In Cabinet Reshuffle, O'Neill takes in charge of Bougainville

Prime Minister O'Neill takes on responsibility of Minister for
Autonomous Region of Bougainvlle. Photo. bougainvillenews.com

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill will take on responsibilities of Minister for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. The government announced this in a change in Cabinet portfolios that  better position the National Government to take advantage of current and emerging development opportunities.

“There are a number of important projects underway as well as emerging opportunities for our nation that require the adjustment of ministerial focus and enhance the effectiveness of Government processes.

“Among these are the new LNG project by TOTAL SA and the development of the P’nyang gas field by ExxonMobil, emerging transportation infrastructure projects and a wealth of new tourism opportunities.

“These are all projects and opportunities that are essential for underwriting the ongoing strength of our economy into the future.”

Ministerial changes announced by the Prime Minister are:

• Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill, takes on responsibilities of Minister for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville;

• Hon. Ben Micah, Minister for Petroleum and Energy;

• Hon. William Duma, Minister for Public Enterprise and State Investments;

• Hon. Nixon Duban, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure;

• Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, Minister for Sports and Tourism;

• Hon. Steven Kamma, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Constitutional Matters.

The Prime Minister said minor changes to Cabinet positions are important in order to maintain administrative flexibility as the global and national economy evolves, and to ensure ministerial skills and capabilities are well targeted.

“Minor changes to Cabinet positions are important in the Westminster system, and our Government is careful that when we do make changes enhance Government capability.

“Most of our ministers are in their positions for extended periods so as to enable them to fully advance their departments, while ensuring stability.

Hon. Ben Micah, will become Minister for Petroleum and Energy

“Petroleum and energy is one of the most substantial elements of our economy for ensuring future development and jobs,” PM O’Neill said.

“Ben Micah brings a wealth of experience to the portfolio particularly considering the careful manner in which he delivered the restructure of Kumul Petroleum holdings.

“I am confident that Minister Micah will work well with industry to deliver projects that are essential for underpinning economic growth in our country.”

Hon. William Duma, will become Minister for Public Enterprise and State Investments

“Our state owned enterprises are a particularly important component of our economy and national development plans,” the Prime Minister said.

“We have seen a marked performance improvement in the capacity of our SOEs in the past three years under Minister Micah’s leadership.

“This has involved major steps forward in service delivery and the declaration of dividends to the State.

“Minister Duma will build on his ministerial experience to take our SOEs to the next level and facilitate greater engagement with the private sector.”

Hon. Nixon Duban, will become Minister for Transport and Infrastructure

“The effective planning and delivery of transportation infrastructure is very important for Papua New Guinea and vital for our economic growth and expansion,” PM O’Neill said.

“Minister Duban is very well aware of the challenges that we face in expanding our transportation infrastructure and is very well placed to ensure this is delivered.

“Nixon Duban is acutely aware that it is through better transportation so that our SMEs can expand, that our produce can access broader markets and business activity is stimulated.”

Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, will become Minister for Tourism and Sports

“We need to unlock the vast potential of our tourism in our country, and Justin Tkatchenko will bring the drive and determination to open Papua New Guinea tourism to the world,” the Prime Minister said

“Tourism is a sector that has huge potential for Papua New Guinea but we need to advance this sector in a very deliberate and strategic manner.

“The Government has already advanced the tourism hub concept that will deliver new developments for Alotau, Madang, Kokopo, and Mt Hagen and other centres.

“The success of the Pacific Games is testament to the capacity of Minister Tkatchenko to deliver major international developments for Papua New Guinea.

“He will continue to retain responsibility for Sport and take advantage of the synergies between these two portfolios. This will be particularly useful with the FIFA Women’s Under 20 World Cup and the Rugby League World Cup matches coming to Papua New Guinea.”

The Prime Minister said he will take on responsibility for Bougainville Affairs, that he said is a top priority of the National Government.

“Since coming to office, advancing the peace process and continuing to expand service delivery on Bougainville has been an essential part of our Government.

“We continue to extend special budgetary support, and build new infrastructure that is needed to move economic development forward.

“Honourable Steven Kamma needs to attend to his personal matters but will continue to support me as Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Constitutional Issues.

“The Honourable Boka Kondra will remain a minister without portfolio in the Government whilst legal issues are being resolved.”