Access to Law in PNG

The importance of ensuring that those involved in the operation of the Papua New Guinea judicial system are able to access accurate and current legal information cannot be overstated. Access to current legal information is a fundamental requirement of an effective and fair legal system.

The launching today of the book 'Selected Laws of Papua New Guinea' will enable the administration of justice in PNG to be carried out more effectively and consistently. This landmark publication brings together in one volume 45 of the most commonly used PNG statutes. There is no current comparable publication in PNG. The publication is aimed at making the laws and statutes of PNG more accessible to judges and magistrates. Also being launched today is a CD version of PNG laws. The commercial release of the CD will take place early next year.

The Access to Laws Project is funded by AusAID to assist PNG legal institutions and the wider PNG community. The project is being implemented by Thomson Legal & Regulatory Group in association with NiuMedia Pacific (pngInLaw) and Unitas Consulting, the commercial arm of the University of Tasmania. The launching of these products marks the completion of an important phase of the project.

Speaking before the launch of the book and CD on Thursday 20 July 2000, Australian High Commissioner Nick Warner said, "these two products are tangible evidence of the partnership between our two governments in strengthening the legal system in PNG".

"Australia is committed to working closely with the PNG Government on this issue, and we hope that these products will prove an invaluable and readily accessible aid for judges and magistrates, and indeed any person seeking to inform themselves about the legal system in PNG."

"The production of CD's is an exciting advance. They offer a quick, readily accessible, cost-effective means of storing and distributing key legal information, such as all PNG legislation and judgements from the most important legal cases since 1963."

"We are pleased that this week has also seen the commencement of the Legal Capacity Building Project between our two governments, which will work primarily with the courts and in the area of legal education", he said.