The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Koni Iguan this morning announced that the Opposition has filed another Vote of No Confidence (VONC) motion against the sitting Prime Minister (PM) James Marape. The speaker then advised that Parliament received the VONC motion from the Opposition at 9:40am this morning before Parliament resumed sitting. He said Parliament will suspend at lunch for the Committee to deal with the motion. More on this story on the Legend FM, Yumi FM and Nau FM News at 12pm. Keep following PNG HAUSBUNG for more updates.

Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, Pila Niningi, has announced that he would be asking the Supreme Court to clarify whether a second Vote of No Confidence (VONC) motion is allowed to be moved against the same prime minister. Minister Ninigi will be seeking clarification on two sections of the Constitution and has instructed lawyers to institute proceedings under section 19 of the Constitution to seek the Supreme Court’s interpretation and application of constitutional provisions relating to the process of a VONC. “As the country’s principal legal advisor to the National Executive, I am seeking guidance from the Supreme Court on certain aspects of VONC under s.145 and s.142 of the Constitution,” said the minister. “I will be asking the Supreme Court to provide clarity as to whether a second VONC can be moved against a government that has already been the subject of a VONC.” The Minister said his decision is to make sure that the spirit of the VONC provision as envisaged by the founding fathers is kept and not abused as seen many times in the past from numerous VONC motions being brought against prime ministers. “Papua New Guinea’s founding fathers, in their wisdom through the Constitutional Planning Committee, have included VONC as a means by which an Executive Government is held accountable by the people through their elected representatives in Parliament." “It was intended as a mechanism to measure government performance over the first 18 months in office and make change if this was vital." “For the Marape-Rosso Government, it has passed this ‘test’ by an overwhelming majority vote of 75 – 32 on 12 September 2024 on the floor of Parliament.” Minister Niningi said that through the questions being posed in the section 19 refence, he is seeking the Court’s assistance to clarify whether an executive government should be subjected to another ‘test’ by way of a second VONC and if a second VONC reflects the spirit of this provision as envisaged by the Constitutional Planning Committee in drafting the Constitution of Papua New Guinea (PNG). “I am concerned that since Independence, VONC has been abused for self-interest of a few politicians and has lost its intended purpose as envisaged by the Constitutional Planning Committee." “Since Independence, I have witnessed countless VONCs brought against prime ministers which have all been accompanied with instability in government and the Public Service, and a loss in investor confidence.” "Seeking the Supreme Court’s clarification in this important area was good for the country’s benefit and the development of jurisprudence for PNG," he said.

Parliament got off to a slow start this afternoon in Port Moresby city for the November session, but once things were underway, the issue of law- and- order once again dominated question time with the MP for Wabag, Dr. Lino Tom asking what the police minister is doing to address it. Dr. Lino’s questions mostly stem from the law-and-order issues in the Enga province and some parts of the Highlands region that continue to experience tribal conflicts and other forms of crime, including misconduct at public administrations and corruption. He also questioned why there have been a lack of arrests of perpetrators of conflicts, despite the suspects known to law enforcement authorities, questioning also the capacity of the police force to diligently carry out its constitutional duties without fear or favour. Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr said the Marape- Rosso Government continues to do its best, highlighting some of the efforts and initiatives being undertaking, including intelligence with the US government, police reservists training partnership with provincial governments, and recruitment of regular police personnel. The minister said the government is doing this to beef up police manpower and the capacity to address the matter of law- and- order going forward, but perhaps the most important of all is a domestic terrorism bill in which he will be presenting to parliament tomorrow. “This is what we are doing already and so when you are asking of our plans going forward, I will be bringing a bill tomorrow that will help our policemen to elevate how we are going to counter situations that we deemed are to be an act of terrorism, and I will expect everyone to support that bill going forward,” said Minister Tsiamalili.

