ACTNOW's blog

PNG and Indonesia in firing line over loss of forests

Harvested logs in PNG. Photo credit: RNZ

Source: Radio New Zealand

A Papua New Guinea environmental and social activist has delivered a scathing assessment of stewardship of the country's forest resources by its politicians.

Dorothy Tekwie says PNG's government cannot claim to be serious about climate change impacts when it continues to allow unsustainable logging.

New law creating an ICAC passes first vote by Parliament

Last week Parliament approve the first reading of a new law to create an Independent Commission Against Corruption.

This is the second and final piece of legislation needed in the process of establsihing an ICAC. The first legal change, amending the Constitution, was passed in November 2013.

Two further readings are still required before the Bill will become law.

Juffa queries funding

SABL forest clearance in Pomio, East New Britain. Image: Greenpeace

Source: The National

Northern Governor Gary Juffa has called on Forest Minister Douglas Tomuriesa to explain the findings of the special agriculture business lease (SABL) inquiry.

'Struggling' Papua New Guinea should not be burdened with refugees, says Gillian Triggs

Papua New Guinea is a developing country that continues to struggle for its own people and yet we continue to accept the notions of devleoped countries, who push thier problems under our (PNG) carpets. When we begin to serve the rights of Papua New Guinean's then and only then will we be economically developed enough to service others.

Source: ABC News

Human Rights Commission president Gillian Triggs has criticised moves to resettle refugees on Papua New Guinea, describing the country as struggling.

PNG's poor Forest Minister twenty-five years out of date

Forest Minister Douglas Tomuriesa seems to be living in the past and to be unaware of all the current problems in the forestry sector in PNG

The Minister has gone public, see below, claiming all the issues of illegal and unsustainable logging in PNG have been dealt with starting in 1991 with the passing of the Forestry Act and establishment of the PNG Forest Authority.