O'neill: Reviews will make life easier

The budget and tax reviews are among measures the government hopes will provide much-needed relief to citizens and improve their livelihood.

Other measures made known by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill during a radio talkback program are the raise to minimum wages and K200 million housing project.

The latter is a partnership between the government and Bank South Pacific, of which Mr O’Neill has strongly urged Papua New Guineans to make a priority.

Speaking during the program Mr O’Neill said Treasury Minister Patrick Pruaitch has started the budget review while the tax review, headed by Sir Nagora Bogan, is progressing well.

He said the tax review would also cover taxes on salaries, which would be included in the coming budget.

The government is aware of affordability being a concern, adding the last thing it would want for its people is for them to be living on the poverty line.

Mr O’Neill said another measure that should bring relief is the minimum wage rate being raised to K3.

"This should also help bring much needed relief to our people."

The PM stated that the housing initiative is a big one for the government and strongly urged those working and earning an income to also make it a priority for them.



PNG Today / Post Courier