Latest news with #JamesMarape
The Age
2 days ago
- Business
- The Age
PNG leader demands quick action on corruption concerns linked to Australia
Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape has demanded a preliminary report by Wednesday from the investigation into corruption concerns involving a key figure in the Pacific nation's successful bid to join the National Rugby League competition. Wapu Sonk stood down from the PNG NRL franchise board on Friday after an investigation by this masthead into whether he attempted to benefit from a deal between the country's national oil and gas company and a Chinese government-controlled firm. His position as managing director of state-owned Kumul Petroleum Holdings has now also come under scrutiny, with Marape announcing the appointment of a new chairman 'to lead a full and independent review of the issues raised.' 'This matter must be resolved quickly, clearly, and professionally. I expect a preliminary report on my desk when I return to Port Moresby on Wednesday,' Marape said. 'The people of Papua New Guinea deserve accountability, and the government will ensure that this issue is handled with integrity and in the national interest.' Sonk was the chairman of the NRL bid team and was nominated by the PNG government as one of seven initial directors of the nascent entity, which will be bankrolled by the Australian government with an injection of $290 million over a decade. While Marape asked him to stand aside, the corruption concerns relate to the multi-billion dollar energy titan charged with responsibility for the country's oil and gas assets rather than the NRL team itself, and that is now where the PNG leader's attention has turned. Announcing the appointment of Gerea Aopi, a leading oil and gas industry figure, as Kumul Petroleum's new chairman, Marape said as prime minister and trustee of the company he had 'a responsibility to protect the interests of our country and our people.'
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
PNG leader demands quick action on corruption concerns linked to Australia
Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape has demanded a preliminary report by Wednesday from the investigation into corruption concerns involving a key figure in the Pacific nation's successful bid to join the National Rugby League competition. Wapu Sonk stood down from the PNG NRL franchise board on Friday after an investigation by this masthead into whether he attempted to benefit from a deal between the country's national oil and gas company and a Chinese government-controlled firm. His position as managing director of state-owned Kumul Petroleum Holdings has now also come under scrutiny, with Marape announcing the appointment of a new chairman 'to lead a full and independent review of the issues raised.' 'This matter must be resolved quickly, clearly, and professionally. I expect a preliminary report on my desk when I return to Port Moresby on Wednesday,' Marape said. 'The people of Papua New Guinea deserve accountability, and the government will ensure that this issue is handled with integrity and in the national interest.' Sonk was the chairman of the NRL bid team and was nominated by the PNG government as one of seven initial directors of the nascent entity, which will be bankrolled by the Australian government with an injection of $290 million over a decade. While Marape asked him to stand aside, the corruption concerns relate to the multi-billion dollar energy titan charged with responsibility for the country's oil and gas assets rather than the NRL team itself, and that is now where the PNG leader's attention has turned. Announcing the appointment of Gerea Aopi, a leading oil and gas industry figure, as Kumul Petroleum's new chairman, Marape said as prime minister and trustee of the company he had 'a responsibility to protect the interests of our country and our people.'
