Papua New Guinea Supreme Court orders recall of parliament to debate no confidence vote

Nicole D'Souza | U. Auckland Law School, NZ

April 2, 2025 05:05:43 am

The Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea has ordered a recall of parliament on April 8, to debate a motion of no confidence. The court decided on Monday that parliament’s rejection of an earlier motion of no-confidence against the prime minister was unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court ruled that the parliamentary Private Business Committee’s decision to reject the motion of no confidence, acted on by Deputy Speaker Koni Iguan on November 27, 2024, was unconstitutional and breached Section 111 of the Constitution of Papua New Guinea, permitting MPs to introduce new bills and motions.

Iguan, as the acting Speaker, invoked Standing Order 165 in disallowing the motion filed by Chauve MP and Deputy Opposition Leader James Nomane. Standing Order 165 allows the Speaker to “disallow any motion or amendment that is the same in substance as any question that, during the previous 12 months, has been resolved.” Filing an application in the Supreme Court under section 18(1) of the Constitution, Nomane sought to determine whether the Committee and Iguan’s November decision was constitutional.

In his public statement, Prime Minister Marape, in response to the Supreme Court decision, stated, “Our government have consulted our coalition partners as well as the rank and file of Pangu Pati; they are all in total support that we respect the Supreme Court.” Reaffirming that his government is committed to upholding the rule of law, he stated, “I just want to tell our country we respect the court decision. We will comply with the court decision.” Marape confirmed that the “Speaker will advise the country that Parliament is recalled based on the court order, and Parliament will sit on the 8th as directed by the court.”

On September 12, 2024, the parliament rejected a vote of no confidence in the prime minister with 75 votes in favor and 32 against. The present court ruling affirms that the September ruling does not prohibit subsequent motions. 

PM Marape Announces Targeted Agricultural Credit Scheme to Drive Economic Growth and Food Security

PRIME Minister James Marape today announced a landmark national agricultural credit scheme aimed at empowering Papua New Guinean farmers, agribusinesses, and provincial governments to drive commercial production and long-term economic growth.

 

He made the announcement after officially opening the National Agriculture Industry Public–Private Sector Partnership Conference in Lae today.

 

The conference, jointly organised by the Department of Agriculture and the Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC), brings together key stakeholders from government, industry, and civil society to strengthen partnerships in transforming the agriculture sector into a commercially competitive industry that supports PNG’s economic future.

 

Prime Minister Marape described the new credit scheme as part of his government’s visionto move the nation away from over-reliance on the extractive sector and toward a productive, agriculture-led economy.

 

“We are rolling out the largest and most strategic targeted credit facility ever seen in thiscountry to support agriculture, food production, and value-added exports,” Prime Minister Marape said.

 

The Prime Minister highlighted that this programme is designed to:

* Replace over K2 billion worth of annual food imports, including rice, dairy, and processedgoods.

* Empower one million farming families to generate household income through crops suchas coffee, cocoa, copra, oil palm, balsa, fresh produce, and livestock.

* Create direct and indirect jobs across transport, logistics, extension services, and agro-processing.

* Boost domestic production for both national consumption and export markets in Asia andthe Pacific, tapping into over 4 billion consumers just one flight away.

“If one million families each earn K10,000 annually through agriculture, that’s K10 billioncirculating in our economy every year. This is how we build a sustainable K200 billion economy – not just through oil and gas, but by empowering our people to produce andprosper,” he said.

 

A New Lending Model: Long-Term, Intergenerational Loans.

 

"The facility, to be administered in partnership with the National Development Bank andcommercial lenders, will offer concessionary, long-term loans to Papua New Guineans who are actively engaged in agriculture — not “paper farmers,” the Prime Minister stressed.

 

“These are not handouts. We are willing to provide loans with long repayment terms – 20 to40 years – to serious farmers, cooperatives, and provincial governments. These must be intergenerational loans. We want to see agricultural families growing their businesses across generations,” he said.

 

Reviving Plantations and Provincial Partnerships.

 

Prime Minister Marape called on provinces with idle or under utilised land to partner with the National Government and revitalise plantation estates through structured block farmingand management models.

“We are revisiting the plantation model. Provinces must take responsibility. We will provide credit, but it must be repaid through revenue generated by productive land use,” he said.

 

The Prime Minister acknowledged past failures in plantation schemes, but noted that with better oversight and provincial accountability, the model can be revived successfully.

National Infrastructure Supporting Production.

 

This credit programme aligns with major investments in Connect PNG, port infrastructure,and rural development, ensuring that production areas are linked to domestic and international markets.

