Wewak Open may be seeing a new Member of Parliament take the reins by this afternoon following 10th exclusion this morning. East Sepik Returning officer, James Piapia advised PNG HAUSBUNG that counting is on schedule and could declare a new MP soon. “I am expecting to declare a winner today at 11am, or 12pm to 1pm one this afternoon.” The Absolute majority for the Wewak Open seat is 20, 229 votes, a target that has not been reached as yet. Mr. Piapia said that they are now conducting the 11th exclusion. He added that the By-Elections in Wewak has been smooth so far with little hiccups from scrutineers in the early stages of counting. At this moment, counting is being conducted in the Wewak Town Market. The top 5 in the race for the seats are as follows: 1. Stanley Muts Samban – 8934 2. Dr. Dean Woruba – 8618 3. Moses Waria Maninare – 8607 4. George Isifu – 7453 5. Jim Simatab – 6845

A selection headache is sure to follow for Papua New Guinea Kumuls Head Coach, Justin Holbrook as he contemplates the performance by his team following their demolition of the Cook Islands Aitu in yesterday’s Pacific Championship match up. Six new Kumuls were given the nod to debut, all six proved to be very useful. Epel Kapinias, Judah Rimbu, Junior Rop, Cruise Ten, Jack De Belin and Benji Kot all shone in their positions, receiving huge praise from coach Holbrook. “We had 6 debutants and to come away with such a dominant win, everyone’s happy.” Jack De Belin made his international debut in style, making 18 runs for 168 run metres coming second to man of the match, Kapinias who clocked 201 run metres of 22 runs and scored a try on debut. [caption id="attachment_46380" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Picture Courtesy: NRL Photos/Scott Davies[/caption] Judah Rimbu also had a good spell at dummy half setting up a try and was instrumental in the victory over the Cook Islands boys.

Fetu Samoa captain, Niall Williams-Guthrie can hold her head up high following her stunning performance as captain of the side that came back from a 4-nil to clinch victory at the Santos National Football stadium here in the nation’s capital. Making 2-line breaks, 2-line break assists, setting 2 tries and 16 runs for a total of 166 run meters, 64 of those post contact. One could say she is the total leader package any coach would want on their side. But speaking post-match, her proudest moments weren’t the stats that she racked up during the game or the flamboyance of her play, but the feeling of running out of that NFS tunnel in the blue colours of Samoa. [caption id="attachment_46363" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Leading The Siva Tau - PC: NRL Photos/Scott Davis[/caption] In fact, leading the team out and singing the national anthem for Samoa was one of the proudest moments of her playing career, she said. “Leading the girls out, singing the national anthem followed by leading the Siva Tau, a really proud moment for my family and to be able to represent our small nation.” [caption id="attachment_46364" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Taking on the Bulikula Defence - PC: NRL Photos/Scott Davies[/caption] Apart from her own performance, she couldn’t be any prouder of her girls when they fought their way back to claim the victory over the Fiji Bulikulas. Williams-Guthrie, who played 70 minutes of the match, stated that their win yesterday is a credit to the heart shown by the Fetu Samoan team who came to play and still want more toward the back end of the game.

Preparations is key to success! The sentiment that drives Fijian Bulikula captain, Josephine Maejiirs as they look forward to their match up against a strong Fetu Samoa team. Maejiirs, who is one of the inaugural Bulikulas that made history when they defeated the PNG Orchids at Leichardt in 2019, said although they had a short time to prepare for that match, they managed to pull off a stunning victory and will be looking to replicate that this Sunday at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby city. She believes that it's going to be a tough match going up against the Samoans but is relishing the challenge. Facing similar circumstances, she said they are hoping to draw on that and the strong connections that they built through training. [caption id="attachment_46331" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Picture Courtesy: NRL Photographer - Scott Davis[/caption] The Fijian side features 14 NRLW stars and 7 Fijian based girls and are excited to go head-to-head with the Samoans. Although they haven't had as much game time as other nations like host country Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Samoa, the Fijians will be looking to go one up against their Polynesian rivals and will be drawing on their unity as a team to get the job done. "We only met for 5 days, and we trained for 3. And what we drew on that was the connection, the power of culture, the power of unity. We didn't have much, we didn't prepare much.” “The athleticism with the Fijian girls, it’s incredible. The depth and wealth that we’ve learned in the last few days is incredible. We are excited, really excited.” Whilst other women and girls from other footy playing nations have had the opportunity to play tests regularly, the Bulikulas, who have had limited opportunity to do so are looking forward to the challenge and welcome the announcement of more internationals for the women’s teams. “There’s going to be scheduled games and that’s why I’m encouraging all these young girls to come through so that we can then grade them and get them and prepare them for all these upcoming games, so that we can be more competitive. "Our goal is to get in and be more competitive.” ENDS//

Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey on the floor of parliament presented a supplementary budget of K 771mil, pushing expenditure to a record K25, 338 million. During his presentation on the floor of Parliament today, the Treasurer stated that this was all in the context of ongoing Budget repair and a drive to surplus by 2027 with an option to repay all sovereign debt by 2034. According to the Ling-Stuckey, the country's economy is performing better than others in the region, but faced with global uncertainties, he believes this budget will be able to continue the same trend excercised during both the Russo-Ukrainan War and the Covid-19 Pandemic as the government continues to monitor the current Israeli-Hamas conflict in the middle east. Turning to the local economy, he said the International Monetary Fund and World Bank have found that the growth of the Papaua New Guinean economy is set to reach high levels despite allowing for inflation. "The IMF and the World Bank have predicted that growth this year is expected to be 4.6 in real terms." "Even after allowing for inflation." "This is on top of growth rates of 4.8% in 2021 & 4.6% last year." "This is the strongest 3 year economic growth since the peak of the PNG LNG period." He stated that this Governments approach to protecting the budget and the economy has come through and whilst there are some that doubt the economic figures being presented, believes there is much to be optemistic about in the coming years. The Treasurer further stated that this economic growth is bringing in revenue for the country and due to this Tax Revenues have performed extremely strong. "Tax revenues are expected to be K821 million higher than at the time of the budget." "Of course some of this is related to strong resources prices but company taxes are up by K646mil, reflecting increased profitability of resource sectors." "Income taxes are up by K315mil, reflecting employment growth and higher salaries." He added that customs revenue is also exprected to grow in coming months.

Vanimo-Green MP Belden Norman Namah made a serious grievance debate against the bill for an increase of six (6) new ministries. Namah who is also the Permanent Parliament Committee Chairman of Foreign Affairs, Defense and Immigration disagreed with the bill stating that this was a bill that would mean more money would be spent on the creation of many of these Departments and Ministries. "When we create 6 new ministries, there is cost involved. We already have 4 new ministries." Namah expressed that even with the new Ministries that were introduced earlier this year, the Government have yet to establish departments for them. He further added that there are many issues that need to be prioritized, and the creation of these ministries would just be a waste of money. Apart from the Vanimo-Green MP, Opposition Leader Joseph Leland, Peter O’Neill , Ambunti Drekikier MP Johnson Wapunai and Central Province Governor Rufina Peter joined Belden Namah in voting against the bill.

Cook Island Coach, Karmichael Hunt has stated that they are really excited to be here in the country and are looking forward to taking on the PNG Kumuls this weekend. Hunt said the Cook Island team has been working hard in training all week and are looking to maintain that energy, heading into the match. "We got a few boys that missed the trip, but this opens up an opportunity for guys that have played at this level to put a jersey on.” “We know that the team we select on Sunday will do us proud." He said they will prepare to face the Kumuls, knowing that the are a very strong team and play hard. It will be a tough challenge, but it is one that they are willing to take on. As coach, Hunt said this is an opportunity for him to get the boys to gel together and also for him to get to know them. "Its about coming together and setting themselves up and giving an opportunity for the guys to get in some experience against a quality side." On his second trip back, Kuki's Captain Brad Takairangi said it was great to back here in PNG and is looking forward to the match up with a new look Kuki side. "We're a totally different side.” “Zane and I are the only senior players in the team and it's a good experience for our young boys to come over and get a feel for the PNG way of Life." Takairangi siad the Kuki's are aware of the calibre of footy that the Kumuls play and are quietly confident in what they can do. The Kuki's will face the Kumuls at the Santos National Football Stadium this Sunday at 3pm.

Public Servants in Northern province will now have to seek permission from the Office of the Provincial Administrator before travel and this will be ongoing until further notice. According to a released circular, effective on Sunday the 9th of October 2023, the Provincial Administrator, Trevor Magei issued a travel ban on all government officials until further notice. Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG, Mr. Magei stated that as the management and organization, they are trying to see how best they can manage themselves and their resources. "There has been uneccessary travel in the past and now the circular is in basically it's a measure put in place so that we control public servants travel." He stated that this decision is based on actions taken in the past, where money was wasted due to uneccessary spending. "We have now identified that these officers have travelled." "These are unsanctioned travels and they go to Port Moresby or other parts of the country and they incur cost." "We have a lot of debts that we have been incurred so basically what we are trying to do is to control spending." "It is an internal measure that we are trying to put in place." With these restrictions in place all future travel out of the province must obtain approval from the office of the Provincial Administrator prior to arrangements and travel.

As part of the PNG Government's pledge to close allies in the Solomon Islands, Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) Commissioner David Manning stated that 120 security personnel from across the 3 disciplinary forces, Police, Correctional Services and Bougainville Police Service will be deployed to provide security during the Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands. Commissioner Manning told PNG HAUSBUNG that as committed by the Government, their counterparts, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force [RSIPF] in delivering their security operations for the Pacific Games will be receiving support from PNG. “Our commitment was made at the Government to Government level, I’ve since been there and back." "We have plans to deploy 120 personnel, this is of course a mixture of RPNGC, CS and Bougainville Police Service [BPS].” He stated that due to the RPNGC’s wealth of experience in providing security in significant events of the past few years, the RSPIF along with the Solomon Islands Government has recognized the expertise that the RPNGC are able to bring to ensure that security over there are of the highest standard. The RPNGC planning team have already been sent over to prepare for the main contingent that will head over in December. The Police Commissioner added that funding for the deployment will be from the Australian Government.

