Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says the government supports the Commission of Inquiry into Special Agriculture and Business Leases, launched this year, and has extended the timeframe from the Commission to complete its work by 5 months.


The inquiry was established by the former acting Prime Minister Sam Abal in July, for a period of three months and which was due to expire on Oct 25.


“Given the fact that this inquiry requires more time, I have now extended the term by five months until March 21. 
“The Inquiry team needs more time to fully address the issues at hand; therefore I have extended its term.”


O'Neill said the inquiry team held preliminary hearings in Port Moresby and would soon conduct inquiries in the provinces to gather more information.


“Though this is the work of the former government, we are ready to see that it is fully implemented and to ensure that all issues are being addressed adequately and in the best interest of this country”.