The President of Bougainville, John Momis, has admonished a former staffer for spreading what he calls 'untruths' on social media.
Anthony Kaybing, who used to be the president's press secretary, has made a number of claims that Australian advisors on Bougainville are acquiring too much influence.
But Mr Momis put out a statement saying Mr Kaybing was wrong.
He said no technical advisor was in an in-line management role with the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
But the president also said that without the support of these people, Bougainville would not be able to advance its critical projects.