Tomuriesa slams ongoing neglect of PNG Opposition Office

The Office of the Opposition in Papua New Guinea continues to face critical underfunding, a long-standing issue that dates back to the country’s independence in 1975.

In a recent interview with NBC News, Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa highlighted the ongoing neglect of the institution, stressing that adequate funding and resources are essential to uphold the democratic principles of accountability and transparency.

Tomuriesa said in any democratic nation such as PNG, a strong and vibrant Opposition is vital to critique, challenge, and keep the Government in check. Without that balance, the system risks sliding into authoritarianism.

Mr. Tomuriesa, who is also the Member for Kiriwina-Goodenough, revealed that the Office of the Opposition currently operates without any direct budget allocation.

“We don't have anything in the budget. The opposition does not have a budget,” he said.

“Whatever we get is through the grace and goodness of the Speaker. If the Speaker decides to allocate funds, he invites us to discuss how much can be given from the Parliament’s budget.”

Tomuriesa said the absence of proper funding prevents Opposition MPs from fully performing their roles, particularly in acting as shadow ministers, monitoring government departments and proposing alternative policies.

He said the lack of resources might be a contributing factor to MPs defecting to the government side, where they have better access to funding and benefits.

“This office belongs to the people of Papua New Guinea,” he said. “These are elected leaders who have chosen not to be part of the government. The office must be empowered to function as a true opposition. Leaders need to travel across the country and see what’s really happening.”

Mr. Tomuriesa is calling on the national government to formally recognize the importance of the Opposition and commit to properly resourcing it.

He said that strengthening the Opposition Office would not only enhance democratic governance but also foster public trust and balanced leadership across the nation.