Today, the National Capital District (NCD) wardens started their engagement with the police at Boroko and Gordons following their introduction on Monday by the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) in partnership with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. This morning, they were up as early as 5am to start their first day at work. At Gordons, the Police Station Commander (PSC), Senior Inspector Gabriel Kini was there to receive them and place them at locations that he thinks they should base to do their job. The public is encouraged to work with them to help make our city clean and safe. “Nothing will change overnight, so we the police, the wardens are all humans, and we will need 100 per cent support from the public,” said the PSC. The introduction of the City Warden Initiative is in response to the rising crime rates and serious safety concerns in Port Moresby city. NCD Governor, Powes Parkop at the launching said this initiative aims at enhancing public safety to critical transit points throughout the city. The Initiative imposes measures to known hotspots in partnership with police, government agencies and local communities. This is because police manpower is underwhelmed with less than 900+ police personnel in NCD managing over a million people. ” Safety and security are our priorities, and with collective efforts from everyone, we can make this city a better place, a place that is safe and conducive for everyone to move freely at any time of the day as they wish,” said the governor. Through this partnership, trained youth will be deployed to take over public space, especially bus stops and identified hotspots in the city. The first phase of this initiative will involve the deployment of 150 trained youths at the Boroko and Gordons precincts. These youth have undergone two weeks of induction and three days of specialized skills training conducted by professional instructors, including former and current servicemen from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force. The training covered basic life skills, health and hygiene, code of ethics, appropriate dressing and behaviour, crisis management, self-respect, and adherence to a chain of command. Through this training, Defence instructors have equipped them with the skills to perform their duties efficiently and confidently, knowing what to do and what not to do as wardens. This will help eliminate crime in the city. The standard operating procedures for the NCD wardens include: ● Making their presence known in public spaces, ●Monitoring public movement, ●Discouraging illegal vending, ●Providing security for women, girls, and other vulnerable individuals, and ●Addressing unethical behavior in public spaces. These wardens will serve as the eyes and ears of frontline police officers, working closely with them to maintain peace, safety, and security in public areas.

PRICE OF COOKING OIL TO INCREASE IN COMING MONTHS The country’s consumer watchdog, the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) is warning consumers to brace for an increase in the price of vegetable cooking oil. The ICCC has made it clear that the increase is solely due to international price increases in vegetable oils, which the ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Paulus Ain further elaborated that the looming price increase is attributed to the diminishing supply of palm oil from Southeast Asia, coupled with surges in global demand. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) also showed this expected rise in price when it indicated vegetable oil prices have risen in the final quarter of 2024, following a period of decline since peaking in March 2022. “PNG consumers will see increased vegetable oil prices in the coming months,” Mr. Ain said. “A number of traders have been approaching the ICCC to increase the prices for vegetable oil recently. We thank these traders for their initiative and cooperation and also encourage other traders to do the same.” The ICCC has been also closely monitoring the prices of key food items, to ensure that there are not any deceptive or unfair pricing practices during the post pandemic period. Meantime, Mr. Ain further urged the business houses to comply with the current Price Control Measure (Measure No. 4) being implemented by the ICCC under the National Pandemic Act. “Business houses must seek the ICCC’s approval should they wish to increase the prices of goods sold. Mr. Ain also warned and stressed that necessary actions will be taken against non- compliant shops if they fail to comply with the requirements of Measure No.4.

