PNG department silenced over Horizon licence

Departmental staff who spoke out against a controversial petroleum licence issued to Horizon Oil in Papua New Guinea were threatened with suspension or demotion, according to an employee at the time.

The former staffer, who asked not to be named, said there were many "odd" aspects to how the licence was issued in 2011 by the Department of Petroleum and Energy (DPE) and its then minister, William Duma.