“We thank Mr Sonk for his contributions to the early phase of the PNG NRL bid. However, this moment demands clarity, accountability, and the upholding of public confidence. Our national sporting future – and our international reputation – depend on it.”
In a statement, Marape did not say whether Sonk would retain his role in charge of Kumul Petroleum, which has a stake in major energy projects including PNG LNG, a massive natural gas development in which ASX-listed Santos also has an interest.
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The board of the PNG NRL team, which will be led by former Canterbury Bulldogs chairman Ray Dib, is yet to meet, having been unveiled only in June. When it does so in coming weeks, it will have six members rather than the seven announced by Marape last month.
Sonk was one of several directors nominated by the PNG government under the terms of the three-way deal with the federal government and the ARLC to deliver an NRL team to Port Moresby.
The businessman did not answer questions sent to him by this masthead this week, but his lawyers said he “denies any and all allegations of improper or unlawful conduct”.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a diehard South Sydney Rabbitohs supporter, pushed for the historic NRL expansion into Australia’s nearest neighbour and backed it with taxpayer dollars to reinforce security relations with PNG and the Pacific, where the government has said China wants to establish a military base.
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The high-stakes deployment of rugby league as a geopolitical tool was presented as a landmark achievement in soft diplomacy, but there have been concerns it could be marred by corruption in a region where it is rife.
The controversy that prompted Sonk to stand down will only add weight to such sentiment as the PNG franchise makes plans to enter the competition, initially with the building of a security compound in Port Moresby for players and staff to live in and a high-performance training centre.
Federal opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash has called for the government to be transparent about how the bid money is spent.
“It is up to the Albanese government to make sure that the $600 million in Australian taxpayer money they have committed to the PNG NRL team is properly administered. They should seek such assurances from the PNG government,” she said.
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said on Thursday that he had full confidence that Australian taxpayer funds would be used appropriately “as monies are controlled by the NRL”.
“We will have vigorous internal control measures in place. No payment will be [made] unless we sought the service or product,” he said.
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