Parliament resumes with key reforms bill on agenda

Parliament will resume at 2 pm today for its first sitting of the year, with a major governance reform bill expected to go before the House.

One of the key pieces of legislation listed for its second reading is Directive No.4 of the Constitutional Law Reform Commission, a bill that proposes significant changes to Papua New Guinea’s system of governance.

The proposed law follows extensive nationwide consultations reviewing the country’s form and system of government.

A key feature of the bill is a proposal for the Prime Minister to be elected directly by the people.

Prime Minister James Marape, who earlier tabled the bill in Parliament, said the reform aims to strengthen the country’s democratic process after 50 years of independence.

Today’s sitting will begin with the traditional 45-minute Question Time, followed by the presentation of bills and official papers.

The parliamentary session is expected to run for two weeks.