The new Oil Palm Management Bill for Papua New Guinea Oil Palm industry has emerged as a contentious piece of legislation without comprehensive input from all the crucial stakeholders it affects. As a smallholder under the Land Settlement Scheme (LSS), I am deeply concerned about the lack of inclusivity in the consultation process and the apparent plagiarism in the drafting of this Bill. This situation directly impacts stakeholders such as smallholders, villagers, oil palm growers, and mini estates not only in West New Britain but Oro, Milne Bay, East and West Sepik, ENBP, and Morobe.

These communities have long been the backbone of our nation's agricultural economy, and their voices should be at the forefront of any legislative changes affecting their livelihoods. However, the process leading up to this Bill did not adequately represent or consider their interests and expertise.

The lack of a fair and inclusive consultation process is not just an oversight but a denial of the democratic principles that should guide our nation’s policy-making procedures. Furthermore, the discovery of plagiarism adds another layer of concern, pointing to the unprofessional and unethical standards employed in creating such a critical document. It undermines trust in our legislative systems and demonstrates the need for transparency and integrity in governance.

To rectify this, I urge the government to take immediate action by revisiting the Bill through a transparent process that involves comprehensive consultations with all stakeholders. Engage directly with smallholders, farming communities, and industry experts to ensure the final document reflects their needs, insights, and wisdom.

Additionally, it is crucial to conduct an independent review to address the concerns of plagiarism. This review should involve unbiased experts who can provide recommendations to prevent such issues in future legislative processes.

By signing this petition, you are advocating for fairness, transparency, and ethical standards in our nation's law-making processes. Let’s stand together to ensure that the Oil Palm Management Bill truly represents the interests of all industry participants and fosters a sustainable and inclusive future for our communities.

Please sign this petition to demand that the New Oil Palm Management Bill is redrafted taking into account our concerns.