The law and justice sector was among the biggest recipients in the 2017 Budget with K80 million allocated for the construction of a Court Complex in Port Moresby.
K17 million was allocated for the police modernisation program, and it is expected that some of the police housing problems will be resolved with some of the funding expected to be targeted at that area.
The Lae And Justice Sector also includes funding for the PNG Defence Force, which received an allocation of K5 million for infrastructure developments. In 2016, the sector was given K1.2 million.
Security has featured prominently in this budget as papua New Guinea prepares to host the APEC meeting in 2018.
“We should not only look at the 2017 budget but also take into consideration what this government has done,” Said Planning Secretary, Hakaua Harry.
Correction Services, received funding deemed inadequate for their needs prompting a strong reaction from commentators.
“The correctional Services has received limited funding in the last three years because the government budget is more focus on security operations conducted by police,” said Paul Barker from the Insitutue of National Affairs.
“CS is the last agency in the Law and Justice Sector and yes, I think the government should give the department a fair share of money.”
