By SAMANTHA ROGER- UPNG Journalism student
THE Papua New Guinea National Intelligence Organization (PNG NIO) hosted two-day conference at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby.
The purpose of this symposium was to undertake consultation with relevant state departments and agencies on the review of the NIO Act 1984.
This act existed for 40 years without any legislative amendment was made, however, it is now being brought to light under the leadership of Acting Director General of NIO, Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Dorpar, for a review.
Dorpar, who highlighted the overview of the two-day conference, stated that the information collected from the symposium will be integrated with the NIO’s own research work.
He said based on the research document they will make recommendations for amendments to the current act.
“In view of the wide-ranging security threats the country is facing, it is necessary to review the NIO Act in order to increase the organization’s mandate, power and function,” said Dorpar.
He said NIO exists by the acts of parliament with the main function to collect intelligence information, do analysis and advice the Prime Minister and members of the National Security Council to take appropriate measures to protect the state and its democracy.
Dorpar added that the NIO Act review is also an integral part of the current security reform.
He said NIO wants to have the capacity for high level articulation to national security issues and wider network for information gathering.
“Today Papua New Guinea is facing all kinds of internal and external threats.
“These threats must be addressed with better coordination and information sharing between NIO and other line security agencies.”
He further clarified that NIO can only perform efficiently and effectively when it has the required amount of manpower with relevant training, and the resources to perform their duties and responsibilities.
“These must be complemented with a legislative footing that better defines its mandate, power and function,” Dorpar said.
He urged representatives from various line agencies with specialized mandate covering areas such as telecommunication, natural resources, finance, military and others must take positive steps forward to safeguard the national security.
The two-day conference commenced on Wednesday December 4 and ended on Thursday December 5.
