Opposition welcomes police reshuffle

OPPOSITION Leader Douglas Tomuriesa has stressed the importance of making changes in the police hierarchy to address the country’s “debilitating” law-and-order situation, and not any other self-serving agenda.
Tomuriesa was responding to the reshuffle in the police command announced by Police Commissioner David Manning on Wednesday.
“The Opposition welcomes the announcement as it shows (Manning) is trying to do something to address the law and order problems,” Tomuriesa said in a statement.
He also welcomed the creation of a special policing zone in a “volatile” area of the country.
“It is very important we focus on this continuously troubled area, and if our police make a strong example of this zone, it will send a very clear message to the rest of the country,” he said.
Tomuriesa however warned that appointments to senior positions be assessed properly, and be done on a merit basis.
“Officers with a proven track record should be encouraged and promoted to perform even better.
“On the other hand, those who have not been performing should not be kept around to maintain the status quo,” he said.
“The rank and file should see the positive performance of their senior officers and be encouraged to achieve and adhere to (those) high standards.
There shouldn’t be any fear in performing their duties as officers of the force.”
Tomuriesa also questioned Manning’s decision to transfers out of Port Moresby “certain officers”.
“The Police Force must be seen to be independent without political interference,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shadow Minister for Bougainville Affairs Sir Puka Temu said the Government must maintain cordial consultations with the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and its representatives.
Sir Puka said: “The Government continues to shift the goal posts with their handling of the ratification of the referendum results.
“In Parliament last month, the Bougainville Affairs Minister mentioned that there were procedures the Government and Parliament needed to sort out before ratifying the results.
“But it is becoming clear that the Government is not making enough effort to consult with the ABG.
“And this is unnecessarily frustrating a straightforward process.”