More constitutional bills to be heard in May sitting
The National Government expects to bring several Constitutional Bills before Parliament, when it resumes on Tuesday 28th.
Prime Minister James Marape says, these include the Declaration of PNG as a Christian country, PNG Court Structure Amendments, and a proposed Amendment on the Vote of No Confidence filing attempts, and the Grace Period for Government, after an unsuccessful No Confidence vote.
The Bill on PNG to be declared as a Christian country, is expected to go through its second and final reading, while the amendment to the PNG Court Structure, will see them introduce the Appeals Court, to be with the National and Supreme Courts.
Mr. Marape has urged the opposition to support the bill to declare PNG as a Christian country and not vote against the bill as they did in the February sitting.
The national government is also looking at making amendments to Section 145 of the Constitution and if successfully passed, it will automatically give the government an 18-month grace period to continue in office if a vote of no confidence motion against the government is unsuccessfully moved.
The current legislation only restricts the opposition from moving a motion against the government, 18 months after the government is formed during a general election and 18 months before the issue of writs for the next general election.
The Prime Minister adds, the National Gold Corporation Bill 2024, will not be brought to Parliament in this sitting, to allow for further consultations, but the Government will still proceed with its plan to establish a gold refinery in PNG.