The West New Britain (WNB) Provincial Government was just recently recognised for its efforts in improving financial inclusion by the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) and the Center for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI). This recognition came in the form of a Provincial Engagement Award, which was presented on Friday 22nd November at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby city in the Financial Inclusion Excellence Award, hosted on the evening following the inaugural Financial Inclusion Forum held during the day. There to receive this prestigious award was Mr. Leo Makmani, the West New Britain Provincial Administrator (PA). “It’s a privilege for us to be recognised for what we are doing in the financial inclusion space in West New Britain,” said Mr. Makmani. The PA went on to thank BPNG and the Executive Director for CEFI for all the support provided to the province to roll out the financial literacy programs that was delivered to communities in all districts and Local Level Governments (LLGs) in West New Britain. Mr. Makmani also extended is gratitude to his team in the province who took lead in driving these programs to bank the unbanked population in West New Britain, and in so doing, improving the economy in the province. “I say thank you to my officers within the district and the LLGs and to CEFI, and we look forward to a prosperous 2025.” Meantime, the Milne Bay Provincial Government was also awarded the Provincial Engagement Award, recognising the provincial government’s great work in the financial inclusion space.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) AFL national men’s team, the Mosquitoes (Mozzies), will bring home the Pacific Cup after a magnificent performance in the inaugural 2024 AFL Pacific Cup yesterday in the grand final showdown against Nauru at the Sunshine Coast, Australia. The Mozzies were crowned inaugural Pacific Cup Champions after defeating Nauru Chiefs 62 to 19 in the Open Men Grand Final on Saturday 23rd November, wrapping up what has been a tough challenge for the PNG national teams that participated in the Under 17 (U17) and the Open divisions against some of the best countries in the sport of AFL (Australian Football League). The PNG Flames also did exceptionally well, sitting on the fourth place on the Open Women’s ladder and heading into the 3rd and 4th place playoffs against Tonga Storm also on Saturday. The PNG girls too good for the Tongan girls, defeating them 71 to 22, winning the Bronze Medal Playoff and setting a women’s record score in the AFL Pacific Cup. The Mozzies’ victory at the Maroochydore Multisport Complex topped off what has been a great performance by the PNG teams in the 10 days of heated AFL competition. Earlier in the U17 division, the PNG Kurakums also took home the Pacific Cup after defeating Fiji Junior Vonu in the final match on Sunday 17th November with a massive 68 to 9, victory. While the PNG Binatangs boys came runner up in the U17 division. Meantime, this amazing show of talent and skills can be attributed to AFL PNG and AFL Talent Academy teams’ excellent efforts in selecting and preparing these outstanding PNG athletes, bring them onto the international stage and achieving good results in the sport of AFL for Papua New Guinea.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has fired back at the Opposition on claims that the government is withholding funds to districts and provinces represented by Members of Parliament who are in the Opposition, calling it a lie and stating that funds have been fairly distributed. Prime Minister Marape in a statement said that he will prove this once the Finance Department makes available printout of the funding, which he would have it published for public scrutiny the distribution in service development funds of District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) and Provincial Services Improvement Program (PSIP). Marape, in turn, criticised Members of the Opposition who have taken to the media to spread this misinformation for the sake of political mileage, adding that these MPs were covering up their lack of service-delivery in their own districts and provinces under the guise of their public outcries. He also reiterated that his government has no intention of making Opposition MPs suffer and that every MP is treated fairly when it comes to development funds. “This government does not weaponize the budget to discriminate against Members of Parliament,” said the PM. “This Pangu-led Government knows our responsibility to the country. Since 2019, our budget use is clear evidence of how we distribute funding. “All districts and provinces, whether they are in the Opposition or Government, receive their DSIP and PSIP. We support all provinces in their functional grant and monies for all Provincial Health Authorities." “We allocate fairly to all. When cash flow is available, we remit the funds that we collect.” PM Marape said Members in the Opposition take to social media to sensationalize government matters to get out political mileage yet have no courtesy to acknowledge Government when they receive these funds. “Once these funds are delayed slightly, they go mouthing off to rally public sympathy, but hardly will you see them acknowledge Government for the granting of these monies for their districts and provinces,” he said. The Prime Minister said, since 2019, a large amount of funding has been transferred from Waigani under his administration to provinces and districts, yet local MPs and provincial governors are not held accountable for non-delivery of services in their districts and provinces.

