The delivery of law and justice services in Bougainville is set to be strengthened following an investment of K8million by the Australian Government to construct a new Bougainville Regional Justice Centre in Buka.
The Regional Justice Centre was identified as a priority by the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) to help strengthen inter-agency coordination and service delivery for the people of Bougainville.
Construction commenced on 25 May, and will take approximately 12 months, with the centre to serve as the main administrative hub for the law and justice sector in Bougainville. It will provide dedicated headquarter facilities for:
· the ABG Department of Justice and Legal Services (including the Village Courts and Land Mediation Directorate);
· the Office of the Public Solicitor;
· Community Based Corrections (parole, probation and juvenile justice services);
· the Bougainville Police Service; and
· Correctional Services.
The Centre will support innovation in service delivery by encouraging greater collaboration and learning between agencies.
Australian High Commission Minister Counsellor Diane Barclay said the Regional Justice Centre, located in Buka, will be complemented by regional offices in Arawa and Buin, supported by ABG and Australia.
“These three hubs will provide justice agencies with the facilities and support they need to deliver high quality services throughout Bougainville.”
She added, “Australia has supported law and justice in Bougainville since 2003, and we remain a committed partner in Bougainville’s development. We have recently extended our law and justice program, through the PNG-Australia Partnership, committing up to K161 million over three years across PNG, including Bougainville.”
ABG President Ishmael Toroama thanked the Australian government for its support and appealed to the people of Bougainville to make good use of the Centre and other infrastructure support from development partners.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100