Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has clarified that the former Defence Minister, Hon. Dr. Billy Joseph, continues to oversee other ministerial portfolios despite being suspended from his role as Defence Minister.
Responding to questions from Opposition Leader Hon. James Nomane and supplementary queries from Hon. Puka Temu, Prime Minister Marape confirmed that he assumed the Defence Minister’s responsibilities after Dr. Joseph stepped aside during ongoing allegations.
He explained that the investigation is nearing completion and is examining the full scope of the scandal, including the Defence Minister’s office, the Defence Secretary’s office, and the Defence Commander’s office.
“Dr. Billy Joseph has not been removed as a portfolio minister. He still remains as Minister responsible for National Disaster,” Prime Minister Marape stated.
Marape further noted that four portfolios—Fire Services, National Disaster Services, and Volunteer Services—are administered under the Defence Ministry. Dr. Joseph continues to manage these responsibilities while suspended from Defence.
The Prime Minister emphasized that only the Defence portfolio was withdrawn from Dr. Joseph pending the outcome of the investigation, while his other ministerial duties remain intact.
Stay tuned for further updates.