Nomane praises court ruling on public servants

Deputy Opposition Leader and Chuave MP, James Nomane, has applauded the recent Supreme Court decision to repeal the 2021 amendment to the Public Service Management Act.

The amendment banned public servants who resigned to contest elections but lost from re-entering the public service for five years.

Expressing similar sentiments as East Sepik Governor Allan Bird and and James Nomane also described the ruling as a victory for democracy and a step in the right direction.

“During the elections, anybody who's a public servant, whether they be a doctor or holding any public service position, can make a decision that they want to go for election. That's a democratic right,” said Mr. Nomane.

He argued that skilled professionals like doctors and nurses, who wish to return to their roles after contesting elections, should not be blocked.

“Why are we stopping doctors and nurses and other professionals from coming in and holding public office just simply because they decided to contest an election?” he questioned.

Mr. Nomane praised the Supreme Court for upholding the rights of Papua New Guineans, calling it “our last bastion of hope in a democracy.” He added,

“Kudos to all public servants seeking to come back into the workforce to help as doctors and nurses and professionals.”

“We're just trying to change the constitution willy-nilly, and thinking that it's just some sort of normal document. When it's not, it's sacred. And we have to safeguard and defend the constitution at all costs,” he stated.

Mr. Nomane emphasized the need for thoughtful reforms, especially in the public service. He criticized excessive government interference, saying it hampers the ability of public servants to effectively implement policies.

“The public service has a real need to step up and perform because the government might have all the great policies and ideas, but the public service is the number one implementing body,” he said.

He called for a leaner, more efficient public service to better serve the people of Papua New Guinea.

“Without these reforms, we will continue to have an obese and lethargic public service that cannot effectively deliver,” he said.