Mr Speaker,

Today I present a very important Bill to amend the Constitution to establish the Independent Commission Against Corruption (or ICAC).

Mr. Speaker, when we took office in August 2011, one of the first NEC decisions was to adopt the Anti-Corruption Strategy 2010-2030. This strategy is the first of its kind and sets a clear path way to address corruption and improve good governance.

Parliament this evening voted 92 - 0 to pass a law setting up the District Authority in each districts, replacing the Joint District Budget Planning and Prioritees Committees (JDBPPCs). The Bill was introduced by the Prime Minister. It is in line with his vision to strengthen government at district level, with more funds and resources now allocated to that level, where the bulk of our people live.

Second Reading Speech Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local level Governments(District Development Authority) Law 2013

By Grace Auka Salmang, Post Courier

FOR development to be fully recognised in Papua New Guinea, it must be initiated and collectively agreed by the landowner themselves, says John Chitoa from the Bismarck Ramu group.

"We are therefore demanding that the PNG government cancel all SABLs and return the titles to their customary landowners.

Almost one third of customary land taken by foreign companies

By Grace Auka Salmang, Post Courier

PAPUA New Guinea is the latest victim in a modern era of land grabs orchestrated by foreign corporations, an investigative report and a film reveal.

From POST COURIER and PACNEWS

Papua New Guinea Parliament has taken the first step in setting up the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in a 92-0 votes.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill in presenting the ICAC Bill just after the passage of the 2015 Budget, said when taking office in August 2011, one of the first NEC decisions was to adopt the anti-corruption strategy 2010-2030, setting a path way to address corruption and improve good governance.

A SPREADING SICKNESS IN PNG

By PNGBLOGS

Martyn Namorong

Youths arrested for stopping logging on conservation area

By Grace Tiden, Post Courier

Twelve youths from Bairaman in the Ralopal Concession area under the Sigete/Mukus Special Agriculture and Business Lease (SABL) Project Site in East New Britain have been arrested and charged for allegedly threatening logging company workers.

The 12 men have appeared for mention at the Kokopo District and were supposed to appear again yesterday for hearing to commence but the case was deferred to a later date.