Minister for Petroleum Hon. Jimmy Maladina has reaffirmed that the State’s role in the Papua LNG Development Forum is to act as an independent umpire and referee, not as a negotiator on behalf of any beneficiary group.
In a statement, Minister Maladina clarified that under Papua New Guinea’s legal framework, the Development Forum is not a negotiation between the landowners and the State, but a negotiation among the recognized beneficiary groups themselves. These include the PRL 15 Landowners, CPF Landowners, the three Pipeline Segment Landowner groups, LNG Plant Landowners, the Provincial Government, Local Level Governments (LLGs), District Development Authorities (DDAs), and recognized Landowner Associations.
He explained that the law requires the State to allocate 20 percent of the State’s overall project benefits to these beneficiary groups. The purpose of the Development Forum is for those parties to negotiate and reach agreement on how that 20 percent should be shared.
“The State does not negotiate on behalf of any party or decide who receives more or less,” Minister Maladina said. “Our responsibility is to ensure that the process is conducted fairly, transparently, and strictly in accordance with the law.”
The Minister also made it clear that while beneficiary groups are free to decide whether or not to participate in the Development Forum, the process will continue with those who remain engaged.
“If any beneficiary group chooses not to participate, that is their decision. However, the negotiations will proceed with those who remain at the table. Those who continue to participate will naturally negotiate for a greater share of the available benefits. Those who voluntarily withdraw should not expect the process to be suspended because of their absence,” he stated.
Minister Maladina urged the PRL 15 Landowners, CPF Landowners, the three Pipeline Segment Landowners, and LNG Plant Landowners to participate in good faith and engage constructively in the negotiations to ensure a fair and lawful outcome for all legitimate beneficiaries.
He reaffirmed his Ministry’s commitment to conducting the Development Forum with integrity, transparency, and full compliance with the laws of Papua New Guinea, ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries receive their rightful share through a fair, orderly, and lawful process that will maximise benefits for current and future generations.