Embassy officials yet to get paid, minister says

TREASURER Patrick Pruaitch claims that public servants serving in embassies in Singapore, Beijing, Brussels and Washington have not been paid for up to 10 fortnights.
He also claimed that PNG LNG project landowners had also not received a single toea of royalty due to them.
National Alliance (NA) Party leader Pruaitch revealed this at a meeting with party candidates in Port Moresby on Friday.
“Every month, this Government spends more than one billion kina,” the treasurer said.
“In just over three months, it spends more than what the entire NA Government spent in 2002.
“Yet outstanding Government payments have become a disgrace that even the New Zealand government has recorded its dismay on behalf of New Zealand firms waiting to be paid by the PNG Government.
“One of the saddest plights is faced by highly-respected Papua New Guineans who serve our country in PNG embassies in Singapore, Beijing, Brussels and Washington.
“Most have not received their salaries and wages for up to 10 fortnights.
“Some face possible eviction from diplomatic offices and their homes.
“Such abysmal treatment of diplomats – our people, our representatives – in overseas jurisdictions has not happened before.
“It is happening now because the people who should care remain deaf to the constant cries for help and understanding. As treasurer, I was forced to step in to rectify this situation.
“I ensured that the 2017 budget allowed for direct funds to be sent from Treasury to these embassies.”