People in the surrounding communities of the Mera Mera Local Level Government in Nakanai have been asked to temporarily relocate their homes following increased seismic activity around Mt. Ulawun. While Mt. Ulawun has slowed down, experts have advised that growing fluctuations in seismic activity surrounding Mt. Ulavun has made it unsafe for people in the area. Members of the West New Britain Provincial Disaster Office have notified villages in the surrounding areas to seek refuge elsewhere. A member of the Provincial Disaster Office, Herman Volele told PNG HAUSBUNG hat since last night they have been observing fluctuations in seismic activity. He said they have been observing this overnight and the readings have given them enough reason to ask villagers to temporarily relocate. “We observed a fluctuation of a glow, which is a bit of a threat to the Mera Mera community. Currently from this morning to lunch hour, activity is at low level.” They have observed nil ash fall in the area which is a good sign for the people according to visual observation. He said at the moment, it is very difficult to visually observe activity on the mountain due to low hanging clouds. A station has been set up to observe Mt. Ulawun by the Provincial Disaster Office and will continue to do so until deemed safe for villagers to return. Mt. Ulawun is categorized is a basaltic and andesitic stratovolcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Pacific. Genesis

The East Sepik Governor, Allan Bird has voiced great disapproval over the conduct of Internal Security Minister, Peter Tsiamallili Jnr, and has called on the Minister to step down from office. This is regarding what he says are questionable statements made by the Minister. The Governor in a recent statement said that considering Tsiamalili’s conflict of interest in representing the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, whilst at the same time promoting his aspirations for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville’s political future. Governor Bird further stated that it is inappropriate for a minister of state to use their position to promote his political agenda on the international stage while the issue is being dealt with in parliament. “Tsiamalili in his recent trip to the United Nation’s General Assembly, took advantage of the privilege to represent the country as a minister and instead used the opportunity to discuss the independence aspirations of Bougainville.” “The minister has also released a statement on his position on the path for the ratification of the referendum, which clearly depicts his conflicting political roles.” The Governor added that while he appreciates the Minister’s mandated position as the regional member, Bird believes that representation of the Country on a ministerial level should encompass putting the country first and provincial duties second. “As a regional member, Mr. Tsiamalili is within his right to discuss issues important to his constituency and progress his concerns.” “However, as a minister of state, you cannot be playing for two teams.” “The obligation and expectation of our ministers to is to represent the island of PNG, its’ people and it’s sovereign national agenda, not secondary duties.” Meanwhile, the Internal Security Minister and Bougainville Regional Member, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr has pushed refuted the claims and calls made by Governor Bird. “I am aware of a Statement issued earlier by Governor Alan Bird, MP calling for my resignation from the National Executive Council.” “In his Statement, Governor Bird has questioned my ability to balance competing interests as Regional Member for Bougainville and as Internal Security Minister.” “As Governor Bird has noted, I have been in New York to attend meetings on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.” “One such meeting was the Ministerial Meeting of the Peace Building Commission. I addressed this meeting in my capacity as Internal Security Minister.” He stated that contrary to reporting in one of the dailies, he did not use that meeting to advocate for Bougainville’s independence but rather, spoke to the need for the United Nations to continue to support peace building initiatives globally. “I noted the importance of preventative diplomacy as a means of reducing conflict and the importance of trust between parties. In doing so, I spoke to Papua New Guinea’s very clear foreign policy as “friends to all, and enemies to none”, that enables us to work with all countries.” The Minister added that he spoke of the need to advance peace by peaceful means and the need for this principle to be applied in a global context, emphasizing the need for tact, sensitivity and mutual respect when negotiating the path to peace. He added that he took note of the impact on Papua New Guinea, including the people of the Atolls region in Bougainville who were the world’s first documented climate refugees and called for global solidarity and support to combat the impacts of climate change and the potential security challenges that arise from it.

