Prime Minister Peter O'Neill wants complete alcohol ban on Manus Regional Processing Centre

The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea  Peter O’Neill , has directed that the alcohol ban at the Manus Regional Processing Centre (RPC) is effectively enforced and that regular alcohol and drug tests be undertaken. 

Prime Minister  Peter O’Neill made the call while awaiting a report on allegations of sexual assault relating to Australian personnel at the RPC. “We do not have a clear picture of what happened on the night of the alleged assault as the matter is under investigation, but what we do know is that alcohol played a part in what did transpire,” Prime Minister  Peter O’Neill said.

“This is not the first time we have heard of inappropriate expatriate behavior as a result of alcohol consumption, and this has to stop. “The PRC is a dry facility and staff are not permitted to consume alcohol while they are posted to the centre.

“However, as the company in charge of contract personal have not maintained discipline, the Chief Migration Officer will impose stricter controls. “Staff will now be subject to alcohol and drug testing for which there will be zero tolerance.

“Any staff who break the rules and are found to consume alcohol or drugs will be dismissed. “The foreign workers at the RPC have signed agreements as part of their employment that come with strict conditions.

“The foreign workers are already very highly paid so I am sure they can go without alcohol while they are engaged at the RPC. “Many of the RPC staff are former military personnel so they should have the discipline not to need to drink while they are away on a posting.”