 

“We are not building ports just for imports. These ports must enable exports. That is the point of infrastructure investment,” he emphasised.

 

Prime Minister Marape stressed that PNG can follow the model of nations like New Zealand,which built a globally competitive economy from a strong agricultural base.

 

“We don’t need to go through every phase of development. With agriculture as our foundation, we can leapfrog to a modern economy. Education, health, ICT, and servicesall become accessible when we have a productive economic base,” he said.

 

He concluded by reaffirming that this targeted agricultural credit facility is central to building a resilient, inclusive economy, where all citizens participate in wealth creation

through the land.

ENDS

SUPREME COURT ORDER IS SPECIFIC

Today, the Supreme Court issued an order in relation to the Opposition's Supreme Court Challenge regarding the rejection of the 27 Nov 2024 motion of VONC by the Private Business Committee.

The decision can be easily contested whether it breaches the Constitution on the separation of powers between the Judiciary, Legislature and the Executive Government. 

However, the Government honoured the ruling and will comply in the true spirit of democracy and comply as ordered.

So what is the status of the  matter and how will the order be executed by the Speaker?

In summary the court orders that Parliament is recalled on the 8th April 2025 to deal with the particular VONC motion that was filled by the Opposition and introduced to the Private Business Committee which was then rejected by the PBC' so did the Parliament. 

This Supreme Court ruling renders that specific VONC motion live, hence it must be dealt with by Parliament.

In the motion, the alternate PM nominee is Sir Peter Ipatas. So the contest is now between Prime Minister James Marape and Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas.

The order is for the  Speaker to entertain the specific 27th November 2024 VONC motion, which that fearures Marape 'vs' Ipatas. Any alteration or deviation outside of this order will be in contempt of the Supreme Court order.

So Mr James Nomane can finish his job by supporting GC Sir Peter Ipatas with the required number to topple PMJM.

Bring it on. PANGU STAP!

Analysis: Jemes Marape Clings to Power Despite the Facts Sends the Opposite Message

"I will not step down", and that's the strong message from PNG Prime Minister James Marape.

This isn’t a new script for PNG. Marape, in power since 2019 and re-elected in 2022, was once the fresh face promising stability. Now, critics say he’s floundering. 

Armed gangs roam the Highlands unchecked, leaving citizens scared and Simbu Province MP James Nomane warning of a “failed state” on the horizon. 

Economically, delays in the Papua LNG project—a potential game-changer—have tongues wagging about mismanagement. 

Then there’s the old baggage: as ex-Finance Minister, Marape’s tied to murky payments that still haunt his reputation.

The opposition smells blood, and they’re not alone. Students and online voices are amplifying the outrage, turning up the volume on a public fed up with broken promises. Marape’s response? It’s all a political hit job. He’s betting on PNG’s Constitution to keep him in the driver’s seat, arguing only Parliament—not protests—can call the shots.

In PNG’s parliamentary system, ousting a PM isn’t a free-for-all. Marape could quit, handing his resignation to the Governor-General and kicking off a scramble for a new leader among MPs. 

He’s made it clear he’s not walking away. Behind closed doors, his Pangu Party and coalition partners hold the real keys. If they waver, he’s toast, VoNC or not. For now, he’s banking on loyalty and the opposition’s shaky math to ride this out.

A resignation could unleash a free-for-all, stalling everything from LNG deals to the NRL bid. And if public pressure alone topples him, it might set a dicey precedent for a country that leans hard on its parliamentary guardrails.

Marape’s at a crossroads. The resignation calls aren’t just noise—they’re a symptom of a nation on edge. He’s got the law on his side, but the law doesn’t quiet crowds or fix a broken system. 

Whether he’s forced out by a VoNC or clings on through sheer grit, the real test isn’t just survival—it’s whether he can prove he’s still the guy for the job. Right now, the jury’s out, and PNG’s watching.

With William Stevens 🇵🇬, the visionary artist behind Papua New Guinea’s iconic Banknotes

With William Stevens 🇵🇬, the visionary artist behind Papua New Guinea’s iconic K2, K5, K10, and later K20 banknotes. In 1973, at just 16 years old and a budding graphic arts student at Goroka Technical School, he was handpicked by an Australian government team and sent to Fitzroy, Victoria. 

There, he spent a transformative year designing the notes for PNG’s new currency, which became legal tender in 1975 as the nation stepped boldly into independence. 🌟✍️💪

Now at 68, William Stevens remains a testament to youthful brilliance and dedication. As the Kina 🇵🇬 marks its 50th anniversary next month and PNG celebrates its own milestone in September, his story reminds us that greatness can emerge from the most unexpected places. 

