Papua New Guinea's Inter-Government Minister, Sir Peter Barter, has agreed to investigate whether PNG could import ammunition from neighbouring Indonesia because of the restrictions imposed by Australia.
Australia suspended some exports of ammunition to PNG last year because of fears over what it might be used for.
The matter was discussed in parliament after an MP from Central Province said his electorate desperately needed the ammunition for food purposes and to generate cash income.
During the debate, the Police Minister Bire Kimisopa revealed some of his officers were also short of ammunition, and that the shortage was contributing to the police being out-gunned by PNG's notorious gangs.
The PNG Sports Federation also says a lack of ammunition is preventing PNG from training and participating in international meets.
