By DALCY LULUA
The 2024 Annual Report of the Office of the Public Solicitor has placed strong emphasis on improving access to justice through expanded legal aid services across Papua New Guinea.
The report outlines the office’s key role in providing legal assistance in civil matters, including family, land, property, judicial review, and human rights cases. It highlights the office’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all Papua New Guineans, regardless of location or financial capacity, can access professional legal support.
A major focus of the 2024 report is the improvement of provincial connectivity and recruitment to strengthen service delivery in regional areas. This initiative aims to make legal aid more widely available, bridging the gap between rural communities and essential legal services.
The Annual Report was formally presented to Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae at Government House by Public Solicitor Leslie Mamu.
In accordance with Section 19 of the Organic Law on Certain Constitutional Office Holders, the report provides details of the operations, functions, and duties of the Office of the Public Solicitor, along with recommendations for improvements to be presented to the National Parliament.
The Governor General will forward the report to the Office of the Speaker of Parliament for presentation in Parliament.