Need for stability prompts Cabinet reshuffle - PNG PM

10:21 am on 2 October 2020

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has resuffled his cabinet line up.

The leader of the United Labour Party and MP for Bulolo, Sam Basil, is the new deputy prime minister and Minister for Planning and Implementation.

PNG Prime Minister James Marape with the Governor General,Bob Dadae, and part of his reshuffled Cabinet

PNG Prime Minister James Marape with the Governor General,Bob Dadae, and part of his reshuffled Cabinet Photo: RNZ Pacific/Melvin Levongo

Marape said the changes were needed to ensure the stability of his coalition.

Walter Schnaubelt replaces Emil Tamur as Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Sir Puka Temu has taken over from Jelta Wong as Health Minister while Wong has been appointed to oversee Civil Aviation.

Lekwa Gure is the new Minister for Labour.

Davis Steven, while dumped as deputy prime minister, retains his portfolio as Justice and Attorney General while Mr Marape will take on Sir Puka's Bougainville Affairs portfolio.

Willie Onguglo is now Minister for Energy, a new portfolio.