POLICE Minister Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jnr declared the unanimous passing of the Counter-Terrorism Act is a significant step forward in Law and Order Reform.
“Passing the Counter-Terrorism Act into law answers nationwide calls for Government to find effective mechanisms to address the recent escalation of lawlessness around the country,” the Minister said after the vote was taken.
“The 84-0 vote for the Act repeals the outdated Internal Security Act 1993, and grants enhanced powers to the Police to strengthen law and order operations in the country.”
Minister Tsiamalili thanked Members of Parliament on both sides of the House for recognising the critical need for Law and Order reform, and for supporting the Act.
“The Counter-Terrorism Act 2024 provides for a comprehensive legislative framework designed to address the evolving threat of terrorism in Papua New Guinea.
“As I made clear in my statement to Parliament, that the emergence of violent acts of terrorism across sections of society is unacceptable, and that those that profit from the misery of violence and acts of terrorism must be held to account.
“This Act denounces such actions and will hold to account those who support or benefit from such unprovoked violence,” Minister Tsiamalili said.
“This Act provides the tools needed by our Police Force to proactively prevent, mitigate, and respond to such terrorism-related threats.
“Importantly, this Act is not about developing policies or papers, it is about giving our Police Force the tools, the powers, and the protections they need to effectively combat acts of terrorism. This is to preserve peace and good order, and to enforce the law in an impartial and objective manner.”
Minister Tsiamalili further stressed that the Act represented a significant step forward in national security strategy.
“This will help maintain public trust and ensure that our counter-terrorism efforts are effective and appropriate.
“It’s about protecting our citizens and our way of life.”
“The Act consolidates resources and expertise, enhances the operational effectiveness of national counter-terrorism efforts and establishes a coordinated national response to contemporary security threats.
“It repeals the Internal Security Act 1993, reintroducing key provisions while remedying past shortcomings. Our objective is to balance national security with respect for constitutional rights, ensuring our legal framework is both modern and compliant with human rights”.
Other key components include the establishment of the Counter-Terrorism Joint Security Task Force that is a dedicated body that will centralise coordination of counter-Terrorism activities.
“This will improve responsiveness, strategic awareness, and operational effectiveness. Under the command of key security personnel from both the Police and Defence Force, it will coordinate integrated and effective security responses to terrorism.”
“The Act will empower police and authorized officers with enhanced investigative, surveillance, and enforcement powers.
“These are modern tools that are essential for pre-emptively disrupting modern terrorist threats, investigating acts of terrorism, and prosecuting those who fund, support, incite, or commit such reprehensible acts. It provides necessary legal protection to members of the Police Force, the Counter-Terrorism Joint Security Task Force, and Authorized Officers for any actions or omissions made in the performance of their duties under the Act.”
Minister Tsiamalili further added that the offences and penalties component of the Act are designed to criminalize and denounce acts of terrorism decisively.
“By imposing stringent penalties, including life imprisonment for severe offences, we send a strong message that terrorism has no place in our peace-loving society.”