Capital Rugby Union has announced the appointment of Nova Coach Eddie Galele as the new General Manager for Rugby. In a release this week, CRU President Kori Chan stated that the appointment of Galele was made following a successful interview campaign process. He stated now with Eddie on board, he will continue to facilitate their endeavour of rugby development and of developing CRU to becoming the best rugby organization in the country and to achieve their goal of eventually becoming a semi-professional competition. In addition, the President has advised that he will continue with recruitment for the other advertised positions with the aim of building a formidable team. Chan said that Galele has been acting as an advisor to the CRU for the past few months and with his wealth of experience in corporate and infrastructure leadership, understanding the code in management mentoring and coaching. “His contribution to developing junior and match officials’ pathways and women’s participation as well as meeting our vision in raising our standards to higher levels will be invaluable.” Galele is currently the head coach of the Moni Plus Nova and assistant coach for the NCD Boromas Team but has advised that he will be handing over the reign to Cecil Davani, who will take up the role from 2024 and onwards but will maintain his involvement as the Boromas Assistant coach.

Rough weather in Madang province has seen the demise of a Heli Solutions Ltd Bell 407, with five passengers on board sustaining serious injuries after it crash landed a few minutes from the Gebrau Airstrip from Sengapi on the 22nd of this month. Minister for Aviation Walter Schnaubelt in a statement reported that the helicopter departed Sengapi Airstrip at 03:02 pm and was on approach to land at Gebrau Airstrip at around 03:15 pm when the accident occurred. “I am informed that Heli Solutions Ltd subsequently conducted a rescue operation in coordination with Air Traffic Control but was unable to access the accident site due to deteriorating weather.” “It is reported that the nearby Gebrau villagers have assisted the pilot and passengers and have provided shelter in the meantime.” The Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) was called and notified about the accident at 4:50 pm and has commenced an investigation in accordance with Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. A team of investigators was set to deploy to the accident site. There is not much known about the circumstances of the accident and the lead up at this point. “As the AIC conducts investigations for the sole purpose of improving aviation safety, I expect that all parties will harmoniously cooperate and comply with the AIC investigation process.”

The country’s Treasurer has said that Papua New Guinea (PNG) has met the economic reform benchmarks that was reached with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the beginning of the year. Treasurer, Ian Ling-Stuckey stated that out 18 reforms that were set out in his presentations, 17 have been met with one still in the works due to a minor delay. “17 have been met and one has had a minor delay as the updated Medium-Term Revenue Strategy has been agreed to by the Ministerial Economic Sub-Committee of the NEC, but not considered yet by the NEC itself.” He said in addition to this, there has been “staff level” agreement for new benchmarks that will be taken to NEC for consideration. “During our final meeting of the ‘first review’ visit from 6 to 21 September, the IMF review team indicated that less than half of countries passed the first review process of an IMF program.” He went on to state that despite all the political critics, PNG is continuing well with its economic reforms on budget repair, lifting incomes, creating jobs, reducing foreign exchange shortages and fighting corruption. The Treasurer mentioned that the Marape-Rosso Government’s closer working relationships with the IMF started in 2019 as both parties worked together to expose the “fake budgets” of earlier years. One of the advantages of working with the IMF is that they really test all the numbers the government has included in their budget statements. “During two weeks of intensive questioning, our staff at Treasury and BPNG have been answering many detailed questions on how the budget is performing, on central bank operations, and how the economy has been performing.” “Frankly, this is a good thing. Getting to the facts, and being transparent with the facts, are vital for good governance. Our people, and our international partners, can now have much greater confidence in our budget documents and other economic figures.” He believes that working with the IMF has benefitted the country’s credit rating since the announcement of the program six months ago, meaning the “risk premium” in international markets for PNG has dropped by a third, or nearly 3 percentage points. This has probably helped lower domestic interest costs on the PNG government’s borrowing program. Indeed, the savings in lowering the costs of government borrowing are estimated to be over a billion Kina each year – money that is being re-directed towards the record increases in funding for health and education and law and order that has been provided in recent budgets. These are some of the concrete benefits of more transparent and more credible economic management. “With staff level agreement on new benchmarks, we will now confirm through NEC that the updated program continues to support the Marape-Rosso Government’s economic reform efforts. We did not go to the IMF in crisis – indeed, PNG has record levels of international reserves. He added that the treasury has invited the IMF in to provide their expertise and credibility to support PNG’s own economic reform priorities, as they finalize the processes of this first review over the next two months, PNG stands to benefit from the release of further K330 million in good, cheap, international budget support for the 2023 budget.

