Old laws to be reviewed

 By JEFFREY ELAPA

LAWS that have existed since Independence will be reviewed during this term of parliament, according to leader of government business James Marape.

Marape said some reviews had already been passed in parliament – the marine pollution laws and the national council of women act and bills such as the one on treasury amendment are on notice.

He said parliament had discussed government statements such as the report of the prime minister and national executive council, the Teaching Service Commission report and the preliminary report on the special agriculture business leases.

Marape, who is also the finance and education minister, said parliament did not meet the required time to amend the public service management act. 

Sir Puka Temu was trying to push this legislation which would enable the devolution of powers to provinces and districts to appoint the provincial and district administrators and complimented the focus of the national budget towards the provinces and the districts.

“We will get that delivered when we return on May 15 as we could have concluded time for it to be on notice paper.

“The prime minister and I have asked all ministers to ensure that all laws to be reformed are brought to NEC for clearance and parliament should start progressing them when we convene,” he said.