28 Nov 2014

Leadership tribunal for PNG PM to convene in January

1:05 pm on 28 November 2014

Details have firmed up over the leadership tribunal which Papua New Guinea's prime minister, Peter O'Neill, has been referred to over allegations of misconduct in office.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill. Photo: Supplied

The referral from the public prosecutor relates to three allegations over the cabinet's decision to take out a state loan of 1.1 billion US dollars obtained from the Swiss bank UBS earlier this year.

The allegations centre on claims the Prime Minister didn't follow the normal administrative process for securing and approving the loan.

The tribunal is to begin sitting on January 26th, will consist of three judges and have the power to dismiss, suspend or fine Mr O'Neill.

The former New Zealand Supreme Court judge Sir Peter Blanchard will chair the tribunal, which will also include Australian John von Doussa QC and Papua New Guinean judge Salatiel Lenalia.

Mr O'Neill says he wants to clear his name and has welcomed the referral to a leadership tribunal.

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