Media Statement: Office of the Bougainville Chief Secretary
I am aware of speculation regarding the above matter on social media.
It is a fact that in May 2019, under OS 348 of 2018 the National Court Justice Sir Kina Bona refused to grant leave to an application seeking leave to apply for Judicial Review by Mr Leslie Tseraha, a former employee of the ABG Public Service.
I am of the view that the deliberation and judgement of the National Court are fully consistent with National and Bougainville Law, and as such, the decision to terminate Mr Tseraha’s employment was lawful and appropriate.
In social media posts, some are suggesting that an application by Mr Tseraha to seek leave to review the decision of Justice Bona is tantamount to a ruling that the decision to terminate his employment was wrong. This is not the case. Mr Tseraha is simply exercising his legal right to seek further review, a right available to any citizen under law.
Until such time as this matter is dealt with by the Supreme Court it would not be appropriate to comment further on the legal merits of the appeal. Nevertheless, I stand by my decision to terminate Mr Tseraha’s employment, which was made in full accordance with the lawful process outlined in the Bougainville Public Services (Management and Administration) Act 2014 and can assure members of the public of my intention to ensure that the application is vigorously opposed when it comes before the court.
Ends//
Approved for release
Joseph Nobetau
Chief Secretary
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