Hot bill

passes

Probably the most con troversial bill to come before the Papua-New Guinea House of Assembly since income tax was introduced the Public Order Bill—was passed in Sep tember by 57 votes to 18 on a division on the third reading.

There were nine divisions dur ing the debate.

The Administration made many amendments following objections by members, but many others were rejected.

Toughest opponent of the bill was the Member for Moresby Open, Mr. Percy Chatterton, who proposed about 30 changes.

Not all the amendments were made as a result of Assembly debate. Not only politicians, but trade unionists, the Inter national Commission of Jurists and others roasted the original draft, forcing the Administra tion to limit some powers.

The bill now gives power to police, courts, the Admini strator’s Executive Council and the House of Assembly to deal with trouble situations. Pro visions include the power to stop meetings which might lead to trouble in declared areas, and power to magistrates to send unemployed law breakers in the towns back to their villages.

The Public Order Bill was seen as the direct result of 16 months of anti-government politicking in the Gazelle Peninsula by the Mataungan Association. During that time, the Administration has twice rushed 1,000 policemen to Rabaul to confront association members in an effort to pre serve law and order.

Government has insisted it won’t do anything with the legislation until it is “forced to”, and then only with the absolute and public support of the Executive Council (of Assembly Members). The bill’s opponents say there is always danger of misuse, and that New Guineans in power, come self government, may use the Public Order Bill as a potent weapon for suppressing political op ponents.