Ling-Stuckey to deliver Supplementary Budget

TREASURY Minister Ian Ling-Stuckey says he will be burning the midnight oil to deliver a Supplementary Budget for the Government as soon as possible.
“Coming up with new (fiscal) policies will also be my priority throughout my tenure as minister,” he added.
At the handing over of the treasury ministry by Sam Basil yesterday, Ling-Stuckey said: “I am taking over the Treasury at a very difficult time with high expectations from the (people), Government and country.
“All the past political differences will be put aside and I will work with everyone in the Treasury on how to move the ministry forward.”
Sam Basil is now the National Planning and Monitoring Minister.
“I understand that we have to put together a Supplementary Budget by next week,” Ling-Stuckey said.
“Realistically, we probably need about a month and I think we got about seven to 10 days. That is not an easy request and as the first step, a special project unit will be set up to focus on due diligence.
“First of all, we must get the numbers right and accurate to determine where we are at. We will then be able to formulate a way forward and make it easy for our people to understand. We will need new agendas and that will be in conflict with some of the old agendas but decisions will be made based on consultations.
“The prime minister has very high expectations on the Treasury and I come at a time when I am looking for clear directions. I am looking for remnants or policy frameworks to work with for improvements.
“I won’t be doing it on my own. I will work with everyone in the Government to come up with a rescue plan (for the country’s financial needs),” he added.
In Parliament yesterday, Prime Minister James Marape said there was a possibility of his Government tabling a Supplementary Budget next month. “My decision to bring Ian Ling-Stuckey from the Opposition is geared towards ending 2019 and bring the country forward to 2020 and beyond.
“We have used the past 90 days in office to take stock of things and look at the status of the country, something my opponents, including former Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Belden Namah have criticised for not outlining the Government policies.”