Govt plans laws to repay landowners

THE Government will amend laws to fairly compensate resource owners and provinces, says Prime Minister James Marape.
Marape told the people during the 44th Independence Day celebrations that his government would amend laws to give back to resource owners and provinces including the Bougainville government.
“If and when you see changes in the Oil and Gas Act or the Forestry Act, you must know that the work is beginning,” he said.
“(It’s) your fair share of resources revenue. But I call on you all to give back to PNG a good law and order environment.”
Marape said it should start with citizens living as Christians “in harmony with one another, doing unto others what you want others to do to you and working productively with your brains and hands”.
He promised to have in future budgets “innovative avenues to help tertiary students and business women and men keep their heads high and assist the nation by being law-abiding”.
He urged the people to start working together “irrespective of the colours of our provincial flags”.
“Let us blend our diversified tribal songs into a united nation anthem.”
He called on Members of Parliament, State ministers, public servants and citizens to work together to secure the country’s future.