Organic law reform took threats to investment into consideration: Steven

THE reform of the organic law undertaken by the Department of Justice and Attorney-General has led to the assessment and analysis of threats to investment interests in the country, according to Justice Minister Davis Steven.
That was a significant step towards preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation 2018, the minister said.
Steven, who presented the 2016 report to Parliament this week, said the development of the national risk assessment process, establishment of the financial analysis and supervision unit in the Bank of Papua New Guinea was a notable and successful reform.
He said there were also a number of significant gazettals such as the Judicial Proceedings Act 2015 and the Maritime Zones Act 2015 that would become operational upon gazettal.
“Earlier in the year, the leadership summit 2016 was hosted and from that meeting the Justice Department was tasked to revitalise the National Narcotics Bureau in line with the Government gazette of May 10,” he said.
“As per the determination of titles and responsibilities of ministers, the administration of National Narcotics Control Board Act 1992 is now a portfolio responsibility under my ministry.”
Steven said the year saw the establishment of the National International Humanitarian Law (IHL) to facilitate the coordination and oversee the rectification of necessary IHL treaties and conventions sanctioned by the National Executive Council to enable a working partnership with the Papua New Guinea Red Cross and other organisations that deals with human rights.
“By December 2016, Cabinet sanctioned the national action plan and standard operating procedures on trafficking in persons and people smuggling,” Steven said.
“There is also a cabinet-sanctioned national action plan on sorcery and witchcraft accusation related violence.”
Steven said there was also the department’s corporate plan, the completion of projects as well as the start of new projects and programmes.
“The annual management report emphasises from the outset and mission statement for the department which is to deliver excellent legal and justice services to the state and people PNG to create a just, safe and secure society for all.”