Prime Minister, James Marape, has just told Parliament that the Papua New Guinea Government will no longer tolerate the use of foreign security companies on Manus.
Prime Minister Marape was responding to Oro Governor, Gary Juffa’s questions over talk of a possible renewal of the Paladin security contract.
“I will summon the Australian Head of Mission to provide an explanation. We don’t intend to have foreign security companies engage in businesses like security which we can do. I will also request to have this contract terminated forthwith.”
The Paladin contract has come to the public eye once again after allegations that an Australian Foreign Affairs official who allegedly facilitated the deal is now employed by the security company. Last year, Speaker of Parliament, Job Pomat, was forced to respond to allegations that his family was directly involved in the security contract.
“The security contract is with K423 million with no PNG input. What is the PNG Government’s position? How are we handling the situation?” Governor Gary Juffa said.
