Displaying items by tag: South America

Scientists warned about the threat of "cocaine" hippos

Colombian scientists have warned about the threat of the so-called "cocaine" hippos of the world's largest drug lord Pablo Escobar to the local environment.

Published in environment

PNG MP points to official corruption in Paladin contracts

Photo: RNZI / Koroi Hawkins

A Papua New Guinea MP says an official Australian inquiry into government contracts for the Manus detention camp should consider the possibility of official corruption by senior PNG politicians and bureaucrats.

The inquiry, being conducted by Australian Auditor-General, Grant Hehir, is to cover all aspects of contracts for Manus and Nauru and will report in 2020.

Former PNG prime minister, Sir Mekere Morauta, said anecdotal evidence suggests Australian taxpayers' money may have been secretly used as slush funds to prop up the Peter O'Neill prime ministership.

He says it seems clear the PNG government pressured Australia to appoint Paladin as the garrison services and security contractor for Manus.

Sir Mekere says this was a company with almost no paid-up capital and it has been revealed companies associated with Mr O'Neill's PNC party are beneficiaries.

He says Mr Hehir should investigate whether Mr O'Neill or staff from the PM's Office and public service cronies were involved in putting pressure on Australia and whether they benefitted in any way from the contracts.