26 Mar 2012

Anti-corruption group in PNG calls for immediate repeal of controversial judges law

5:08 pm on 26 March 2012

Papua New Guinea's Community Coalition Against Corruption has called for the immediate repeal of the Judicial Conduct Act.

The body, which represents 67 church, public and civil society organisations, says the controversial bill, passed last week, is unnecessary and is an attack on the constitution.

The act gives MPs the right to suspend judges and follows months of acrimony over the O'Neill administration's removal of the government of Sir Michael Somare and its subsequent attempts to suspend the Chief Justice.

The Community Coalition Against Corruption says it's aware the judiciary may be fallible and not above reproach but say there are procedures and protocols already in place to address such matters.

And it says parliament is not above reproach and asks what checks will be on parliament if it is no longer answerable to the judiciary.