Government says the Rennell Island 33-bauxite shipment investigation remains active and will proceed without interference
THE Government acknowledges the statement issued by the Leader of the Official Opposition in respect of the investigation into the 33-bauxite shipment from Rennell Island.
The Government is committed to ensuring that the investigation is conducted professionally, impartially and within the ambits of the law.
The investigation which was first announced on 10th June 2026 remains active.
0n 6th July 2026, the relevant stakeholders/authorities met for the first time to assess the records gathered up to that date and to identify documents that are yet to be collected.
Prior to the first meeting, there were correspondences made between the relevant stakeholders on the 33-bauxite shipment.
To answer the clarity which the Official Opposition seeks, the Government states that:
- The examination of records and documentation into the 33-bauxite shipment has commenced and is yet to be completed. The investigation goes back to year 2017 and so requires diligent investigation. The investigation may require the Leader of Opposition and others who were in the government at the material time to answer for what they did or did not know about the 33 shipments.
- The relevant stakeholders/authorities have been engaged as part of the investigation.
- The Government cannot disclose at this stage whether it has identified any outstanding royalties, fees or other obligations that may be owed to the State on the basis that the investigation is currently ongoing and is yet to be completed.
- The expected timeframe for completion of the investigation and assessment depends entirely on the volume of documents that requires scrutiny which will be obtained during the course of the investigation/assessment. Whilst placing a timeframe for the investigation/assessment is important, the Government is cautious not to compromise the quality of the investigation just to satisfy a random timeframe.
At this stage, it would be inappropriate to publicly announce the specific steps taken by the Government, disclose names of government officials being engaged and disclose names of company representatives engaged in respect of the ongoing investigate.
The public and country as a whole will be informed of the outcome of the investigation/assessments after all relevant evidence has been obtained and assessed objectively.
The Government strongly refutes any suggestion that the investigation lacks independence and integrity.
The Attorney-General being the Model Litigant has upheld the rule of law ensuring that no person of whatever status is above the law in commencing the investigation.
The Government remains committed to accountability, transparency and the rule of law which enables the investigation free from political interference and public pressure.
PRESS RELEASE
