Opposition leader calls for smaller cabinet

Opposition Leader James Nomane has called on Prime Minister James Marape to reduce the size of the national cabinet, saying many ministers are not doing enough to serve the people.

Speaking in Parliament this afternoon, Mr Nomane said the recent mini cabinet reshuffle showed what the public expects from government ministers.

He pointed to the appointment of John Pundari as Police Minister, saying the new minister had quickly taken steps to address the issue of illegal guns and ongoing tribal conflicts in Enga Province.

Mr Nomane said this kind of action is what the Opposition and the people of Papua New Guinea want to see from government leaders.

He also noted that the new Works Minister had outlined a 100-day plan for the department after the reshuffle.

However, the Opposition Leader questioned what the rest of the ministers in cabinet were doing.

Mr Nomane said there are currently 39 ministers in cabinet, which he compared to “three rugby teams”, but claimed many are not delivering results.

He said in Parliament it is often the Prime Minister who responds to questions and defends government actions, while other ministers remain silent.

Mr Nomane is now calling for the cabinet to be reduced to about 20 ministers, saying a smaller and more focused team would work more effectively to implement government policies and deliver services to the people.

He asked the Prime Minister to consider removing some ministers from cabinet so they can return to serving as ordinary Members of Parliament.