PM Marape Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening PNG Judiciary
At the commencement of the 10th Asia-Pacific Mediation Forum Conference, Prime Minister James Marape reaffirmed his government’s commitment to bolstering the Papua New Guinea judiciary to enhance justice delivery across the nation.
The Prime Minister echoed sentiments previously expressed by Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Pila Niningi, who emphasized the Marape-Rosso Government’s strong support for the PNG Judiciary during the opening of the conference. PM Marape highlighted the National Government's significant investment in judicial infrastructure, noting that over K400 million has been allocated to the new National & Supreme Court Building at Waigani in the National Capital District. This investment is in addition to the continued and increased funding for magisterial services.
Addressing the forum, Marape underscored the government's ongoing efforts to restructure the judiciary. “We are introducing an appeals court between the National and Supreme Courts to ensure quality judgments and better administration of justice,” he said. The Prime Minister also noted that the government has boosted funding to both the judiciary and magisterial services to ensure they are well-resourced, with this level of support set to continue.
In a bid to improve the efficiency of the judiciary, PM Marape revealed that the government and the courts are collaborating to recruit more judges, both local and international, to raise the number of judges for more effective justice delivery. Additionally, Marape announced plans to integrate Information Communications Technology (ICT) into the judiciary, with initiatives to electronize court filings, computerize court operations, and enhance the overall functionality of the courts.
The Prime Minister further expressed his government’s readiness to incorporate recommendations from the Asia-Pacific Forum mediation conference into the country’s judicial system, including making mediation a formal part of the court system.
Reflecting on the significance of the year 2024, marking 50 years since the establishment of the National and Supreme Courts of Papua New Guinea in 1974, Marape stressed the importance of continued government support as the judiciary enters its next 50 years. “It is very important that we return the Rule of Law to PNG. The administration of justice must be felt throughout the country so our people feel the presence of law and order,” he stated.
Marape concluded by affirming his commitment to empowering the judiciary, stating, “If everything I did for the country is forgotten, let my work to equip and empower the judiciary to ensure its vitality be remembered. The PANGU-led Government will continue to provide substantial support, ensuring the full operationalization of the new National and Supreme Court buildings, and improving the overall judicial system.”
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