Cricket PNG have expressed excitement over the news that cricket will once again be included in the Olympics following recommendation for the sport to be included by the International Olympic Committee. Although this may not be the final decision, the national governing body of the sport are happy to see this as a landmark for growth and development seeing cricket at the Olympics for the first time in more than a century. The decision, to be ratified at the IOC Executive Board meeting at the IOC Session in Mumbai next week, will provide a particular boost to many cricket countries outside the top tier by allowing them to further engage with their respective National Olympic Committees. Cricket PNG Board Member, Tamzin Wardley, who has served for sixteen years on the PNG Olympic Committee, welcomed this is fantastic news stating that Cricket PNG is already a part of our National Olympic Committee and has been financial for a very long time. “The PNGOC is also the Commonwealth Games Association for PNG and the Pacific Games Association for PNG, and cricket has also been part of both those organizations." "To be a competition sport in Los Angeles would be very exciting for cricket in PNG,” Wardley said. Meanwhile, Cricket PNG, CEO Richard Done added that the decision to recommend the sport of cricket to the IOC Executive Board has been the outcome of years of effort by the ICC and its members, and Cricket PNG congratulates all those involved in the process. “This clearly fits in with two of Cricket PNG’s Strategic Plan Pillars – International Success, and Profile Enhancement." But the benefits can be even more far-reaching. Being included in the Olympic Games, enables PNG cricket to be part of the larger PNG sports environment and provides recognition as a competitive sport both within and outside the country. Done said that there could be opportunities for scholarships for both athletes and coaches and additional support for preparation and competition. “If we have the chance to qualify, it will inspire a new generation of cricketers to be part of a larger Olympic sporting family and form a bond with other Papua New Guinean Olympic sports”.

Prime Minister James Marape is adamant that he build strong relations with China to promote the country as an investment haven for potential investors. This was evident in his visit recently to Resident Chinese Ambassodar, His Excellency Mr. Zang Fanhua, to finalise crucial policy, logistical, and administrative preparations for his forthcoming Official Visit to the People's Republic of China (PRC) from 16th to 19th October 2023. In a statement released, before embarking on his visit, Prime Minister Marape is set to deliver the Keynote address at the Inaugural PNG-Asia Investment Conference in Hong Kong on the morning of 16th October. Following this, he will depart for Beijing on the same day. His visit to Hong Kong on 15th October will commence with a bilateral meeting with Mr. John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region (SAR), followed by a series of meetings with major Chinese and Asian Investors. In a significant shift from past meetings, this event marks the first of its kind, diversifying its focus beyond mining, petroleum, and energy. The Prime Minister believes these discussions will encompass economic infrastructure development, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, innovative technologies, information communication technology, retail industries, banking, financing, and more. "There is a great need to harness the economic opportunities presented by the Asian markets in PNG's quest to be an industrialised society through downstream processing and value addition, and this Conference provides that opportunity." During the Official Visit, Prime Minister Marape is scheduled to meet with Premier Li Qiang on the afternoon of 16th October, followed by a meeting with President Xi Jinping on 17th October. Furthermore, he will attend the 03rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, where he will deliver a statement addressing the impact of the environment and conservation. Following the meeting with Premier Li, various bilateral arrangements will be formalised, including local currency settlement cooperation, higher education initiatives, technical education collaboration between the University of Goroka and UPNG, infrastructure development, curriculum development, and the commencement of the feasibility study for the Proposed Free Trade Agreement. Prime Minister Marape emphasised, "I will also witness the formalisation of PNG's membership in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) based in Beijing and the upgrading of the Air Services Agreement between Guangzhou and Port Moresby." He added, "I expect practical outcomes from my discussions with President Xi and Premier Li, with a primary focus on commerce, trade, and investment, alongside security cooperation." "In fact, I will meet with three major Chinese Investors, offering land and inviting them to establish their downstream and manufacturing plants in PNG to process Forestry, Fisheries, and coffee as finished products for regional and global markets." To ensure tangible outcomes from this Official Visit, Prime Minister Marape has committed to issuing specific instructions to the relevant Sector Ministries and Departments to fully implement the outcomes of the Visit and report back to the National Executive Council (NEC), including sustainable monitoring and evaluation of the implementation phases. Prime Minister Marape is accompanied by relevant Sectoral Ministers and Departmental and Agency Heads during these international engagements and is expected to return to the country on 20th October

The Madang District Administrator, Albert Ului has stated that at the moment, he is still waiting for reports on the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that hit the province over the weekend. Mr Ului told PNG HAUSBUNG that for his district, no casualties have been reported yet, but the quake has left its mark on many buildings in the town. He said this is evident in large cracks seen on large concrete foundations of buildings in town. “We felt the earthquake in waves.” “A lot of buildings are spotting large cracks. We don’t know the full extent of the damages as reports are still coming in.” Meanwhile, PNG Power Limited announced the restoration of power this morning to residents in town. The District Administrator further said that tomorrow they expect to have full reports of the extent of damage in the district.