A compensation claims procedure for Papua New Guinea
Deborah Dwyer, Terence Dwyer, Graham Ellis, Michael Ward and
Daniel Fitzpatrick
Compensation is a growing problem in Papua New Guinea. Although
there have been many attempts to grapple with the problem by academics,
politicians and business people, none have gone very far. The threat of land
claims remains one of the more serious disincentives to investment in Papua New Guinea.
This report proposes a uniform, national system for dealing with compensation
claims in Papua New Guinea. The law relating to compensation is adequate. What
is required is a way of making the laws work better in practice. Existing
institutions need to be strengthened and their activities coordinated. Drawing
on wide input from government, industry and the community in Papua New Guinea, a
number of concrete proposals are established, including the creation of a
Compensation Panel under the auspices
of the courts and the creation of a Compensation Settlements Administration
Board. The report concentrates on providing solutions which are fair and
acceptable to all parties while recognising the unique needs and constraints of
Papua New Guinea. Crucially, the solutions proposed are realistic and
achievable. Resolution of the problems of compensation in Papua New Guinea
demands sensible, sensitive and
responsible new policies. This report is the foundation of this new approach.
Price A$30.00 (GST inclusive) / US$25.00, 2000, 170pp, ISBN 0 7315
3655 X
Published by Asia Pacific Press
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