Treasurer tables supplementary budget

Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey says the supplementary budget prioritises fuel relief, El Niño response, 2027 election preparations, and security. (Image: National Parliament)

Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey, this afternoon, handed down and tabled the supplementary budget in Parliament.

The money plan caters for allocations to respond to El Nino disaster, maintain fuel subsidy and preparation for 2027 national election among others.

The supplementary sees the highest allocation of K1.1 billion towards fuel relief as part of the household assistance package, K500 million for El Nino, an additional K150 million to election preparations, and over K50 million extra for police and defence.

Treasurer Ling-Stuckey says this supplementary budget includes major reallocation and cuts.

Revenues and Expenditures are expected to go up by K1.3 billion, with the budget deficit remaining at K1.6 billion kina

Budget criticised

Madang MP, Bryan Kramer argued that the supplementary budget carried very little detail. (Image: National Parliament)

The Supplementary budget, while generally welcomed by both sides of the house, was also heavily criticized.

Members raised issues about the cuts, reallocation and hidden costs in the money plan.

This was after Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey tabled the mini money plan.

Western Province Governor Taboi Awi Yoto was not in support of the budget to take money out of provinces.

East Sepik Governor Allan Bird queried the operational and capital expenditures.

Madang Mp Brian Kramer also queried the budget, stating it is not detailed.

The government's mini money is focused on El Nino, fuel subsidy, and preparation for the 2027 national election, among others.