PNG forests Leadership prosecution

Radio Australia: Last Updated 28/06/2005, 05:02:08

A senior Papua New Guinea government minister is facing prosecution for alleged improper conduct .

Works Minister Gabriel Kapris has been referred to a tribunal over his appointment of David Nelson, the former head of PNG's National Forest agency.

Mr Nelson was suspended after allegedly issuing logging permits in breach of the Forestry Act.

PNG's Ombudsman says an investigation into David Nelson's appointment revealed the minister had lied when he told the Governor-General he consulted the Forest Board when he did not.

Chief Ombudsman, Ila Geno, says he also lied when he said a court order directed him to appoint Mr Nelson when there was no such orders.

The allegations occurred during his tenure as a caretaker government minister in August 2002 prior to his appointment as Works Minister.