1 Sep 2016

PNG NGO responds to landowner court win over govt

From , 3:03 pm on 1 September 2016

An anti-logging NGO in Papua New Guinea says a court victory for a landowner group who sought to overturn controversial land leases wouldn't have had to happen if the government just did something.

Last week, the National Court declared two Special Agricultural Business Leases in East New Britain null-and-void because of the government's failure to follow correct processes.

In 2013, a Commission of Inquiry found that a vast majority of the leases had been unlawfully issued and recommended they be revoked.

The government promised action, but nothing has yet happened.

A spokesperson for Act Now, Eddie Tanago, told Jamie Tahana that many landowners struggle to access the court system, and they wouldn't have to if the government acted on its promises.

The Papua New Guinea Supreme Court.

The Papua New Guinea Supreme Court. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades