LAW CHANGE TO FORCE PMs RETIRE AT 72

Rallying support: O'Neill and Namah this afternoon Credit:IDPNG
PNG's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill says he intends to introduce legislative changes forcing PMs to retire at 72.
The political crisis appears to have eased with Mr O'Neill securing the support of the governor-general, most MPs, the public service, the police and the defence force.

However, his rival 75-year-old Sir Michael Somare said he's determined to be returned as prime minister.

Mr O'Neill has told Pacific Beat's Bruce Hill that won't be possible when the legislative changes are in place.

Late this afternoon Prime Minister O'Neill and Namah came out to meet supports again at the Parliament roundabout. Activist Noel Anjo who rallied the crowd said this was to allow O'Neill to address and update Papua New Guineans and at the same time was presented with three petitions.
1. To name the open space at the back of National Archives "Constitutional & Parliamentary Ground" PM O'Neill granted that petition & officially named that place as such forthwith;
2. To continue to support Task Force Sweep & to make sure that those implicated and found guilty must be locked up behind bars - which PM O'Neill pledged to pursue (as before) aggressively;
3. Anti-Asian riots reports produced by Maxtone Graham & the team and is yet to be tabled in Parliament - PM O'Neill promised to table the same in Parliament and thereafter take necessary steps to implement recommendations made therein;

PM O'Neill said, "PNG must not be run from a hotel room as it is not a family business.' He also said, 'My government will pass a law to safe guard all proceeds from major resources in PNG such as LNG, etc. Management of such proceeds will be reported not only to the Parliament but to the people of PNG as a whole. How? By publishing such reports in the media on 3 month basis. He also assured the people that Free Education policy will be extended to cover Grades 12 and even university students starting next year and beyond.

Furthermore, he said God has heard the prayers of the people and sent his government in answer to their prayers.
Mr. O'Neill confirmed that he has now 76 members in his group and praised Mr.Anjo's bravery. He also annouced that 200 Australian Federal Officers will be on the ground in 2012.

This is most likely to come from his recent Australian visit where he announced that he will revisit the ECP that was selved after the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional.

The political crisis in Papua New Guinea overshadowed the introduction of a landmark bill aimed at guaranteeing women seats in parliament.

The bill failed to get the required numbers, but is likely to have passed if it was introduced with the budget several weeks ago.

PNG's only female MP, Dame Carol Kidu, has been the driving force behind the move which would have guaranteed 22 seats for female parliamentarians.

The Constitutional amendment to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill was passed this afternoon in parliament with a majority vote of 73 to nil. 

 Prime Minister Peter O’Neil when presenting the bill for its first vote in Parliament this afternoon says the Bill allows for the establishment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund where monies from the resource boom in Papua New Guinea will be managed prudently with best practices, whether it be on shore or off-shore.
Prime Minister O’Neil says the Sovereign Wealth Fund will constitute a Stabilization fund as well as an Infrastructure fund.

The amendment see the future generation fund disposed off, as previously brought forward by the Somare-Abal regime when they were in Government.

Mr. O’Neil says this fund will ensure deposits and withdrawals are in line with laws of the country and are transparent, where an independent board will be set up to oversee the fund.

The vote today saw three members from the Somare regime member for Nipa-Kutubu Philemon Embel, Member for Kabum Bob Dadae and Member for Kerowagi Guma Wau turn up to vote in favor of the Bill as well.

The amendment and voting today was necessary as required by Constitution to see that it becomes operational.
Area to be named Constitutional & Parliament Ground
Credit: M.D.Mantu
   ABC RADIO / REPORTS

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