A court in Papua New Guinea has postponed a tribunal into alleged misconduct by prime minister Peter ONeill until after the Supreme Court rules on whether the correct steps were taken to set up the tribunal. His legal team, led by Queensland QC Mal Varitimos, argued that the public prosecutor exceeded his powers in the way he referred the matter for tribunal and therefore the tribunal has no jurisdiction. I conclude that, yes, the questions should be referred to the Supreme Court, Justice David Cannings said. Indeed I am obliged to refer them. Several members of parliament were referred to leadership tribunals without challenge last year. In Mr ONeills case, the public prosecutor requested more information from the ombudsman and subsequently changed the allegations of misconduct. Justice Cannings ordered an interim injunction on the tribunal while the Supreme Court considers whether the public prosecutors actions were constitutional.
Posted on: Thu, 08 Jan 2015 23:55:05 +0000
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