Courageous Tiffany to speak in Melbourne

BY KEITH JACKSON

ALL CONSCIENTIOUS READERS of this website (where are you Dexter Bland?) would know that at present in PNG there is a huge and dirty legal battle being waged in Madang Province between landowners and the Chinese-dominated Ramu nickel mine.

The main bone of contention concerns deep sea tailings waste disposal proposed by the mine. But there are other issues that strike deeper into the social and moral fabric of PNG.

The case before the National Court is high profile and got a lot of media in recent times when the original three landowner plaintiffs failed to appear in court and suddenly dropped the case a day or two later. Coercion and bribery have been alleged.

Fortunately, other landowner plaintiffs stepped into the breach with their own concerns and a new case is set for hearing early in 2011 with over 100 plaintiffs to the case.

Tiffany Nonggorr, the PNG-based Australian lawyer and a woman who is withstood the onslaught of personal threat and public derision, is in Melbourne this week and will talk about the case in a seminar at Victoria University.

Tiffany will also discuss issues such as the accountability of the PNG government, the Department of Environment and Conservation and the Mineral Resource Development Company (“the trustee of the people’s resources of PNG”), and the many implications of the case.

The case has already prompted the PNG government to make major amendments to its own Environment Act, a move which sparked huge public debate, demonstrations and outcry by many Papua New Guineans. The Act is now being challenged on the grounds of contravening people’s constitutional rights.

Tiffany Nonggorr will speak at the Victoria University City Campus, 300 Elizabeth Street, City [Level 11, Room 1107] - Thursday 2 December: 6.30-7.30 pm

RSVP and further information from Deb Chapman on 0401091435 or debchapman@iinet.net.au

Comments

[Alois Pen Nomenda]

If we have not understood this Australian lady who is now a PNG family member, there is need to find out why because the melanesian culture, if we are not a part, can be offended.The society has been affected so much simply because big brother has not been wise, but there is still room for change.

[Mark Rumint Selpena]

There are few who speaks ethics in this world.

Most are absorbed with greed for materialistic gain.

If Tiffany has other special case to pursue, why waste time.

We should give credit for this bold lawyer.

[Reginald Renagi]

I really admire what Tiffany Nongorr has done, and is still doing for the PNG landowners.

Her agenda? Well for a start, she cares for the people and their concerns as against the continuing arrogance of 'Big Brother' towards our people's plight.

If it's not Tiffany, then who is going to do it?

I do not seen any credible national lawyers taking up the many cases of our people crying out to their own government to give them a fair go.

Until we get our own national lawyers get around to fairly represent their own people in their fight against what their government is doing on their land, this kind of fight will go on in the future.

[Peter Kranz]

Fake John - you flatter me.

I have no connections with any Australian government agenda. I am just a retired lapun.

But then again, who are you and what is your agenda? I suggested a possible answer earlier in this thread. I think you've just provided more evidence.

[John Potane]

To my mind, Peter Kranz is providing misinformation. I think Peter needs to fully disclose his connections with the Australian government agenda before he misleads and misinforms the whole lot of us. He specialises in saying black is white and white is black.

He doesn't need to tell us in PNG about our people and how clean they are. We know the hidden skeletons and also know white is not really white. So keep your patronising to yourself. We were not born yesterday, and we really do know mate.
__________________

This is an edited version of the original comment. The email address 'John Potane' gave was fake, indicating that 'John Potane' is a phony name. PNG Attitude encourages all commenters to show the courage of their convictions by using their real names and real email addresses - KJ

[Symone]

Lahm Nick - Is it wrong to want to help someone without want of personal gain? Is that what you cannot understand?

Yes, Tiffany Nonggorr is an Aussie, and yes, she is a lawyer.

If you have been following the whole Ramu Nickel issue, then you would know what she has done and continues to do for the people of Basamuk Bay (and in much more than just her capacity as a lawyer).

[Stephen Cox]

There are some people in the world who actually hold to principles of right over wrong.

We should be thankfull for both Tiffany and her husband for being such people and standing up for those who would otherwise have no voice.

Hopefully there are some people high up in the judicial system who hold to similar ideals, but even here in Australia they seem to be few or lacking in the qualities that see actual truth and justice prevail.

In such cases, only the people - honestly and in great numbers - peacefully supporting those of good character and courage, will be able to successfully counter the thieves of the world who know no honour.

For it is these thieves who hurt all of you one way or another, and who must be countered strongly and peacefully with true courage. For it is true that the root of all evil is selfishness.

Tiffany has shown courage not selfishness during this case and this should be noted with thanks, not judged.

[Peter Kranz]

Gerald - I think you underestimate John and Tiffany. It has not 'silenced him forever'. In fact that's a bit of a give-away, I'm afraid.

By the way, if I'm not mistaken, the same lawyer you refer to was recommended for prosecution by the inquiry into the Finance Department and was also recently warned for alleged unprofessional conduct and interfering with witnesses.

The details are available on various web sites.

[Gerald Tananu]

Peter - The lawyer you refer to is only debating what Professor Nonggorr has brought up against Somare and the state.

Prof Nonggorr has written one full page of accusation against Somare and the state which was published in the Post Courier and National newpapers.

This was the lawyer's only response Nongggorr's accusation.

This debate has silenced Mr Nonggorr for ever.

[Peter Kranz]

The Ramu Nico case has received extensive coverage and debate on this site and other sites related to PNG. If people want to check his, just search the site.

Interestingly a certain lawyer who acts for the Somares and the State, and who published a lengthy criticism of Prof Nonggorr earlier in the year, has been suspected of using pseudonyms and fake emails to continue his campaign against the Nonggorrs online.

Again more details about this are on PNG Attitude.

[Gerald Tananu]

John Nonggorr is contesting the Western Highlands provincial seat in 2012, so let him and her fix and bring PNG economic and political development to what they dream it to be

[Lahm Nick]

Well, good reason, Peter. Thanks for share this.

[Peter Kranz]

She is also married to Professor John Nonggorr, one of PNG's leading legal academics, and has lived in PNG for many years.

[Lahm Nick]

I cannot understand why the Australian lady is so active in a PNG issue. For what kind of interest.