PNG restructure must be transparent - INA

10:17 am on 6 May 2015

A Papua New Guinea research body says a new structure for state owned businesses must be transparent and employ the best talent.

Papua New Guinea's parliament.

Papua New Guinea's parliament. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades

The Peter O'Neill led Government says its planned Kumul Structure, to form existing SOEs into three new divisions - the Kumul Trust, Kumul Mining and Kumul Petroleum - will go before parliament later this month.

The Institute of National Affairs' executive director, Paul Barker, says PNG government departments and SOEs have long been plagued by under resourcing, low skills and cronyism.

He says shuffling the portfolios around may not make much difference.

"Unless there is a real commitment to transparency, appointment of top professionals - Papua New Guineans, overseas people where necessary, but really the most suitable that are at the cutting edge of these industries."