via Radio Australia

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, says he will do everything possible to protect the interests of his people from irregular land dealings.

The comments come in response to the scandal surrounding the issuing Special Agricultural and Business Leases (SABL). Over the past 8 years, 11 per cent of PNG's land mass has been leased out, mostly for 99 years, and often without permission of landowners. This morning's report follows an investigation by the ABC's Background Briefing which investigates an Australian-led logging company that has been involved in moving more than 2 million hectares out of customary ownership in Western Province.