THE New Ireland Government is demanding Kavieng Member of Parliament (MP) and sidelined Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey to explain why he cut their 2024 budget by K40 million.
Governor Sir Julius Chan demanded that Ling-Stuckey clarify to the people of New Ireland the reasons why he saw it fit to deprive the province of a big slice of its 2024 budget allocation.
Sir J said the 2024 budget was by far one of the lowest provincial budgets in his 15-year reign as Governor and he was shocked that the estranged former treasurer would even think of chopping such a budget.
“The provincial government budget estimates for 2024 is K171, 708,525 compared to K211, 367,700 in 2023 Budget estimates, a decrease of K39, 659,175 in our total revenue and expenditure estimates which is 19 per cent decrease,” he said.
Sir J queried why Stuckey was trying to starve off and leave New Ireland crippled and a beggar to the National Government.
“New Ireland has bankrolled numerous National Budgets for this country and we don’t deserve this type of treatment,” he said.
“Give New Ireland its due instead of stealing from our provincial fund.
“PNG survives because the Lihir and Simberi Mines are keeping it afloat.
“Ling-Stuckey knows this but continues to abuse his own people.
“We contribute the highest per capita tax to PNG.
“New Irelanders are peaceful citizens, we do not retaliate or fight over monies.
“But our patience is running out and the National Government should not tempt us.”
