Bewani landowners walk across pile of felled logs, West Sepik Province Photo: Global Witness Media

Source: Johnny Blades, Radio New Zealand

ACT NOW! has launched a petition calling on newly elected MPs to establish an Independent Commission Against Corruption within 100 days.

Electoral Commissioner Patilias Gamato is trying to silence criticism over an appallingly planned and executed National election by attacking blogger and activist, Martyn Namorong (pictured above)

SOURCE: Pacific Media Centre 

Source: Papua New Guinea Mine Watch

Peter Neill – Director, World Ocean Observatory | Huffington Post | July 11, 2017 

Engan voter protesters in Wabag demand "no more corruption". Image: Peter S. Kinjap

Source: Pacific Media Centre

Feelings of “anticipation, excitement” first gripped Papua New Guinea as polling in the general election opened last month.

SOURCE: Charles Richardson / CRIKEY

Papua New Guinea, Australia’s former colony and nearest neighbour, has been going to the polls in a parliamentary election that concludes tomorrow. As is common in countries with major logistical challenges, voting has been staggered over a two-week period.

The Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, and the Lands Minister, Benny Allen promised in April that all Special Agriculture Business Leases (SABLs) were being cancelled. Their promises came one after another, seemingly coordinated to placate the public on the eve of elections. But now the Lands Department is claiming 'legal issues' have prevented any cancellations - see report below. It looks like the Prime Minister and the Lands Minister's promises were just empty words...

Source: The National Newspaper

Independant Commission Against Corruption: A failed Election Promise!

With less than 2 weeks before voting in the National Elections starts on June 24, existing Members of Parliament and their challengers have stepped up their game trying to convince voters of what has not been done and why; what needs to “change”, AND what the process of “change” is.

Source: Papua New Guinea Mine Watch

Opposition to seabed mining in the archipelagic Philippine province of Romblon ... led by local anti-groups such as REFAM ... Image: Rachel Llorca/UST

Rachel E. Llorca | Asia Pacific Report | June 7, 2017  

Fishermen from the archipelagic province of Romblon in the Philippines are opposed to planned' experimental' sea mining ventures in the area amid fears it will destroy their livelihoods.

The value of customary land when left in local hands and the issue of compensation for the SABL land grab have both been highlighted in a seminar organised by ACT NOW!

The seminar featured Sydney University academic Dr Tim Anderson. Dr Anderson presented his report on assessing compensation for the wrongful loss of customary land.

The event was featured by all the TV networks in their evening news programs - their coverage can be viewed below.