PNG motion defective, thrown out

4:36 pm on 30 October 2015

The acting speaker of Papua New Guinea's parliament says he rejected a motion of no confidence in the government because the opposition's submission was defective.

In parliament yesterday, Aide Ganasi rejected the motion, instead allowing a motion of confidence in the prime minister, Peter O'Neill.

The front facade of Papua New Guinea's parliament featuring recently removed anthropomorphic carved heads on the front lintel.

The front facade of Papua New Guinea's parliament featuring recently removed anthropomorphic carved heads on the front lintel. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades

The opposition walked out of parliament and labelled the move unconstitutional, with the opposition leader saying Mr Ganasi didn't follow parliamentary rules.

But our correspondent in PNG, Todagia Kelola, reports Mr Ganasi as saying the opposition didn't allow the committee that considers motions enough time.

"He said because the parliamentary committee on private business was unable to sit to discuss the notice, he decided that the way the motion was drafted was of a defective nature."

Todagia Kelola says Mr Ganasi has asked the opposition to resubmit its motion.