Parliamentary Committee holds consultations on Bougainville’s path to ratification

Bougainville House of Representatives meeting with the Committee (Image: Supplied)

The Bi-Partisan Parliamentary Committee on Bougainville’s path to ratification is holding hearings in Buka today, consulting with local leaders and representatives on the region’s post-referendum future.

The committee is chaired by Rabaul MP Dr Allan Marat, with Abau MP Sir Puka Temu and West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel serving as members.

Today’s session at Kubu is hearing views from members of the Bougainville House of Representatives, with the committee scheduled to continue consultations in Arawa tomorrow at the Sharp Memorial Youth Centre before concluding the visit on Thursday.

The committee will present its findings to National Parliament during the final sitting scheduled for November 18, 2025.

Bipartisan Parliamentary Committee on Bougainville Matters Chairman and Rabaul MP Dr. Allan Marat and deputies, Abau MP Sir Puka Temu and West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel (Image: Supplied)

Committee members are inviting all Bougainvilleans including provincial leaders, civil society representatives, church groups, youth, and women to participate and share their views on the post-referendum process and the region’s future relationship with Papua New Guinea.

The consultation will provide an important opportunity for Bougainvilleans to make their voices heard and contribute directly to the Committee’s final report.

The hearings aim to ensure that the committee’s recommendations reflect the perspectives, hopes, and aspirations of the people of Bougainville.