The Minister for Police and National Security James Tora has tabled the Criminal Procedure Code Amendment Bill 2009 in parliament yesterday.

Tabling the bill, Mr Tora said amendments to the bill may appear small, but are significant in continuing government's plans to improve the efficiency and the effectiveness of the country's justice system.

The bill is aimed at increasing the jurisdiction of the magistrate in relation to hearing of cases and sentencing of offenders.

Debate on the bill commences next week.

Meanwhile, the Customs Valuation Bill 2009 is expected to come before parliament in its Second Reading today.

Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua revealed this when reading out a further statement of government business for this week.

Friday is scheduled for Private Members Motion day.


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