Papua New Guinea’s influential Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina has been charged with assault following an alleged “domestic dispute” in Australia, according to court documents.
Police reported that a 31-year-old woman was allegedly attacked in Sydney by a 58-year-old man known to her on Saturday morning local time.
Mr. Maladina was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in court on 11 July.
In a statement, he acknowledged the recent media reports and said he is “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 who was allegedly attacked suffered facial injuries.
Mr. Maladina became Papua New Guinea’s petroleum minister earlier this year and is a key adviser to President James Marape.
e is heavily involved in the country’s lucrative project to commercialize its natural gas resources.