• Jimmy Maladina, a key adviser to President James Marape, has been charged with assault in Australia following an alleged domestic dispute.
• The incident occurred in Sydney, where a 58-year-old man was known to a 31-year-old woman.
• Maladina was granted conditional bail and is cooperating with authorities to address the matter.

According to court documents, Papua New Guinea’s influential Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina has been charged with assault in Australia following an alleged “domestic dispute.” Police reported that on Saturday morning local time, a 58-year-old man known to a 31-year-old woman allegedly attacked her in Sydney.

Mr. Maladina was granted conditional bail ahead of a court appearance on 11 July.

In a statement, he acknowledged being “aware of the recent media reports” and stated that he was “cooperating with the authorities to address 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 allegedly attacked sustained facial injuries. Earlier this year, Mr. Maladina assumed the role of Papua New Guinea’s petroleum minister and serves as a key adviser to President James Marape. He plays a significant role in the country’s lucrative project to commercialize its natural gas resources.

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