PNG PM O'Neill Welcomes Investigation into Paladin Contract
The Papua New Guinea will welcome any investigation by Australian authorities on the awarding of the Paladin contract on Manus Island, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said last night.
Mr O’Neill said that the PNG government had no input in the awarding of this A$432million Manus contract in Canberra.
He said PNG has no jurisdiction over this A$423 million Paladin contract on Manus Island.
But the Prime Minister assured that he will request a full briefing on this matter from the Immigration Department who handles all operational issues with Australia.
Mr O’Neill also singled out that any transparent procurement process will not allow this to take place.
“We welcome any investigation by Australian authorities in the manner in which they issued Paladin contract was awarded to an inexperienced and unknown company but that is a matter for the Australian government,” Mr O’Neill said.
“Any transparent procurement process will not allow this to take place.
“We will request a full briefing on this matter from our Immigration Department who handles all operational issues with Australia. PNG government has no input into the awarding of this contract in Canberra.”
On Monday, Minister for Immigration Petrus Thomas said that the PNG government has maintained its position that as long as there is one person remaining in PNG under the regional resettlement arrangement (RRA), the Australian government will continue to provide the financial and other necessary support until the last person is resettled or returns home. This position has not changed.
Pictured : Prime Minister Peter O'Neill speaking to media./Press Release
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