Papua New Guineans have another important campaign sucess to celebrate.

New Health Minister, Jamie Maxton-Graham, has announced the government will not be proceeding with plans to build a private 'super hospital' in Port Moresby.

By Eva Kuson - Monday 15th August 2011

The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into Special Agriculture and Business Leases (SABLs) has yet again, been postponed to Tuesday 16^th of August 2011, due to unavailability of all information ordered to be presented before the CoI. Last Wednesday, the Commissioners were advised by the Council Assisting, Mr Ketan, that all information will be collected by today (Monday 15^th August 2011) but this has not been forthcoming resulting in the postponement.

By Martyn Namorong

The phrase “landowner issues” is a misnomer and gives the wrong impression that Papua New Guineas traditional land owners are somehow a deterrent to progress. Next week I travel to the Lower Ramu region to see for myself the land of a rainforest tribe of New Guinea being taken from them without proper consent.

From the Peter O'Neill fanclub of POM

This is a very real and genuine feeling by a group of PNG middle class sporters concerning the new PM. Yes the wording is harsh in places but our politicians have been treated too delicately for much to long. Its time we catch up with the rest of the world and start really holding our pollies accountable. 

By Luana Paniu

Three key people involved in procedures to issue the controversial Special Purpose Agriculture and Business Leases (SPABL) are the first to appear before the Commission of Inquiry.

Department of Lands and Physical Planning (DLPP) Acting Secretary Romlly Kila Pat, Acting Deputy Secretary, Customary Lands Adrian Abby and the Registrar of Titles Henry Wasa will appear before the CoI next Monday.

By Evah Kuson*

Following on from the preliminary hearing on the Monday 8, August  Simon Ketan has now taken over duties from Davis Stevens as the new Council Assisting for the Commission of Inquiry. Chief Commissioner in his welcoming address thanked Ketan for his willingness to take this role.

The announcement by new Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, that his government will sell the controversial Falcon jet is a smart move, says ACT NOW.

"The Falcon jet was an expensive mistake that epitomized the greed and corruption of the previous government, it is a smart move by the new PM to get rid of what was effectively a ‘private PMV’ for the Somare’s and their supporters".

By Martyn Namorong

This piece gets its title from the poem What’s Genocide by Carlos Andrés Gómez. Carlos’ insight into genocide is very profound once one reflects on the reality of today’s world.

The 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide defines genocide in Article II:

ACT NOW! has welcomed the announcement by Papua New Guinea’s new Prime Minister that his government will establish an Independent Commission Against Corruption.

"ACT NOW! is very pleased the Prime Minister has pledged to establish an ICAC and has recognized the crippling effects of corruption in PNG”, says Effrey Dademo, Program Manager for ACT NOW!

“ACT NOW! has been campaigning against the blatant stealing of public money and we see the introduction of an ICAC as a necessary step to tackle the problem, but it is only the first step of many that will be required.”