PNG PARLIAMENT REVEALS CONTROVERSIAL JUDICIARY LAWS.

PNG Parliament: Image credit: Democracy Chronicle

The O'Neil Government has lived up to its promise of repealing two controversial laws referring to the Judiciary.

Parliament today voted in the majority to repeal both the Judicial Conduct Act and the Supreme Court Amendment Act.

While the Judicial Conduct Act was repealed through a show of numbers, the Supreme Court Amendment Act was scrapped through voices.

Both laws came about when the fighting between the Parliament and the courts were at its height last year, which sparked nationwide protests.

Parliament's passage of these laws last year were seen by many as a way to get back to the judiciary, for ruling the O'Neil-government's rise to power as unConstitutional twice.

The laws gave Parliament the power to monitor judges conducts if they are seen to be acting otherwise, and also to remove the court's powers to make consequential orders when determining Special Supreme Court Reference cases.

But making his statement on the floor, Attorney General and Justice Minister Kerenga Kua says the repealing of these laws is government's commitment to correct the wrongs of the recent past, reconcile with their enemies, and bring peace and stability in the country.

The Judicial Conduct Act was repealed when Parliament voted in the majority of 87-to-zeo, while the Supreme Court Amendment Act was repealed on voices.