The Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reforms wishes to address the ongoing concerns surrounding the establishment and operation of the Road Transport Authority (RTA) in Papua New Guinea. As Chairman of this Committee, I stand with many of my parliamentary colleagues and the public in questioning the necessity and efficiency of this newly formed entity.
While the RTA was established under the Road Traffic Act 2014, with amendments in 2017, to consolidate and professionalize the regulation of road transport services, its operational overlap with existing agencies has become a significant point of contention.
Key Facts and Concerns:
- Duplication of Functions: A primary argument against the RTA is that many of its mandated duties are already, or have historically been, performed by other established bodies.
- Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited (MVIL): For decades, MVIL has been responsible for vehicle registration and driver licensing, in addition to its core function of compulsory third- party motor vehicle insurance. While the RTA is now in the process of taking over these licensing and registration functions, this transition has been fraught with challenges and confusion for the public and service providers. Concerns have been raised by entities like the Independent Consumer & Competition Commission (ICCC) regarding the RTA’s limited national presence compared to MVIL’s established network, potentially leading to service disruptions.
- Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (Police): The police force has a long-standing mandate for enforcing road traffic laws and ensuring road safety. The establishment of the RTA, with its own traffic enforcement objectives, raises questions about the clear delineation of responsibilities and potential for duplication in enforcement efforts. The RTA’s stated function to “train and equip traffic enforcement officers including the Traffic Police” further highlights this overlap, implying a role that could be seen as encroaching on the police’s existing domain.
- Transition Challenges and Public Confusion: The transfer of functions from MVIL to RTA, particularly regarding vehicle registration and driver licensing, has led to confusion among motorists and even legal challenges. There have been instances where the RTA has faced court orders restraining it from imposing penalties due to a perceived lack of public awareness and unclear processes during this transition.
- Resource Allocation and Efficiency: In a nation with limited resources, establishing a new authority that duplicates functions of existing bodies raises serious questions about the efficient allocation of public funds. Concerns have been voiced about the RTA’s capacity, including staffing, infrastructure, and systems, to effectively deliver services nationwide, particularly when compared to the established presence of MVIL.
- Lack of Clarity in Roles: Despite recent statements from the Minister for Transport emphasizing a clear distinction between the RTA’s regulatory and enforcement roles and MVIL’s insurance focus, the practical implementation has demonstrated significant overlap and a lack of seamless coordination, leading to public inconvenience and uncertainty.
- The Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reforms believes that a thorough review of the RTA’s functions and its impact on existing agencies is urgently needed. We must ensure that public services are delivered efficiently, without unnecessary duplication, and with clear benefits to the citizens of Papua New Guinea. The Committee will continue its inquiry into this matter and will make further recommendations to Parliament to ensure effective and accountable governance of our public sector.
Hon. Gary Juffa, MP
Chairman
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