9 Jun 2005

Anti-forestry protest at PNG parliament

3:52 pm on 9 June 2005

Eco-forestry activists are protesting outside Parliament in the Papua New Guinea capital Port Moresby amid rumours that it will try to rush the Forest Amendment Bill through in one day.

The measure is due to be tabled when Parliament resumes shortly.

Ken Mondiai of the Eco Forestry Forum says they have members both inside and out the parliamentary chamber to try and make the point that the bill is bad legislation..

And he says to rush it through is undemocratic and unacceptable.

Mr Mondiai says the bill will further inhibit the rights of land owners and restrict local leaders from having input into forestry developments.