PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill Questions Fairfax Media Conflict of Interest reporting

Papua New Guinea  Prime Minister,  Peter O'Neill  has raised questions about the obvious conflict of interest between a Fairfax journalist, John Garnaut, and his father's two political associates in recent news reporting.

"The conflict of interest in this reporting draws into question balance and credibility in the Fairfax newsroom," the Prime Minister said.

"The actions of this reporter have been shameful in pushing attempts by Sir Mekere Morauta and Sir Michael Somare to destabilise Papua New Guinea politics.

"We are seeing a coordinated campaign by two politicians, with the son of one of their disgruntled associates, to use Fairfax resources in a Papua New Guinea political campaign.

"The reporter is the son of Sir Mekere Morauta's associate who is not welcome to return to Papua New Guinea following his incompetence in managing the people's resources through the Sustainable Development Program.

"How can the Fairfax Media Organisation allow this reporting to continue without acknowledging that this journalist is compromised by his close connection with the people he is writing about."

Prime Minister O'Neill said instead of playing politics in the lead-up to the next Parliament sitting, the two former Prime Ministers would be better to reflect their policy shortcomings.

"The Morauta-Somare years are known as the 'lost decade for PNG' when Government failed the people and ignored basic services," PM O'Neill said.

"For ten years not a single recruit went through the Bomana Police Training College, hospitals went into decline, schools were closing down and children were on the streets.

"When in power they were both living in their own worlds and were totally disconnected from the people.

"The people of our nation can now see the change that has occurred in the past four years as we have placed another million children in school, extended universal healthcare, improved law and order and restored and built new infrastructure."

The Prime Minister said comment on matters before the court will not be entered into until proceedings have run their course.