Papua New Guinea’s influential Petroleum Minister, Jimmy Maladina, has been charged with assault following an alleged domestic dispute in Australia, as stated in court documents.
Police reported that a 31-year-old woman was allegedly attacked in Sydney by a 58-year-old man she knew on Saturday morning local time.
Mr. Maladina was granted conditional bail and is set to appear in court on July 11.
In a statement, he acknowledged the recent media reports and said he is cooperating with the authorities to resolve this matter.
“I understand the gravity of this situation and the concerns it raises,” said Mr. Maladina.
“As a public servant, I hold myself to high standards of conduct, both personally and professionally.
“I want to make it clear that violence in any form is unacceptable, and I am committed to handling this situation with integrity and transparency.”
Police reported that the woman who was allegedly attacked suffered facial injuries.
Mr. Maladina became Papua New Guinea’s petroleum minister earlier this year and is a key adviser to President James Marape. He is heavily involved in the country’s lucrative project to commercialize its natural gas resources.
