16 Facts About Puka Temu

Puka Temu has been a member of the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea since 2002, representing the electorate of Abau Open.

Puka Temu graduated from the University of Papua New Guinea in 1976 with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery.

Puka Temu completed a master's degree in Medicine in Sydney and Melbourne in 1985.

Puka Temu served in the public service for 29 years, including as Secretary for the Department of Health from 1996 to 2001.

Puka Temu was appointed as Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, Provincial Affairs, Works and Transport in a caretaking capacity following Prime Minister Michael Somare's election.

Puka Temu then became Minister for Public Service on 13 August 2002 and Leader of Government Business on 27 August 2002.

Puka Temu was disqualified from Parliament on 5 March 2003 by the Court of Disputed Returns due to two campaign donations which the court said was an attempt to bribe voters.

Puka Temu was re-elected in a by-election on 16 December 2003, which was the first election in the country to use the new limited preferential voting system.

Puka Temu was sworn in to Parliament again on 13 January 2004.

Puka Temu remained in Cabinet without a ministry until 7 January 2005 when he was appointed as Minister for Lands and Physical Planning and Minister for State.

Puka Temu was re-elected at the 2007 election, after which he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Lands and Physical Planning and Minister for Mining on 29 August 2007 under Prime Minister Michael Somare.

Puka Temu was re-elected at the 2012 election as a member of the Our Development Party.

In May 2019 Puka Temu returned to the Our Development Party.

Puka Temu became Minister for Bougainville Affairs in June 2019 and oversaw the 2019 Bougainvillean Independence Referendum.

Puka Temu received a Companion Order of St Michael and St George and was made an Honorary Fellow of the Australian College of Health Services Executives in 2000.

Puka Temu was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2009 Birthday Honours.