GOVT OPENS CONSULTATION ON NEW CENSORSHIP POLICY

CAPTION: Hon. Jason Peter Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion and Minister Responsible for Censorship.

BY BRADLEY MARIORI

THE Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion and Minister Responsible for Censorship, Hon. Jason Peter, has officially opened the Momase/Highlands Combined Regional Consultation on National Censorship Policy III (2027-2031).

The consultation was held on Wednesday, 11th November, 2026, in Lae, Morobe Province.

Minister Peter said the policy must reflect the needs, experiences and concerns of the people it is intended to serve.

He thanked the Office of Censorship for organising the consultation and acknowledged stakeholders who took time to participate.

He said the Office of Censorship has undertaken research and consultations to develop the draft policy, but effective policy development requires the voices of people who face these challenges daily.

He encouraged parents, teachers, business operators, churches, civil society organisations and young people to participate openly and constructively.

“Tell us what is missing from the draft, what is unclear, what may not work in your communities, and what existing initiatives we can learn from,” he said.

He said he has asked the Office of Censorship to record all submissions and demonstrate how stakeholder feedback has informed the final policy.