Tim's blog

More calls for revocation of suspect land leases in PNG

Source: ABC Radio Australia

The Director of Papua New Guinea's National Research Institute says controversial land leases that have been proved to be faudulent, should be revoked.

Last week, Prime Minister Peter O'Neill told parliament that of 42 Special Agricultural and business leases examined by a Commission of Enquiry, only four had the consent of landowners.

Only 4 out of 42 SABL received proper landowner consent

Source: PNG VIllage

The two final reports on special Agriculture Business leases were tabled in parliament.

In his remarks, PM Peter O’Neill, says the two reports covered only 42 of the 75 SABL areas and that the findings were shocking.

He says from the 42 only 4 SABL had qualified landowners consent and have produced successful agriculture projects, while the rest was obtained through corrupted means.

According to the report the SABL policy failed miserably.

No word from government on canceling fraudulent leases

PNG landowners conned by companies cutting down forests: PNG PM Peter O'Neill

Liam Fox | ABC News

Papua New Guinea's prime minister Peter O'Neill says a controversial type of land lease has allowed foreign companies to con traditional landowners and chop down forests.

Special Agricultural Business Leases (SABLs) were supposed to allow traditional land to be converted into leasehold land for agricultural developments.

They cover more than 5 million hectares - about 11 per cent of PNG.

PNG PM: reports on land leases reveal corruption

Source: Liam Fox on Australian Network News 

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister says reports into controversial land leases reveal a shocking trend of corruption and mismanagement.

Two years ago a Commission of Inquiry was formed to investigate Special Agricultural Business Leases (SABLs)

The Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has tabled the reports from two of the three Commissioners in Parliament.

He told Parliament that of the 42 SABLs examined, only four had the consent of local landowners and had viable agricultural projects.

SABL Commissioners referred to Law Society

Source: Isaac Nicholas (Post Courier)

THE National Executive Council has referred the three commissioners who chaired the Special Agriculture Business Leases Commission of Inquiry to the PNG Law Society for disciplinary action.

They have also been referred to the Royal PNG Constabulary for an investigation into the use of more than K15 million earmarked for the inquiry.