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly recently, the Minister for Internal Security Peter Tsiamalili Junior, emphasized on several key points that he believes the Secretary General should consider his Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace and the evolving role of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) in achieving lasting peace and security. He mentioned four key points, which included Support for Preventive Diplomacy, Peace by Peaceful Means, Climate-Peacebuilding Nexus and the Importance of Multilateralism. The Minister highlighted the crucial importance of preventive diplomacy in averting conflicts and tensions between nations and within nations. He emphasized the need for de-escalation, mutual understanding, and cooperation to build trust and foster peaceful relationships. The Minister said Papua New Guinea's Foreign Policy is being "Friends to All, and Enemies to None," enables the country to work with all nations. Tsiamalili also stressed the significance of investing in peacebuilding through peaceful means. He emphasized the need to understand the root causes of conflicts and develop strategies to address them with sensitivity, mutual respect, and local context. The Minister cited the successful Bougainville peace process as an example of diligent and consistent implementation of agreed activities. Recognizing the climate crisis as a major security threat to Pacific Island Countries, including Papua New Guinea, Minister Tsiamalili also called for global solidarity and support to combat the impacts of climate change and the resulting security challenges. He urged the PBC to actively address the intersection of climate change and peacebuilding. He reaffirmed the need for multilateralism through the United Nations to ensure a secure and peaceful world. He highlighted successful UN-supported peacebuilding initiatives at national and sub-national levels, including the ongoing projects of "Parliamentary Strengthening" and "Sustaining Peace through Economic Empowerment" in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. He added that the timeliness of necessary reforms to make the UN fit-for-purpose and called for the long-overdue process of Security Council reform, including the removal of the veto power.

They may have gone down to a star-studded Australian PM’s XIII side by two scores, but that did not dampen the fiery Papua New Guinean fighting spirit when they succumbed to the Australian side 30-18. The home side put up to strong challenge and despite the loss, were happy to have made the country proud. In his first stint as the coach of the PNG National side, the grin on Justin Holbrook’s face post-match indicating promising signs for the Kumuls come next month as they head into the Pacific Championships. Holbrook when speaking with PNG Hausbung stated that the home boys tried so hard to level the match and although it was disappointing to concede the last try, was proud of how they showcased themselves. “I’m really proud of the effort and the boys tried so hard and we pushed the Aussies all the way which is excellent.” At one point in the match both teams were on equal score, with the locals putting up a fight. Although unlucky in the end, he said the team throughout the week looked to put the visitors under immense pressure and that seemed to pay off in the match. “Yeah, we only had one week to prepare and wanted to come and put them under pressure and it was awesome.” Coach Holbrook stated that he was content with the atmosphere of the crowd and their input into cheering the Papua New Guinea side and is looking forward to next month.

The Australian Prime Ministers XIII continue their run of victory against rival PNG following a 30-18 victory following a final try to fullback Tyrell Sloan. The Aussies were pushed to the limit by the opposition in a tight affair which had everyone at the Santos National Football Stadium on their feet. The home side took the lead early through a Nene Macdonald try in the 4th minute after the Australians fumbled the ball in goal. The visitors hit back through Murray Taulagi a few minutes later. Although they have the lead it has been a pretty ordinary performance as the home side asserted dominance through the middle third. With Just 6 points separating both teams in the first half, the Australian PM’s XIII had their noses in-front in a following a late try by Hudson Young. Cruise Ten leveled the scores 6 minutes into the second half but errors by PNG took a toll on the home side letting the visitors back in when a Alofina Khan-Perreira Caught the defense of guard and scored of the back of a scrum in the 58th minute. Cameron McInnes would stroll over in the 61st, running through fatigued defense bringing the scores to 24-12. PNG through their relentless attack brought themselves within 6 points in the 70th minute but were outdone by themselves when a loose ball saw Tyrell Sloan pick off the scraps and add 6 more points, bringing the match to a halt. The final score saw Australia scrap through defeating the PNG PM’s XIII 30-18.

