, of a training centre to help PNG build a stronger and more capable police force. The training centre will serve as one of the Centres of Excellence under the Pacific Policing Initiative, a landmark initiative endorsed at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum by Pacific leaders. Australia and PNG’s security partnership is grounded in the strategic trust shared as near neighbours, close partners and friends. Both countries share an interest in a safe, stable, peaceful, and prosperous Pacific and have a proud history of working together to progress this vision.

Historically, the extractive industry has been the backbone of the country’s economy, accounting for 80% of the country’s export revenue, and this will continue on into the future as the mining industry will continue to boom with the increase in exports and the onset of new projects in the sector. This was stated by the Minister for Mining Wake Goi in his speech at the 2024 PNG Investment Week in Sydney yesterday. Minister Goi said PNG is a proud host country to world-class giant mines, large-scale mines, and small-scale mines, along with several alluvial goldfields across the country. He shared some production highlights of the mining sector over the last five years. Gold: An average of 1.7 million ounces annually. Silver: Approximately 2.4 million ounces annually. Copper: Around 84,500 tons as concentrates. Nickel and Cobalt: 33,500 tons of nickel and 3,000 tons of cobalt as mixed hydroxides. Chromite: About 123,000 tons of concentrate. “These impressive figures reflect the robustness of our mining sector and its significant contribution to our economy, with average annual export revenues of K13 billion over the past five years,” said Minister Goi. The future of the mining industry is looking brighter due to the extension of the Ok Tedi Mine, the reopening of Porgera Mine and the planned expansion of the Ramu-Nickle –Cobalt Mine. New projects such as Wafi-Golpu and the Frieda River Project also provide a promising future for mineral production in the country. Minister Goi encouraged investors to invest in PNG’s rich resources provided that the stability in the government offers security in their investment. “We are committed to providing a secure and conducive environment for mining operations, ensuring that policies and legislation support industry growth, which then supports economic growth of our country.” He further said they are working to revise laws and regulations to suit current global standards. “There are plans to introduce a revised Mining Act to address and adopt international best practices, codify existing practices into law, improving tenement management system, encouraging downstream processing and addressing community development and improved benefit sharing.” He concluded with PNG’s record of upholding the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility to promote responsible mining provides a conducive environment for foreign investment. “Papua New Guinea stands ready to welcome you. Let us work together to ensure that the future of our mining industry is bright, responsible, and sustainable. Together, we can make PNG become a model for responsible mining on the global stage.”

The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Central & NCD Benjamin Turi says he has zero tolerance for Gender-Based-Violence (GBV) and Polygamy in his command. He said these issues have become common among police officers in living police barracks and he will not tolerate such behavior. “If you are practicing polygamy, you will lose your house,” warned ACP Turi. He said they as police cannot arrest and prosecute the public for these crimes while their own family suffer in silence. ACP Turi made these remarks during the opening of the new Family and Sexual Violence Unit (FSVU) office at the 7 Mile Police Station at Jacksons International Airport today. He said some wives of police officers are experiencing GBV and going through polygamous marriages in silence hence, he gave his full support to FSV Unit to persecute any officer involved in these crimes. “Any report from the barracks, do not take it lightly. I will back you up as the commander to make sure every policeman involved in family and sexual violence or polygamy in the barracks, you deal with them firmly. If it means arresting them, you have my blessing,” said ACP Turi. He said he will make this announcement to officers under his command during his parade this Friday.

The Seven Mile Police Station at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby city opened its newly built Family & Sexual Violence Unit (FSVU) office today. The office space was built with help from the Port Moresby Rotary Club (PMRC). Speaking on behalf of the club, Adam Hughes, a volunteer who serves as the club’s Director of Community Services said the support is part of PMRC’s Say-No-2-Family-Violence campaign which started in 2018. “The Say- NO- 2- family- violence campaign is aimed at helping to reduce incidents of family violence and developing Port Moresby as a thriving, safe and healthy place to live and work,” said Mr. Hughes. He said at the local level and in the short term, this means equipping the community with skills to understand and meet the challenges of violence and encourage victims and perpetrators to seek help. The longer-term goal is to change attitudes and behaviors toward offending, condoning, tolerating, and ignoring family violence. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Central & NCD Benjamin Turi said since the formation of the FSVU in the Constabulary, they have attended to numerous cases and also face many challenges in their operations, such as manpower. ACP Turi said since the inception of the unit, only women officers were part of the unit, but he has now seen an increase in the number of male officers joining that division and he commended them. “These men are real officers; they sit down with our ladies (victims),” said ACP Turi. He said instead of going around and attending to other issues, these men choose to sit and listen to victims of Gender and Sexual Violence victims, and he commended them for doing that. With the structure of the FSV Unit still undergoing process of approval and establishment at the government level, the existing units throughout the country are still working hard to provide much needed help to victims of family and sexual violence with the limited resources available to them. Therefore, the support from donors and partners such as PMRC goes a long way in helping victims of family and sexual violence. The FSVU office at the Seven Mile Police Station is the fifth office PMRC has helped to set up, representing an investment worth approximately K750,000.00.