22 August 2014

Australia boosts access to National and District Court services in Oro Province

Papua New Guinea and Australia today opened a fully equipped National and District Court Complex in Popondetta, greatly improving access to justice for the people in Oro Province.

A refurbished court complex was opened today as part of a K450, 000 package to the province, under the PNG-Australia Law & Justice Partnership.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Her Excellency Ms Deborah Stokes, said Australia is proud to have invested in the facility as it would increase the sittings and circuits of the courts.

The two courts will sit simultaneously in comfortable and tailor-made courtrooms. Previously both courts used one District Court facility interchangeably.

Australia invested in the fully equipped court complex in Popondetta at the request from the National Judicial Services, Magisterial Services and the Oro Provincial Administration. The work included minor maintenance works, refurbishing of three court rooms with air conditioning units and standard court furniture, and installation of a standby generator set.

Ms Stokes said the new court complex would enable more National and District Court circuits and sittings thus allowing people to register cases and receive resolutions in a timely manner.

“Australia has been working with Papua New Guinea to achieve a just, safe and secure society for all Papua New Guineans for over 15 years. This facility will go a long way to improving access to justice for the people of Oro Province, which is fundamental to PNG’s economic and social development,” Ms Stokes said.