It was an attacking master-class by the Australian Women’s PM’s XIII as they piled on the points against an error riddled PNG Women’s PM’s XIII this afternoon at the Santos National Football Stadium to run out victors. It was the home side that got the game underway and the visitor who put up a show, Australian PM’s XIII Centre, Cassey Tohu-Hiki registering the first 4-pointer this afternoon in just the first minute, racing away to score in the 1st minute. The home side stunned by this try to reciprocate in the first half, but errors around the ruck and and ill-discipline plagued the PNG side as the visitors ran out to an 18-nil lead in the first half thanks to the Jikiya Whitfield and a double by Tohu-Hiki. Australia dominated in the second half scoring seven tries, the only PNG try coming from Ua Ravu. Th final score at full-time was 56-4 in favour to the visitors.

In a hard fought battle on the pitch this afternoon, the Papua New Guinea Defense Force Women were able to hold of a resurgent Australian Defense Force Women’s team to secure a 10-nil victory. Kicking off the match, both teams looked threatening in attack, but loose carries and ill-discipline around the ruck seemed to hurt both sides. However the home team managed to string together a few plays and attack the defence line showing signs of promise. Returning to the pitch in the second half, hard running saw PNGDF’s Winnie Steven barge her way over the Defence to put the hosts infront. In a tight second half the Australians at certain points in the match looked to cross over the home side but ball handling errors Aileen Sonny, a former Orchid put the final nail in the coffin as she also barged over the defence to take the Score to double figures. With time ticking away the visitors were desperate to get on the board but thanks to strong defence from the home side, they managed to get away unscathed. The final score in favor of the home side, 10-nil.

The final day for preparations heading into the Prime Minister’s XIII Match up against the Australian PM’s XIII and Justin Holbrooke’s men are looking to accept the challenge in the Australian team, although not at its full strength, is capable of wreaking havoc around the park. Taking it slow this afternoon at the final captains run, it looks like Holbrooke could have a few tricks up his sleeve.Central Queensland Capras and Kumul enforcer Valentine Rimbu said, speaking personally, at this point in time he is ready to put everything on the line in tomorrow’s match. “I’m here to put my body on the line and I know that there may be some hurdles but I make sure to try my best,” he said. Both Rimbu and Capras teammate, Nixon Putt will both have an important role to play, as they go head to head with some of the finest that the National Rugby League [NRL] has to offer. The team will be banking on both the forward pack and also captain, Kyle Laybutt to steer them over the Aussies. PNG Veteran, Nene McDonald added that for the home side, the passion for the sport has always been their strongest asset when going up against top guns but come game day they will need more than that to secure the win.

It was what every little Papua New Guinean kid could every dream of as hundreds of kids turned out this morning at the Santos National Football Stadium in the capital to take part in the League Bilong Laif clinic, and what better way to do it then with their heroes from the NRL. As part of their outreach program, there to take the kids through some drills and other skills, the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII led by captain Cameron Murray, were there following their morning captains run to meet and greet the Kids. The NRL PNG (League Bilong Laif) program uses rugby league to create positive social change with and for the people of Papua New Guinea. The program goals of NRL PNG are to use the sport of rugby league to engage and develop PNG communities to improve Health, Gender equality, with a particular focus on prevention of gender-based violence, social cohesion, Participation opportunities for people of all abilities. The only person who did not attend the clinic due to unforeseen reasons was Josh Addo-Carr. However, all the other Australian representative teams, such as the Junior Men’s and Women’s teams had their final runs prior to the matches tomorrow.