Make Bill public: Iduhu

SHADOW Justice Minister and Attorney-General Keith Iduhu says the Government needs to release documents relating to the National Gold Corporation Bill 2022, specifically the signed shareholders agreement executed in 2021 and the advice provided by the State Solicitor.
Iduhu wrote to his government counterpart, Justice Minister Pila Niningi, saying that this was in the interest of transparency and the national debate on the matter as the Government was about enter into a major contract that would affect the country’s gold industry.
“The Opposition is requesting these documents to go over its contents, have proper oversight and provide consultation in an informed manner,” he said.
Iduhu said that as many important stakeholders had already expressed concern about the Bill, it was important members of parliament and the public had the official documents to debate them.
“In light of the comments made by PNG Law Society president Hubert Namani, and the president of the Chamber of Resources and Energy, Anthony Smare, I unequivocally agree with their views and express my own concerns from a legal perspective on behalf of the Opposition.
“As outlined by both presidents in their learned capacities, the Bill has over 900 sections and proposes to amend 25 key legislations, some of which threaten the mining industry, sovereignty rights and promotes inequality.
“The sad thing about this is that these stakeholders have been requesting to have proper consultation and dialogue with the Government however their requests have been falling on deaf ears.
“I note that there are copies of the documents I am requesting circulating on social media made available by whistleblowers, however I must request Mr Niningi to make available these documents officially by his office so that the public and stakeholders can take note and appreciate the government trying to engage meaningfully.”
Iduhu added that Niningi needed to reveal who was the sponsor of this Bill.
“It is still unclear who is going to propose this Bill to the house. Is it the Minister for Mining, is it the Minister for Finance, or is it a private members Bill by Rainbo Paita?
“This game of secrecy has gone on long enough, and the Government through the AG and Justice Minister must make an effort to ensure that all details are made public.
“The Shadow Minister for Mining James Donald has already expressed his dissatisfaction with this Bill and has taken charge in saying the Opposition will not support this Bill.
“It is time for other MPs to show courage and speak up for the country.”