News and Public Notices

Vice President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), Hon. Ezekiel Masatt, has formally assumed responsibility as Minister for Fisheries, following a minor cabinet reshuffle as part of the Government’s broader repositioning exercise.

Vice President Masatt was formally presented with a handover Report from outgoing Fisheries Minister Hon. Amanda Masono today.

The Vice President said the transition would be managed in a way that maintains continuity and protects the progress already made under Minister Masono’s leadership.

Minister Masono retains responsibility for the Ministry of Climate Change and will remain involved in Fisheries during the transition period to support continuity and the completion of ongoing work.

Vice President Masatt said this approach was necessary because significant work had already been undertaken by Minister Masono and the Fisheries Department, and it was important that this work was not disrupted.

He said the arrangement was intended to ensure continuity while the Government addressed a number of outstanding issues within the ministry.

“Whilst things have changed, things have also remained the same,” the Vice President said, adding that Minister Masono would continue to have visibility over the ministry and work with him on key issues.

Vice President Masatt stressed that the arrangement was temporary and that the Government would review the situation once key targets had been achieved.

He also acknowledged the contribution of Minister Masono during her tenure, noting that she had introduced greater discipline and a different approach to the management of the ministry.

As part of the transition, Vice President Masatt has directed the Fisheries Department to provide, within seven days, a complete list of all permanent and casual employees within the department, including an audit of all department assets and properties.

The measures are intended to strengthen accountability, improve oversight and provide the Government with a clear understanding of the ministry’s workforce and assets.

Vice President Masatt also highlighted progress already made on fisheries policy and legislation, saying the Government intends to introduce fisheries legislation by September to strengthen Bougainville’s authority and capacity to manage the sector.

“By September, under my stewardship, I’ll be bringing the legislation, the fisheries legislation that requires Bougainville to now exercise many of the things that we’ve not been able to exercise.”

The Fisheries Ministry realignment is part of the ABG’s broader efforts to strengthen government administration, improve accountability and advance the institutional and legislative foundations required for Bougainville to exercise greater powers and responsibilities.

[ Back to News ]