The much-anticipated inaugural Central Province Investment Conference (CPIC) has now been moved to next year instead of next week as initially scheduled. This was announced by President and interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Chamber of Commence and Industry (CCCI), Linda Paru, stating that deferral will also give enough time for the organising committee to finalise things. The investment conference was originally set for November 27- 28, but now it has been rescheduled to February 27- 28, 2025. Central Governor, Rufina Peter also made a statement on the deferral saying that the upcoming parliament session was the reason for the rescheduling. “The rescheduling is due to an oversite on the dates for the November parliament session which commences on November 26th, making it difficult for myself as the Central province Governor and the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru to attend and participate in this inaugural event for Central province,” said Governor Peter. Ms. Paru added that the adjusted timing offers the organizing committee and stakeholders additional time to refine and elevate the event’s preparations. “This event is historical,” she noted. “As the first investment conference for Central province and CCCI, it’s essential that we bring it to fruition with careful planning and a robust turnout.” The conference aims to recognise existing businesses in Central province and provide a platform for new investors and business houses interested in the region. It will be a cornerstone event, anticipated to stimulate new business opportunities, enhance provincial revenue, and position Central province as the next major investment destination close to Port Moresby city. “Central province has much to offer investors with rich resources across agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forestry, tourism, real estate, etc.,” Ms. Paru emphasised. She further highlighted the province’s strategic location, sharing a land boundary with Port Moresby, and its potential to become a leading business hub. With anticipated full- capacity attendance, CCI looks forward to welcoming investors from diverse sectors. Updated details regarding the rescheduled conference, including registration, will be provided by the committee in collaboration with the Governor’s office. Registration, which opened on September 20th, remains ongoing and will continue until the conference dates. Further announcements will be made by the CCCI and Central Provincial Government late this year.

Investors looking for information on the various key regulatory policies on doing business in Papua New Guinea will have access to all of that in the upcoming 2024 PNG Investment Week in Sydney, Australia next month. Such information is critical for making informed business decisions, especially if one is choosing to invest in PNG, and with this in mind, PNG’s flagship investment promotion event, the 2024 PNG Investment Week has opted to commence its proceedings with a Regulators Forum first before moving on to other things. To take place on Day 1 of PNG Investment Week - Sunday December 8th, 2024 - at the Sydney International Convention Centre, The PNG Regulators Forum will feature presentations from all key State Agencies, beginning with the Investment Promotion Authority. According to President of PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE), Anthony Smaré, this decision to have the regulators open PNG Investment Week was strategic, given the need for investors to be aware of regulatory requirements at the outset to provide confidence and assurance for them as they explore investment and trade with PNG. The PNG Regulators Forum will begin with the PNG Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) providing an overview of the requirements to for business registration in PNG. The IPA will also provide an overview of the various sectors of business in PNG that have seen growth in recent years. This will be followed by the Internal Revenue Commission of PNG (IRC) presenting on the tax registration, compliance and incentives for businesses that want to invest in PNG – this will be crucial given the event will be held immediately after the 2025 national budget is passed. PNG Customs Services will then provide an overview of the import and export guidelines, whilst the Independent Consumer Competition Commission (ICCC) will provide an overview of rules around business mergers and acquisitions in PNG, which is critical information for potential investors into PNG. Furthermore, the regulators from mining (Mineral Resources Authority, and Department of Mineral Policy & Geohazard Management), petroleum (Department of Petroleum), energy (National Energy Authority), and environment (Conservational and Environment Protection Authority) will also present on their respective requirements for doing business in PNG, with a specific focus on each sector. Mr. Smaré says this will be the first time as well the event will feature presentations from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), National Fisheries Authority (NFA), PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA), and PNG Forest Authority (PNGFA), who will speak on regulations within their respective sectors. “The PNG Regulators Forum represents the key state agencies from across a cross-section of PNG’s economy and is a must-attend event for those that are serious in learning more about the dynamic opportunities that exist in PNG and provides an opportunity to hear first-hand from the entities that are directly involved in regulating these sectors," said Mr. Smaré. "We appreciate the support of the Chief Secretary Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu, Deputy Secretary Frank Aisi and the rest of the team at the Prime Minister’s Department for helping us put the Regulators Forum together with such strong participation from our regulators."

