Like many countries around the world Papua New Guinea (PNG) has enacted specific legislation dealing with time limits on when a party may make a claim. Claims made outside statutory time limitations are generally not allowed by the PNG courts.1

If you have a claim falling within the PNG jurisdiction you need to act quickly and understand some basics about time limitations, otherwise you could be prevented from making a claim.

So what do you need to know about time limitation periods in PNG?

Time limitation for contract and tort claims in PNG

The Frauds and Limitations Act 1988 provides the limitation periods which apply in relation to simple contracts and tort (such as negligence and breach of confidence). The Frauds and Limitations Act permits actions for breach of contracts and tort to be brought within a period of 6 years commencing on the date on which the cause of action arose.2 In certain circumstances the period is extended to 12 years - for example, where there is a breach of deed.

Claims against the State

There is specific legislation dealing with claims made against State. If you intend to make a claim against the State in contract or in tort then you need to make sure you comply with the time limitations and other provisions contained under the Claims By and Against the State Act 1996. The Act provides that written notice of the claim must be given to the State and be made within 6 months from when the claim arose. It is important to note that no action to enforce any claim against the State can be made unless:

  • proper notice is made in writing of intention to make a claim against the State;
  • notice is made within 6 months from when the claim arose; and
  • notice is properly served on:
    1. the Departmental Head of the Department responsible for justice matters; or
    2. the Solicitor-General.

Conclusion

PNG has enacted legislation that sets strict limitation periods for claims made under breach of contracts, tort and against the State. If you believe you have a claim then you should always act promptly otherwise there is a risk that your claim could become statute-barred.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.