Overview
The Provincial Assembly (PA) is the principal law-making and oversight body of the West New Britain Provincial Government. Established under Section 10, subsection 2 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments (OLPLLG), the Provincial Assembly serves as the highest legislative authority of the province, responsible for enacting provincial laws, approving budgets, overseeing the executive and administrative arm of the West New Britain Provincial Government, and representing the interests of all the people of West New Britain.
The Provincial Assembly brings together elected and appointed representatives, including the Provincial Governor, Open Electorate Members, 11 Local Level Government (LLG) Presidents and 1 LLG Town Mayor, and Appointed Members representing special interest groups. Together, these members deliberate on and make decisions on matters of provincial importance, ensuring that governance is conducted democratically, transparently, and in the best interests of the people of West New Britain.
The Parliamentary Services Unit (PSU) provides administrative, technical, and logistical support to the Provincial Assembly and the Provincial Executive Council to ensure effective and efficient functioning of the legislative sector.
Key Functions
The Provincial Assembly performs the following key functions:
- Law-Making – Enacting, amending, and repealing provincial laws, bylaws, and policies on provincial matters.
- Oversight and Scrutiny – Scrutinizing the performance, conduct, and expenditure of the provincial executive government, and the Provincial, District, and LLG Administration.
- Budget Approval – Reviewing, deliberating on, and approving the annual provincial budget and supplementary budgets.
- Representation – Representing and advocating for the interests, needs, and aspirations of provincial constituents and special interest groups.
- Policy Approval – Reviewing and approving major provincial policies, sector strategic plans, and development frameworks before implementation.
Key Responsibilities
The Provincial Assembly carries out the following key responsibilities:
- Debating, deliberating, and passing provincial bills and legislation into law
- Reviewing, amending, and repealing existing provincial laws as necessary
- Receiving, examining, and approving the annual provincial budget and development plans and policies
- Scrutinizing the activities, programs, and financial performance of Provincial Administration, District Administration, and LLG Administration
- Conducting parliamentary inquiries and investigations into matters of public concern
- Confirming and endorsing the appointment of key provincial officials and board members
- Representing and consulting with constituents, communities, civil society, churches, and the private sector on legislative and policy matters
- Ensuring marginalized and vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and people with disabilities, are represented in legislative deliberations
- Upholding democratic principles, the rule of law, and good governance in all assembly proceedings
Programs and Services
The Provincial Assembly delivers the following key programs and services:
- Legislative – Facilitating the full legislative process from the drafting of bills to the enactment and gazetting of provincial laws and policies.
- Budget and Finance Oversight – Reviewing and approving the provincial budget and financial reports to ensure accountability and responsible use of public resources.
- Constituency and Community Engagement – Facilitating consultation and engagement between assembly members and their constituents, communities, and special interest groups on legislative and development matters.
- Special Interest Group Representation – Ensuring the meaningful participation and representation of women, youth, people with disabilities, churches, civil society & business organizations in assembly proceedings and decision-making.
- Intergovernmental Relations – Managing the province’s engagement with the National Parliament, other provincial assemblies, and relevant national and international institutions on matters of provincial interest.
Structure & Leadership
The Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local Level Governments (OLPLLG) 1995 Section 14, subsections 1 and 2 specify the appointment of the Chairman of Provincial Assembly. The Provincial Governor is the Chairman of the Provincial Assembly, thereby the Provincial Assembly operates under his overall leadership. He presides over assembly sittings.
The Assembly Clerk is responsible for managing the administrative and procedural functions of the assembly. WNB Provincial Assembly has a female Assembly Clerk who reports directly to the Director of the Parliamentary Services Unit (PSU). She is a staff member of the PSU.
Composition
The Provincial Assembly has a total of 20 Members. According to Section 10 (3) of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Government, the following is the composition of the WNB Provincial Assembly:
- The Provincial Governor, who is the presiding officer and chairman of the assembly
- Deputy Governor who supports the Governor and acts in the absence of Provincial Governor
- Three Members of Parliament who represent the Three Open Electorates in the Province, namely, Talasea Open Electorate, Nakanai Open Electorate, and Kandrian Gloucester Open ElectorateTwelve (11) Local Level Government Presidents and One (1) Local Level Government MayorFour (4) Appointed Representatives of special interest groups, including women, youth, churches, and business
- The Speakerof the Provincial Assembly is responsible for the orderly conduct of assembly proceedings
| No. | Name | Constituency | Title |
| 1 | Hon. Sasindran Muthuvel, MP. | Provincial Seat | Provincial Governor |
| 2 | Hon. Francis Galia Maneke, MP. | Member for Nakanai Open Electorate | Open Member & Minister for Oil Palm |
| 3 | Hon. Freddie Kumai, MP. | Member for Talasea Open Electorate | Open Member & Chairman of Public Accounts Committee in the National Parliament |
| 4 | Hon. Joseph Lelang, MP. | Member for Kandrian/Gloucester Open Electorate | Open Member, Minister for Department of Implementation and Rural Development and National Economic Fiscal Commission |
| 5 | Hon. John Rova | Talasea Rural LLG | President |
| 6 | Hon. Nick Tupi | Kimbe Urban LLG | Town Mayor |
| 7 | Hon. Sam Kivia | Bali/Witu Rural LLG | President |
| 8 | Hon. Jim Ninda | Mosa Rural LLG | President |
| 9 | Hon. Kevin Ragi | Hoskins Rural LLG | President |
| 10 | Hon. John Kelly Kikilai | Central Rural Nakanai LLG | President |
| 11 | Hon. John Gaa | East Nakanai Rural LLG | President |
| 12 | Hon. James Courte | Gasmata Rural LLG | President |
| 13 | Hon. Joe Sakun | Kandrian Inland Rural LLG | President |
| 14 | Hon. Peter Letong | Kandrian Coastal Rural LLG | President |
| 15 | Hon. Edward Tule Meckle | Gloucester Rural LLG | President |
| 16 | Hon. Armstrong Marley | Kaliai/Kove Rural LLG | President |
| 17 | Hon. Ezekiel Sauba | Nominated Member | For Youths |
| 18 | Hon. Maria Ante | Nominated Member | For Women |
| 19 | Hon. Gabriel Tovo (Fr.) | Nominated Member | For Churches |
| 20 | Hon. Joe Meta | Nominated Member | For Business |
Strategic Focus Areas
- The Provincial Assembly remains committed to serving the people of West New Britain through inclusive, transparent, and accountable legislative governance, ensuring that the province is governed by laws and policies that promote the well-being, prosperity, and sustainable development of all its people.
Contact Information
For enquiries related to the West New Britain Provincial Assembly, please contact:
Division: Parliamentary Services Unit
Phone:
Email:
Location: Kimbe-Provincial Headquarters