The National Executive Council, in its last meeting on Tuesday (27.05.25), has endorsed the Government Business for the March Parliament session.
NEC Chairman, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape said Cabinet has endorsed Hon. Peter Tsiamalili as Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
“Before each session of Parliament, it is expected that the Leader of Government Business would bring forward an information paper to inform the NEC on parliamentary business achieved in the last session, outstanding matters that require the attention of the NEC, and matters that are ready for presentation by ministers in the upcoming session of Parliament,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape said the information provided in the submission was an update to Information Paper No. 03/2025 on Government Business for the March Parliament Sitting presented to Cabinet in Meeting No. 03/2025 held on Wednesday, 05th March, 2025.
The Prime Minister also informed the nation of the number of sessions held in the first quarter of this year.
“Parliament sat for eight (8) days, from 11th to 14th March and 18th – 21st March 2025, respectively, in the March Session.
“In total, Parliament has sat for 82 days in the 11th Parliament so far. These exclude the 08th and 15th April sitting days (the Supreme Court Order),” he said.
In the March session, there were 36 questions raised, and Mr Marape added that the questions were entertained by Government and noted by Parliament.
On reports presented, he said the Ministry of International Trade and Investments’ final report of the investigation into the East New Britian Resources Group (East New Britian Palm Oil Limited, TZEN Niugini Limited and TZEN Plantation Limited) paper was noted and debate adjourned.
On appointments, the Prime Minister said that there were appointments on members of certain parliamentary committees as chairmen, deputy chairmen, and members.
He said the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Laws and Acts and Subordinate Legislations included Hon. Charlie Benjamin; Hon. Michael Marum, and Hon. Taboi Yoto as members.
“Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Citizenship Matters are Hon. Ricky Morris as Chairman; Dr. Allan Marat as Deputy Chairman; Hon. Francesca Sem- oso; Hon. Lohia Boe Samuel and Hon. Tony Wouwou as members.”
Mr Marape said the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communications included Hon. Aimos Joseph Akem as Deputy Chairman; Hon. Casmiro Aia, Hon. Robert Naguri and Hon. Wai Rapa as members.
“The Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Law and Order includes Hon. Peter Isoaimo and Hon. Simon Kaiwi as members.
“The Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Privileges are Hon. Joseph Yopyyopy and Hon. Francesca Semoso as members,” he said.
The Prime Minister further said the members appointed to the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts were Hon. Michael Marum and Hon. Libert Kapris.
“The Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Health Matters are Hon. Robert Naguri as Chairman; Hon. Benjamin Mul, Hon. Johnson Wapunai and Hon. Maso Hewabi as members.
The Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Empowerment are Hon. Francis Alua, Hon. William Hagahuno, and Hon. Peter Isoaimo.
“The Special Parliamentary Committee on Medium Term Development Plan 4 are Hon. Francesco Semoso as Deputy Chairman, Hon. Lohia Boe Samuel, Hon. Michael Marum, Hon. Philip Undialu, Hon. Simon Sia and Hon. Libert Kapris as members,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the Bipartisan Committee on Bougainville Matters was Dr. Allan Marat as Chairman; Hon. Sasindra Muthuvel as Deputy Chairman; Sir Peter Ipatas, Dr. Lino Tom, Sir Puka Temu and Hon. William Powi as members.
Moreover, the Prime Minister stated that also in the March session, there were a few acts/ laws passed by Parliament.
“The National Petroleum Authority Act 2025 on 12th March 2025; Oil and Gas (Amendment) Act 2025 on 12th March 2025; Constitutional Amendment No. 48 (Motion of No Confidence) Law 2025 (Third Reading on 12th March 2025); and Constitutional Amendment No. 49 (Declaration of Papua New Guinea as a Christian Country) Law 2025 (Third Reading on 12th March 2025).”
Mr Marape said the Prime Minister and National Executive Council (Amendment) Act 2025 was passed on March 13, 2025, as well as the National Executive Council Act 2025.
“The Income Tax Act 2025 on 19th March 2025; Local-Level Government Ad- ministration (Amendment) Act 2025 on 19th March 2025; and Fire and Rescue Service Act 2025 on 19th March 2025.”
Mr Marape said Parliament at its rising, adjourned to Tuesday, 13th May 2025, at 2pm. However, this date was changed after Parliament was recalled by the Supreme Court to sit on 08th April 2025. When it dealt with the VONC matter on Tuesday, 15th April, it adjourned to Tuesday, 27th May 2025.