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
PNG NRL director stands down over corruption claims
The man who led PNG's successful NRL bid has stood down from the expansion team's board over corruption allegations. PNG Prime Minister James Marape on Friday said Wapu Sonk had agreed to step down effective immediately as a franchise board director but added it was "not a presumption of guilt". The allegations made by the Sydney Morning Herald relate to Mr Sonk's business dealings as managing director of Kumul Petroleum. The report claimed documents and corporate records linked Kumul Petroleum to suspect dealings with a huge Chinese government firm and a "plot to funnel contracts" to a company Mr Sonk owned in Australia. Mr Sonk was chair of the NRL PNG team bid, helping secure a $600 million backing from the Australian government. He was named on the new franchise's inaugural board in June. Mr Marape said while the matters were unrelated to the NRL franchise, they were claims that "cannot be ignored". "I have spoken to Mr Sonk and while he is currently overseas I have requested that he step down from his role ... he has agreed to do so," he said in a statement. "Mr Sonk is entitled to due process and the opportunity to clear his name. "Stepping down allows him the space to do so without casting a shadow over the franchise process or compromising the confidence of our partners." Mr Marape said his government was committed to "full transparency" and co-operation with relevant investigations. "The integrity of this national franchise is paramount. We will not allow it to be undermined by external controversy ... this moment demands clarity, accountability, and the upholding of public confidence," he said. "Our national sporting future - and our international reputation - depend on it." Comment has been sought from Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy. The PNG expansion team was officially announced in December 2024, with the team set to join the competition in 2028. At the time Mr Sonk said "the whole country will be involved" in picking a moniker and designing the jersey for the team in PNG where rugby league is the national sport. Former Canterbury Bulldogs boss Ray Dib was named PNG club chairman in June, with the Australian Rugby League Commission announcing a seven-member board. The Australian government will kick in $600 million over 10 years in an agreement that expires at the end of 2034. The man who led PNG's successful NRL bid has stood down from the expansion team's board over corruption allegations. PNG Prime Minister James Marape on Friday said Wapu Sonk had agreed to step down effective immediately as a franchise board director but added it was "not a presumption of guilt". The allegations made by the Sydney Morning Herald relate to Mr Sonk's business dealings as managing director of Kumul Petroleum. The report claimed documents and corporate records linked Kumul Petroleum to suspect dealings with a huge Chinese government firm and a "plot to funnel contracts" to a company Mr Sonk owned in Australia. Mr Sonk was chair of the NRL PNG team bid, helping secure a $600 million backing from the Australian government. He was named on the new franchise's inaugural board in June. Mr Marape said while the matters were unrelated to the NRL franchise, they were claims that "cannot be ignored". "I have spoken to Mr Sonk and while he is currently overseas I have requested that he step down from his role ... he has agreed to do so," he said in a statement. "Mr Sonk is entitled to due process and the opportunity to clear his name. "Stepping down allows him the space to do so without casting a shadow over the franchise process or compromising the confidence of our partners." Mr Marape said his government was committed to "full transparency" and co-operation with relevant investigations. "The integrity of this national franchise is paramount. We will not allow it to be undermined by external controversy ... this moment demands clarity, accountability, and the upholding of public confidence," he said. "Our national sporting future - and our international reputation - depend on it." Comment has been sought from Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy. The PNG expansion team was officially announced in December 2024, with the team set to join the competition in 2028. At the time Mr Sonk said "the whole country will be involved" in picking a moniker and designing the jersey for the team in PNG where rugby league is the national sport. Former Canterbury Bulldogs boss Ray Dib was named PNG club chairman in June, with the Australian Rugby League Commission announcing a seven-member board. The Australian government will kick in $600 million over 10 years in an agreement that expires at the end of 2034. The man who led PNG's successful NRL bid has stood down from the expansion team's board over corruption allegations. PNG Prime Minister James Marape on Friday said Wapu Sonk had agreed to step down effective immediately as a franchise board director but added it was "not a presumption of guilt". The allegations made by the Sydney Morning Herald relate to Mr Sonk's business dealings as managing director of Kumul Petroleum. The report claimed documents and corporate records linked Kumul Petroleum to suspect dealings with a huge Chinese government firm and a "plot to funnel contracts" to a company Mr Sonk owned in Australia. Mr Sonk was chair of the NRL PNG team bid, helping secure a $600 million backing from the Australian government. He was named on the new franchise's inaugural board in June. Mr Marape said while the matters were unrelated to the NRL franchise, they were claims that "cannot be ignored". "I have spoken to Mr Sonk and while he is currently overseas I have requested that he step down from his role ... he has agreed to do so," he said in a statement. "Mr Sonk is entitled to due process and the opportunity to clear his name. "Stepping down allows him the space to do so without casting a shadow over the franchise process or compromising the confidence of our partners." Mr Marape said his government was committed to "full transparency" and co-operation with relevant investigations. "The integrity of this national franchise is paramount. We will not allow it to be undermined by external controversy ... this moment demands clarity, accountability, and the upholding of public confidence," he said. "Our national sporting future - and our international reputation - depend on it." Comment has been sought from Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy. The PNG expansion team was officially announced in December 2024, with the team set to join the competition in 2028. At the time Mr Sonk said "the whole country will be involved" in picking a moniker and designing the jersey for the team in PNG where rugby league is the national sport. Former Canterbury Bulldogs boss Ray Dib was named PNG club chairman in June, with the Australian Rugby League Commission announcing a seven-member board. The Australian government will kick in $600 million over 10 years in an agreement that expires at the end of 2034.
