The South Pacific Lawyers’ Association supports developing law societies and bar associations in the South Pacific.

News

PNG lawyer's arrest part of political crisis

Posted 24 Jan 2012

Prominent Papua New Guinean lawyer David Dataona was arrested by plain-clothes police officers as he stepped out of a court room in Port Moresby, reported the New Lawyer.

Mr Dataona has been accused of perverting the course of justice by allegedly attempting to bribe a police lawyer into signing documents that would replace Police Commissioner Tom Kulunga with his client, Fred Yakasa.

Vanuatu Justice Minister dismissed for disloyalty

Posted 19 Jan 2012

Vanuatu Prime Minister Sato Kilman gave no explanation other than disloyalty in a letter sacking Justice Minister Ralph Regenvanu, reported Pacific Beat.

It has also been rumoured that Regenvanu's opposition to joining the World Trade Organisation may have factored into the dismissal.

Pentecost constiuency MP Charlot Salwai has been appointed Justice Minister following Regenvanu's termination.

The PM is expected to do away with two more ministers prior to the October general election, reported the Pacific Islands News Association (PINA).

Tongan King denies support for gun law amendments

Posted 11 Jan 2012

King George Tupou V has refused to endorse the Arms and Ammunitions (Amendment) Act 2011, which was passed by the Tongan parliament to minimise the penalties incurred for firearms posession, reported Matangi Tonga Online.

Parliament voted to circumvent public consultation on the Bill in October last year, and went on to pass the amendments with a vote of 10-8.

The Bill, however, has not been granted the Tongan monarch's Royal Assent on the grounds that the move would be "inimical to the welfare, wellbeing and safety of His subjects."

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Upcoming Events

11th Annual Maori Legal Forum

Date: 
17 April 2012 (All day) - 18 April 2012 (All day)
Location: 
Amora Hotel, Wellington, New Zealand

Supporting kōrero on law and governance for over a decade, this forum brings Māori Trusts, iwi, local and central government, and industry professionals together to discuss the latest topical issues.

Chaired by Morrie Love from Raukura Consultants, engage with speakers on topics including:

The Commonwealth Lawyers' Association Regional Law Conference

Date: 
19 April 2012 (All day) - 22 April 2012 (All day)
Location: 
Sydney, Australia

The Changing Role of the Legal Profession:Emerging Democracies & Globalisation

German-Australian Pacific Lawyers' Association Conference

Date: 
27 April 2012 (All day) - 28 April 2012 (All day)
Location: 
Brisbane, Australia

The German-Australian-Pacific Lawyers Association (GAPLA) will hold its 3rd Australian conference on 27-28 April 2012 in Brisbane.

25th LAWASIA Conference

Date: 
18 November 2012 (All day) - 21 November 2012 (All day)
Location: 
Bali, Indonesia

PERADI hosts the 25th LAWSIA Conference in Bali, Indonesia from 18-21 November 2011.

To register your interest and for more information, please visit the LAWASIA Conferences page.

 

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