The much-anticipated full investigation into the East New Britain Palm Oil Limited (ENBPOL) dealings and alleged price fixing is finally set commence next week in Kokopo city, East New Britain (ENB) province. The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, announced this following the arrival of the Chairman, Mr. David Mather to Papua New Guinea from London on Tuesday, who will lead the investigation team. He will be in the beautiful city of Kokopo next week for the investigation to commence from November 24th to 30th, 2024. They will be meeting with the oil palm farmers, the provincial government and all stakeholders including the company concerned (ENBPOL). The Members of the Investigation Team include: 1. Mr. David Mather- Chairman 2. Mr. David Towe- Chief Commissioner for Papua New Guinea Customs Service 3. Mr. Daniel Koiam- Chartered Accountant/Economist 4. Mr. Tony Waisi- Lawyer 5. Mr. Andy Ambulu- Lawyer 6. Ms. Michelle Auamoromoro- Secretary to the Investigation Team This investigation was approved by the National Executive Council (NEC) following a petition by the local oil palm growers and landowners of Gazelle Peninsula and Wider Bay Area of ENB province calling for an investigation into the alleged exploitation of an unfair trade practices by the ENBPOL for illegal price fixing of K10 per metric ton for Fresh Fruits Bunch (FFB) payments from November 2014 to 2022, and K15 per metric ton from 2023-2024. Minister Maru also emphasized the importance of this investigation. “The complaints from the Gazelle farmers may just be the tip of an iceberg on the rot in the industry when it comes to landowner benefits from the development on their land, their sweat, and labour,” Minister Maru said. “The Marape-Rosso Government will have to act so we can get a far better package to encourage our people to free up land for oil palm development.” The minister also looks forward to the outcome of this investigation. “We look forward to the findings and recommendations of the investigation team which will be important to all key stakeholders, the growers and landowners, the oil palm developers, this Government, and key Government agencies who may need to take hold of the report and implement changes.” He added that the investigation will also guide the Government to reform the oil palm industry to ensure that such alleged rip offs do not happen again. “This is a very important investigation for the Government and it is the first time in the country’s history that the Government is investigating the price of oil palm upon receiving complaints from over 15, 000 village oil palm farmers who have requested the Government’s intervention to help them and their families see 500-600% increase in the oil palm prices, similar to farmers in West New Britain Province.” Minister Maru then thanked the ENB Governor, Michael Marum, and his Provincial Administrator for fully supporting this investigation with financial assistance to meet critical on-ground expenses for this investigation.

BSP Financial Group Limited has successfully opened its new Telefomin Branch, offering customers better access to all banking services, including ATM services after almost 40 years of limited banking options. BSP Telefomin Branch opened yesterday, Monday 18th November 2024. Housed in the Telefomin District Administration office complex, this new facility will offer full banking services to customers – giving them opportunity to open accounts, over the counter cash transactions, access to lending as well as other products. To support the community after hours, ATMs are available for use by customers. BSP Group General Manager Retail, Ronesh Dayal attended the opening and shared that BSP is proud to service customers in this remote part of the country. “It is not only a reflection of BSP's commitment to this community but also a demonstration of our ongoing commitment to change and growth.” “This year, we are taking bold steps to enhance our services and make banking more accessible for all Papua New Guineans.” “Previously, local residents were challenged by travelling to Vanimo, Kiunga and Tabubil for their banking needs.” “The new branch is in a larger modern building and will have more staff to serve customers.” “ATM services is a new inclusion at the Telefomin branch, providing a vital service to more than fifty thousand people living in the Telefomin, Yapsi and Oksapmin LLGs of the district. It is our hope that through these services, we can empower individuals and businesses to thrive and achieve their financial aspirations,” Mr Dayal added. BSP’s contribution to Telefomin extends beyond banking services. BSP has invested in community projects across the West Sepik Province, with a total contribution of K670, 000 since 2009 supporting 28 projects in areas such as education and infrastructure. Two Community projects were delivered in Telefomin and Oksapmin. The BSP team was welcomed by the MP for Telefomin and Minister for Works and Highway Honourable Solan Mirisim. He expressed his gratitude reiterating that his people will now be able to access banking services without having to travel to Tabubil, Kiunga or Vanimo to do banking. BSP remains committed to serving customers, support their growth, and look forward to building an enduring relationship with the people of Telefomin.