COUNTER TERRORISM BILL A BOOST FOR NATIONAL SECURITY: DR BILLY JOSEPH

THE MINISTER for National Defence and Emergency Services Dr. Billy Joesph MP, in support of the Minister for Police Hon. Tsiamalili Jnr, has commended the Government for the Passing of the Counter Terrorism Bill on Thursday 29th of November 2024.

“The passing of the Counter Terrorism Bill in Parliament is a significant step in ensuring a secured Papua New Guinea, and I commend the Government for resolving to effectively protecting the country against all forms of threat,” Minister Joseph said.

“I am in concurrence with the Minister for Police, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, MP that the Bill is a significant step forward in our national security.

As noted by the Tsiamalili Jnr in Parliament, the Bill enhances our operational effectiveness in countering domestic terrorism by consolidating resources and expertise.

“I want to put to the people of PNG that this Bill, through the establishment of the Counter Terrorism Joint Task Force, will improve coordination, command and control of our Police and Defence Force personnel jointly deployed in extreme security situations because it provides an avenue recognised by law for our command team at Murray Barracks to gel with the Police HQ.”

He said the Government has been deploying PNGDF personnel to support Police under the provisions of the Constitution and subsequent Acts of Parliament, however those Acts did not establish a joint forces command of Police and Defence and the Bill now has put in place such a high-level body that will have senior members of the Police and PNGDF in one place giving command and coordinating operations.

Furthermore, Minister Joseph said the Bill also provides the necessary cover for the members of our disciplined forces who would be tasked to go after heavily armed domestic terrorists.

He said it would give them the confidence to decisively use reasonable lethal force in high-risk, fast-moving situations, knowing the Government and the Justice system has their back.

“Hence, I want to make it clear to the people of Papua New Guinea that as a government we are doing our job by putting laws and policies in place to counter the rising lawlessness and domestic terrorism experienced in our country. This Bill is a clear example that the Government is taking action and not just doing ideal talk,” Minister Joseph said.