{"id":1217,"date":"2024-10-01T23:47:57","date_gmt":"2024-10-01T23:47:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clrc.gov.pg\/?page_id=1217"},"modified":"2026-03-18T03:15:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T03:15:23","slug":"press-releases","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.clrc.gov.pg\/index.php\/press-releases\/","title":{"rendered":"Press Releases"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”PRESS RELEASES” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center” css=””][vc_column_text css=””]Press Release 2\/2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

CLRC Commissioners Officially Sworn In<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Port Moresby, 16 March 2026<\/strong> \u2013 Two Commissioners of the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC), Dr. Dora Kuir-Ayius and Hon. Isi Henry Leonard, MP, were officially sworn in today during a ceremony in Port Moresby.<\/p>\n

The swearing-in ceremony was officiated by Principal Magistrate Mr. Billy Pidu, formally administering the oath of office to the two Commissioners.<\/p>\n

Dr. Kuir-Ayius has been reappointed for her second term as Commissioner, reflecting her continued contribution and expertise in the areas of social research, anthropology and political science. Hon. Isi Henry Leonard, the Member for Samarai\u2013Murua Open, joins the Commission as a newly appointed Commissioner, bringing vast government experience and valuable perspectives to support the Commission\u2019s core mandate in law review and reform.<\/p>\n

CLRC Chairman, Hon. Saki Soloma, congratulated both Commissioners on their appointments and reaffirmed the important role Commissioners play in guiding the work of the Commission.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Commission relies on the diverse expertise and perspectives of its Commissioners to guide the review and reform of our laws. We are pleased to have Dr. Dora Kuir-Ayius continue her service and to welcome Hon. Isi Henry Leonard to the Commission.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added, \u201c(CLRC) Commissioners play a pivotal role in the operations of the Commission. They oversee CLRC reports, participate in national consultations \u2013 particularly on important constitutional directives \u2013 provide direction on administrative and financial matters, and contribute their specialized knowledge to advance the Commission\u2019s core mandate in law review and reform.\u201d<\/p>\n

CLRC Secretary Dr. Mange Matui also welcomed the Commissioners, noting that their experience and professional backgrounds will strengthen the Commission\u2019s efforts in advancing key law review and reform programs.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Commission continues to undertake critical reviews of our constitutional and legal framework. The knowledge, experience and perspectives that Commissioners bring are essential in ensuring our work remains relevant to the needs and aspirations of the people of Papua New Guinea,\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Matui added, \u201cWith the caliber, experience, and leadership of both Commissioners at the Board level, I am confident about the continued progress and future prospects of CLRC.\u201d<\/p>\n

CLRC Commissioners serve in a part-time capacity, providing strategic guidance and oversight to the Commission\u2019s law review and reform functions.<\/p>\n

Both appointments were made by the Minister for Justice and Attorney General through notice in the National Gazette, in accordance with the governing provisions of the Commission.<\/p>\n

Upon swearing in, both Commissioners reaffirmed their commitment and dedication, by pledging to use their specialized knowledge and experience to progress CLRC and the country forward in regards to law review and reform.<\/p>\n

\u201cI accept this reappointment, not only as a personal honor alone, but a renewed call to service,\u201d expressed reappointed Commissioner Dr. Dora Kuir-Ayius.<\/p>\n

Commissioner Hon. Isi Henry Leonard expressed similar sentiment, \u201cI would like to thank the Government and also the (CLRC) Chairman for appointing me as one of the Commissioners to this very important office that is here. I am truly humbled and honored to be given this opportunity to serve the people of Papua New Guinea, through this office, CLRC.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission continues to play a vital role in strengthening Papua New Guinea\u2019s legal and governance framework, through its core mandate in law review and reform, as stipulated under the CLRC Act 2004.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Insert: (L-R) CLRC Deputy Chairperson Ms. Martha Kokiva; Commissioner Dr. Dora Kuir-Ayius; Principal Magistrate Mr. Billy Pidu; Commissioner Hon. Isi Henry Leonard, CLRC Chairman Hon. Saki Soloma; Commissioner Rev. Dr. Jack Urame and CLRC Secretary Dr. Mange Matui \u2013 during the photo session after the swearing in ceremony.<\/p><\/div>\n

Ends\/\/[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””][\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]Press Release 1\/2026 <\/strong><\/p>\n

Secretary Presents CLRC Strategic Update at 2026 First Department and Agency Heads\u2019 Meeting<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Port Moresby, 15 February 2026<\/strong> \u2013 The Secretary of the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC), Dr Mange Matui, presented a comprehensive institutional update at the 2026 First Department and Agency Heads\u2019 Meeting held at APEC Haus.<\/p>\n

The high-level forum, convened by the Office of the Chief Secretary to Government, brought together departmental and agency heads to report on performance, accountability, and implementation of their respective mandates.<\/p>\n

In his address, Dr Matui outlined CLRC\u2019s strategic progress in advancing constitutional and legislative reform over the past six years. He reported that the Commission has completed and submitted fifteen Terms of Reference (TOR) reports to the National Executive Council (NEC) through the Minister for Justice and Attorney General. These reviews addressed critical national priorities including land and resource compensation, employment law reform, education legislation, urban planning, regulation of State-Owned Enterprises, monitoring of public funds, and reforms relating to sexual offences and vicarious liability.<\/p>\n

Dr Matui further confirmed that CLRC has completed and submitted reports on four Constitutional Directives to the NEC. Constitutional Directive No. 3, on the Declaration of Papua New Guinea as a Christian Country, was tabled and approved in Parliament in 2024. Constitutional Directive No. 4, relating to the Form and System of Government, was tabled in Parliament late last year, marking a significant milestone in constitutional reform.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis particular recommendation (CD No. 3) went through the NEC and was tabled on the floor of Parliament, resulting in amendments to the Preamble and Part I of the Constitution, declaring PNG a Christian country,\u201d Dr Matui said.<\/p>\n

He added, \u201cIn CD No. 4, we examined key issues including the position of the Head of State, the election of the Prime Minister, the political party system, the election of women into Parliament, and aspects of the 1999 Provincial Government System. The report is currently before Parliament.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Secretary also provided an overview of CLRC\u2019s financial performance from 2019 to 2025 under three key program areas: Administrative Expenditure, Legal Mandate Operations, and the Capital Investment Program. He reaffirmed the Commission\u2019s commitment to transparent financial management, timely acquittals, and responsible stewardship of public funds.<\/p>\n

Updates were also provided on the CLRC Office Complex Project, the Commission\u2019s restructuring program, ongoing reviews of domestic and colonial laws, and the development of underlying law through custom recording initiatives, including plans to establish an Underlying Law Centre at the University of Papua New Guinea.<\/p>\n

Dr Matui reaffirmed CLRC\u2019s commitment to strengthening governance, enhancing institutional accountability, and advancing law reform in line with national development priorities.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is important that CLRC is given the opportunity to inform stakeholders on the work of the Commission. We appreciate the platform to present our progress,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

The week-long 2026 First Department and Agency Heads\u2019 Meeting serves as a strategic platform to ensure coordinated implementation of government mandates and promote transparent and effective public administration.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Insert: CLRC Secretary Dr. Mange Matui presenting during 2026 Head of Department and Agencies Meeting, at the APEC House, Port Moresby.<\/p><\/div>\n

Ends\/\/<\/p>\n

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