ABG parliament ends session today

THE Autonomous Bougainville government (ABG) today wraps up its three-day of parliament sitting from March 15-17, at the ABG house of representatives in Buka.
During parliament, various ministerial statements were presented including education, mining and health, at which members of parliament and ABG ministers had the opportunity to debate, question and discuss issues of development for the autonomous region.
ABG president John Momis also informed the parliament on his recent visit to Australia which allowed him to request the Australian government financial assistance.
“The visit allowed me to put some specific request with regard to the need for urgent financial assistance over the next three to five years until we are able to generate more revenues ourselves,” Momis said.
He elaborated that request for assistance included;
* A$50 million to assist restore Arawa as the economic hub and service delivery centre for Central Bougainville and secondly, as the administrative capital of Bougainville;
* A$5 million per year to assist the Bougainville police service over the next five years;
* A$3 million for capacity building of the public service;
* A$3 million to assist engage experts to help the ABG in its options of mining; and
* A$2 million per year over the next five years to implement the ABG atolls integrated development policy to resettle Carteret and other atolls islanders on mainland Buka and Bougainville.
Momis further said that in response to ABG’s continuous request for Australian federal police assistance to the Bougainville police service (BPS), the deputy Australian High Commissioner and an AFP senior liaison advisor would visit Bougainville this week to identify the kind and level of assistance that the BPS requires.
“My strong view is that a properly resourced police service will contribute to the weapons disposal programme.
“When Bougainvilleans have confidence in the ability of the police service to protect lives and properties, they will no longer see the need to hold on to weapons,” Momis said.
He also informed the ABG parliament that following his visit to Australia, the Australian parliamentary secretary for Pacific island affairs Richard Marles would be visiting Bougainville from March 28-30.