The Papua New Guinea Parliament has approved the government's 2003 budget.
During the budget debate, the former Prime Minister and dumped opposition leader, Sir Mekere Morauta criticised the government for failing to provide tangible ways of improving living standards.
In reply, the Treasury Minister Bart Philemon slammed the Morauta administration for its excessive expenditure which has left the government struggling to cope with a deficit of 7.7 percent.
The Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare said that his budget is homegrown as unlike Sir Mekere, he did not have to bring in expensive foreign consultants or invite international donor agencies to assist with framing the budget.