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Architect of PNG's successful NRL bid steps down amid corruption allegations
A key architect in the bid for Papua New Guinea's NRL team has stepped down from the new franchise's board in the wake of a media report detailing corruption concerns unrelated to the team. The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Friday of an alleged request from state-owned Kumul Petroleum to a Chinese firm it had given work, asking it to use a particular company as part of the arrangement. The company is owned by Wapu Sonk, the longtime managing director of Kumul Petroleum. Sonk was chair of the bid for a PNG team, which was granted a place in the NRL in December. The businessman was named on the new franchise's inaugural board last month. The PNG prime minister, James Marape, issued a statement on Friday describing the allegations as 'serious', and confirming Sonk has stepped down from the board. 'These allegations relate to business dealings during his tenure at Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited and while these matters are unrelated to the NRL bid, they raise concerns that cannot be ignored,' Marape said. 'I have spoken to Mr Sonk and, while he is currently overseas, I have requested that he step down from his role as a director on the PNG NRL franchise board effective immediately. He has agreed to do so.' The PNG team is due to join the competition in 2028, and players and staff will enjoy tax breaks to make a move to PNG more attractive. The bid was funded by a $600m, 10-year pledge from the Albanese government to develop rugby league in PNG and the Pacific amid escalating geopolitical competition. But the initiative has drawn concern for the size of the promise and how the money will be spent. The deal includes a provision allowing the Australian government to withdraw the funding at any time. The minister for Pacific island affairs, Pat Conroy, has been approached for comment. Sign up to Australia Sport Get a daily roundup of the latest sports news, features and comment from our Australian sports desk after newsletter promotion Marape described integrity of the new franchise as 'paramount' and that 'this moment demands clarity, accountability, and the upholding of public confidence'. However, he said Sonk stepping down was 'not a presumption of guilt' and he 'is entitled to due process and the opportunity to clear his name'. 'Stepping down allows him the space to do so without casting a shadow over the franchise process or compromising the confidence of our partners,' Marape said. Sonk has been approached for comment. The prime minister sought to reassure the people of PNG, the Australian government and the Australian Rugby League Commission that the PNG government 'is committed to full transparency and cooperation with any relevant investigations'. 'The integrity of this national franchise is paramount,' he said. 'We will not allow it to be undermined by external controversy.'
RNZ News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Marape's forest promised dismissed as 'empty gesture' by PNG advocacy group
Logging ship, Turubu Bay, East Sepik (taken from cover image of 'The FCA Logging Scandal' report). Photo: Oakland Institute A community advocacy group in Papua New Guinea says Prime Minister James Marape's promise to stop issuing new forestry licences will do nothing to stop illegal logging destroying the country's remaining forests. Marape reportedly told the Green Climate Fund in Port Moresby that no new forestry licences will be issued after 16 September, PNG's 50th anniversary. He pleaded with the international community to act urgently and decisively to preserve the world's oceans and forests, calling them the lungs and lifeline of our plant. But ACT NOW campaign manager Eddie Tanago calls this an empty gesture because current licences will allow logging for many years to come, especially with the government failing to enforce its own rules. "Stopping new licences will not stop the illegal logging that is destroying our forests and will not stop the human rights abuses by foreign logging companies and their tax evasion and money laundering," he said. Tanago said licences already in play will remain valid for decades and the prime minister's promise will not stop these licences being extended in the future. He said at least one-third of current log exports still come from areas that were issued logging permits in the colonial era, 50 years or more ago. According to ACT NOT, these are permits that have been repeatedly renewed without the consent of the current generations of resource owners. Tanago also points to ample evidence show logging companies routinely operate outside their logging permit boundaries, but the authorities never action to stop them. He said the National Forest Board placed a moratorium on issuing new Forest Clearing Authority (FCA) licences more than two-years ago, but one-third of log exports are still coming from these FCA areas. This is despite the published evidence that the FCA licences were obtained under the guise of bogus agriculture projects and the logging is illegal. ACT NOW said the PNG Forest Authority has proved to be totally incapable or unwilling to enforce Papua New Guinea's forestry laws and as a result illegal logging and associated forest crimes remain unchallenged. Tanago said if if Marape is serious about preserving the country's forests, "then he should order a full public inquiry into the FCA logging scandal and order the suspension of all log exports until the legality of individual licences has been independently verified."
