PNG Government to ban firearms

Papua New Guinea  Government is seriously considering a complete ban on firearms in the country.

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill told Parliament during Question Time today, there's no need for people, including police and leaders, to carry firearms.

Responding to related questions from Enga Governor, Peter Ipatas, the Prime Minister says the recent Pacific Games showed security personnel were able to control the crowd well, without carrying or using firearms.

Mr O'Neill says he will speak to the Police Commissioner and the Government Chief Secretary, to bring about a law to ban firearms in the country.

"And of course as a result of that, we will see less firearms on the streets with the policemen and women and of course we will extend that to the community as well," Mr O'Neill said.

"My thinking is that Mr Speaker is that we should ban firearms completely in the country.

"We don't need to carry firearms any where for that matter."

"So Mr Speaker I will be speaking to of course the Police Commissioner and the Chief Secretary so we can bring legislation to this honorable house banning firearms in the country in the near future."