Source: Radio New Zealand

Transparency International in Papua New Guinea fears the outcome of inquiries into the controversial Special Agricultural Business Leases will be ignored.

There has been wide criticism of the abuses of the SABL system and last month in parliament prime minister Peter O’Neill tabled a report from a commission of inquiry which detailed widespread corruption and mismanagement.

The report found the vast majority of the leases failed to secure consent of landowners.

There are calls for the government to end all the leases but TI PNG’s executive director, Lawrence Stephens, says because a number of MPs have benefitted from what amount to rorts he fears no action will be taken.

“And our fear is the discussion that is taking place in Parliament at the moment will again led to a commission of inquiry which itself leads nowhere. In the meantime timber interests are helping themselves to the forests.”