Election law, Connect PNG and Bougainville among key issues as Parliament resumes
Parliament resumes at 2pm today with a lengthy government business agenda covering election laws, infrastructure, Bougainville, public sector reform and a number of government reports.
One of the key items before Parliament is the Organic Law on National and Local-Level Government Elections [Amendment] Law 2024, which is listed for its third reading and second vote.
Parliament will also resume debate on the Special Parliamentary Committee's final report on the 2022 General Elections, including a motion to adopt its recommendations.
The agenda also includes reports on the Connect PNG programme, including a 2026 inquiry report by the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts and updates on the programme’s financing, implementation and work progress.
The Public Accounts Committee report on Connect PNG is among a number of committee reports to be up for debate and consideration.
Members are also expected to continue debate on the Bi-Partisan Parliamentary Committee on Bougainville Matters report on nationwide public consultations conducted on the 2019 Bougainville referendum.
Another item on the agenda is the 2026 Inquiry into Log Export Monitoring, conducted by the Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform and Service Delivery.
Parliament will also consider a number of annual reports and ministerial statements covering the judiciary, education, health, treasury, immigration, public service, housing, foreign affairs and law and order.
Among the proposed legislation listed for presentation is a bill from the Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources to alter the Organic Law on Papua New Guinea’s ownership of hydrocarbons and minerals and the consolidation and commercialisation of Papua New Guinea’s business.
The Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and Sports is also expected to present legislation for the establishment and incorporation of Pacific Adventist University and the repeal of the Pacific Adventist University Act 1997.
In private business, East New Britain Provincial Member Michael Marum will be presenting a bill to establish and regulate free zones in East New Britain as a pilot scheme, including the establishment of the East New Britain Free Zones Corporation.
Goilala MP Casmiro Aia will be presenting a bill to amend the Parliamentary Service Act 1997.
With Parliament’s agenda extending across a wide range of policy, legislative and oversight matters, attention will be on the debates and decisions arising when the House resumes at 2pm.