Yet, despite his incredible contribution, he has never been properly acknowledged or compensated for his work. 💔🤝

Let’s celebrate and honour the legacy of William Stevens 🇵🇬 – a true artist who helped shape the identity of our nation. His journey is proof that talent knows no age, and that creativity has the power to leave a lasting mark on history. 🌺✨📜 #PNG 🇵🇬 #Inspiration #WilliamStevens #Kina50

MARAPE TO PURSUE CASE AGAINST POST COURIER, WILL NOT STEP DOWN AS PRIME MINISTER

Press Release 

Friday, 28 March 2025

Prime Minister James Marape has indicated that his legal team will pursue a case against local newspaper Post Courier over its reports on Wednesday, March 26th, 2025.

The paper had the headline "Paraka Payment 'Scam'" , where Member for Sinasina Yonggomugl and Opposition strongman, Kerenga Kua, testified in court that Marape, who was then Finance Minister, pressured staff in the department to make payments to Paraka Lawyers.

The revelation to sue Post Courier was made today by the Prime Minister after returning from an official visit to New Zealand.

There were other inferences also made on the newspapers front page story which has raised concerns.

Marape is considering to file complaints that the matter before the court was being used by Post Courier to conduct media trial and stirring unnecessary insinuations.

He says this amounted to contempt of court.

The Prime Minister has also made it clear that he will not step down or resign from the office as per calls peddled on social media.

PM Marape reaffirms govt commitment to transparency with special audit into Connect PNG

17 March 2025

MEDIA STATEMENT 

Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance by announcing the launch of a special audit into the Connect PNG Infrastructure Programme.

This high-level audit, led by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu in partnership with Norths Projects Ltd, an internationally recognized engineering firm, will comprehensively assess the entire Connect PNG Programme following allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

The audit aims to provide an independent and professional review of the programme’s financial integrity and performance, ensuring that Connect PNG effectively fulfills its mandate of linking the country through modern road networks.

 “Our government has always upheld high standards of transparency. We do not tolerate impropriety or corruption in our systems. In light of widespread concerns, including last year’s allegations branding Connect PNG as a corrupt scheme, we are committed to conducting a full audit of the programme,” stated Prime Minister Marape.

To this end, the Prime Minister emphasized the engagement of Deloitte, one of the world’s leading accounting firms, alongside a reputable engineering firm, to conduct a thorough assessment of Connect PNG.

 “Their review will not only verify the integrity of the programme but also ensure that every kina is spent appropriately and that roads are constructed to proper engineering standards,” he added.

The special audit commenced in February 2025 and will involve physical inspections of Phase One projects across eight provinces, marking the first comprehensive review of the programme since its inception.

To enhance the audit process, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) will provide security and logistical support, ensuring a fair and effective assessment.

The audit will determine whether any financial irregularities have occurred. If so, those responsible will face legal consequences; meanwhile, individuals wrongly accused will have the opportunity to clear their names.

 “If there has been any mismanagement, corruption, or unethical conduct, those responsible will be prosecuted. Conversely, if these allegations are found to be baseless, those falsely accused will be able to seek legal redress for any reputational damage,” Prime Minister Marape affirmed.

Emphasizing the importance of the Connect PNG programme, the Prime Minister noted its critical role in providing essential road networks to all parts of the country—a mission that must not be undermined by corruption or inefficiency.

 “For too long, PNG has remained disconnected, with large areas still inaccessible by road, even after nearly 50 years of independence. Connect PNG seeks to change this reality and ensure that our growing population and economy have the necessary infrastructure for long-term sustainability,” he said.

Additionally, Prime Minister Marape revealed that his government is developing a new policy to expand independent auditing across all government agencies. Moving forward, any department or agency facing allegations of mismanagement will undergo an independent review by leading global accounting firms, including Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young, and KPMG.

 “We are committed to ensuring full transparency in government finances. These firms will be granted full access to government records, working alongside the Auditor General’s Office to provide independent and credible assessments of all key agencies and departments,” PM Marape stated.

He commended Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu and his team for their efforts in ensuring that the Connect PNG audit proceeds with integrity and professionalism.

“We have nothing to hide, and this process will instill public confidence that we are serious about accountability. We want to ensure that every kina spent is accounted for and that PNG’s infrastructure projects are built to last, serving the nation for generations to come,” he concluded.