Port Moresby city bosses to gain power over liquor laws

Port Moresby's city bosses are set to gain significant power over liquor licensing laws, a move intended to enhance services for residents and pave the way for a permanent city government. The National Capital District Interim Commission will soon be empowered to legislate on liquor control within the capital.

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The National Government appoints and removes the commissioners; therefore, it is only consistent to also have a final say in the appointment and removal of the (city) manager.

These legislative changes, passed by Parliament as part of the National Capital District Government (Preparatory Arrangements) Act, aim to grant the commission greater autonomy. Public Services Minister Mr. Siaguru explained that the National Government needed to delegate more power to exercise proper control over the interim commission. The act also allows for commissioners to be selected from diverse community sections and for appointments to be terminated if a commissioner ceases to reside in Port Moresby.

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This system will provide both the manager and the Government with a measure of protection from interference in the day-to-day management of the interim commission.

"The National Government appoints and removes the commissioners; therefore, it is only consistent to also have a final say in the appointment and removal of the (city) manager," Mr. Siaguru stated. He added that the new structure would "provide both the manager and the Government with a measure of protection from interference in the day-to-day management of the interim commission." The minister also noted that the current staff structure was "disruptive, expensive and time-consuming."

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permit, for instance, an interim commission to pass laws of liquor licensing that will meet the special needs of the National Capital District, in particular the different needs of the commercial areas and the various residential areas in the city.

The commission seeks powers similar to those of provincial governments, enabling it to enact liquor laws that address the unique needs of Port Moresby's commercial and residential areas. This legislative empowerment is seen as a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to develop a more effective and responsive governance system for the capital city.

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The National Capital District Interim Commission seeks powers to legislate on certain areas, similar to the powers given to provincial governments.