A Bougainville MP says policing in the autonomous region needs a huge boost , especially with November's independence referendum approaching.
Timothy Masiu's comment comes as the Bougainville police chief Francis Tokura was effectively reinstated .
In July, Mr Tokura had been appointed PNG's acting police commissioner but last week the government replaced him with David Manning,
The surprise move came after Mr Masiu questioned police minister Bryan Kramer in parliament over Mr Tokura's elevation to the top role.
The South Bougainville MP told Johnny Blades he had been worried that the appointment left Bougainville's police service without a head at an important time.
Timothy Masiu Photo: PNG Parliament
