MPs commend budget

By MOUA OMOA
TREASURER Don Polye’s budget was warmly welcomed by fellow MPs in parliament yesterday afternoon.
The 2013 budget with allocations of increased funding to rural development received the thumbs up and cheers from both sides of the house.
“About time,” Sir Julius Chan, one of the country’s founding fathers, said when it was announced that K1.492 billion had been allocated for the provinces, districts and local level governments.
It got nods of approval from former prime ministers, Paias Wingti and Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
There were also cheers when Polye announced the transfer of financial powers from Waigani to the provinces, districts and local level governments.
“Em nau!” Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko said when Polye announced K180 million for sports in next year’s budget.
A further K300 million was allocated for the next two years strengthening the government’s aim to make the 2015 Pacific Games the best-ever.
A roar of approval also met Polye’s announcement that K300 million had been allocated to improve the Port Moresby General Hospital.
Polye challenged his fellow ministers and MPs to support the reforms in the budget and ensure political stability.
“Stability in government is good for the economy and I am asking everyone including the opposition to support this statement,” Polye said.  
Deputy Opposition leader Sam Basil reserved their comments and moved for the debate on the budget and other bills to be adjourned.
Parliament resumes at 10am today for question time.