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Department of Justice and Attorney General

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The Department of Justice and Attorney General has launched a new policy set to transform Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration in Papua New Guinea.

Launched in Port Moresby on October 23, 2024, the Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration Policy is the first of its kind since the inception of Department’s Community Based Corrections Branch in the mid-1970s.

The Policy provides the strategic direction for rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, enabling a multi-agency collaborative approach that redirects focus on outcome-based strategies, promoting the use of existing networks, governance systems, resources and practices that are best fit to our circumstances.

The Papua New Guinea Government, in partnership with the Australian Government, is committed to implementing this policy and ensuring its success.

The policy, launched by Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Pila Niningi will empower Probation and Parole Officers to play a pivotal role in reducing recidivism and building stronger communities.

Elisabeth Mirio holding a hard copy of the  Offender Rehabilitation Reintegration Policy.
Elisabeth Mirio holding a hard copy of the Offender Rehabilitation Reintegration Policy.

Key features of the policy include:
• Real Pathways to Rehabilitation: Providing offenders with opportunities to learn new skills, find employment, and reintegrate into their communities.
• Enhanced Support Systems: Strengthening the capacity of Probation and Parole Officers to provide effective supervision and support.
• Improved Crime Prevention Programs: Implementing evidence-based programs to address the root causes of crime.

Tessa Plueckhahn, Counsellor for Law and Justice at the Australian High Commission PNG said the policy is a key achievement in the country’s commitment to building a safer and more just society by addressing this very important need to rehabilitate and reintegrate people and have a clear pathway for that and processes, consistent processes in place.

“Because as we all know, punishment alone does not address crime in communities. That hard end of the law, yes it’s necessary, but it’s not the end of the story and it’s not the only way to deliver justice.”

Secretary of the Department of Justice and Attorney General, Dr Eric Kua said the policy will guide the work of the parole services in terms of dealing with parolees that are released into the community.

Elly Naphal, CBC’s Chief Probation Officer, expressed enthusiasm for the policy’s potential to enhance the organization’s capacity and impact.

“This is a significant boost for our efforts to achieve sustainable rehabilitation and reintegration programs in the same way advocates for the important role CBC plays in working with prisoners, communities and partners.”

The development of the policy entailed extensive consultations conducted at both the national and provincial levels.


The Secretary for the Department of Justice and Attorney General, Dr Eric Kwa was charged this afternoon at the Boroko Police Station for Dangerous Driving causing Death.

National Capital District’s Metropolitan Commander, Silva Sika said the charges fall under section 328, subsection 2 and subsection 5 of the Criminal Code Act.

  • DANGEROUS DRIVING OF A MOTOR VEHICLE.

(2) A person who drives a motor vehicle on a road or in a public place dangerously is guilty of a misdemeanour.

(5) If the offender causes the death of or grievous bodily harm to another person he is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.

Sika explained that this is usual process for arresting a person alleged to have committed a crime.

“He is still innocent until proven guilty. Everything will be determined by the court but it’s just a due process that we have to follow. Every one of us is subject to the law regardless of our status in the community.”

Bail has also been refused for PNG’s top lawyer.

“Because of the severity of the offence he has committed under the Criminal Code Act, bail has been refused.”

Bail will now be determined by the National Court.

In a press conference hosted by the NCD police boss following the arrest, police acknowledged Dr Kwa’s understanding of the legal process.

Dr Kwa will appear at the Waigani Traffic Court for his court hearings.

If found guilty,  Section 328, subsection 2 of the Criminal Code Act also states that the penalty will include;

On summary conviction–a fine not exceeding K200.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.

On conviction on indictment–a fine not exceeding K1,000.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.

On the 17th of October 2022, Dr Kwa and some of his staff were involved in a car accident along the Hiritano Highway.

They were enroute to Bereina Station for official work with Constitutional and Law Reform Commission.

Kwa had alleged that the accident was planned and that they were attacked by another vehicle.

While Dr Kwa and his other officers recovered from their injuries, they lost a female colleague.

Dr Kwa was (allegedly) driving the vehicle.

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