Chief Secretary to the Government, Ivan Pomaleu has called out the Department of the Prime Minister and the National Executive Council to resolve issues that hinder the progress of development and service delivery. This call was made during the Departments luncheon in celebration of the Country’s 48th independence. He advised that Independence is a moment in history, 48 years ago, that the country was admitted into nationhood, and joined the community of nations globally. Chief Secretary Pomaleu said the founding fathers have had their time and that now is time to take it from where they left off and on into the future. “It is our collective responsibility, as members of this department to work on making sure that the aspirations of this government and the people that it represents, as enshrined in the MTDP IV and other over-arching and associated documents are achieved.” He added that the government has taken stock of where the country is now and are determined to course through the direction, they want to take the country to. Pomaleu told staff members present that they were all privy to high level conversations on Connect PNG, on making health and education better, on building infrastructures, on building opportunities for common people, business opportunities, on taking back more from resources. He said we have already launched the Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV), which is the aggregate of every other conversation that we have had up until now. "It is a guiding document that will help us achieve the development goals of our government." He said the MTDP IV sets the tone for all that must be done to deliver us to 50 years of independence and beyond. “It (MTDP IV) demands that we do not rest on our laurels and that we do not go to sleep on our watch.”

The Western Provincial Health Authority (PHA) has extended thanks to Minister for Livestock and South Fly MP Seki Agisa for the presentation of a brand-new bus that will enhance nursing services at the Daru Provincial Hospital. Minister Agisa, who was once a health worker stationed at the hospital, stated that working in the space of health can be a challenge sometimes as most of the time health workers put themselves on the line to save lives. “Working in the space of health is very challenging as it deals with the lives of people and thus, meeting the needs and working conditions of health workers is vital.” The 15-seater bus will help nurses attend to their shifts as well as emergency call outs on time and with convenience to provide the best of patient care to the public. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for South Fly District Development Authority (DDA) Tawa Gebia expressed that this kind gesture by the minister adds significance to the nursing services provided at the hospital. He also highlighted the responsibility of the DDA in providing goods and services in the district where a health facility is absent. Acting Hospital Manager Sister (Sr.) Janice Warure in the presence of the DDA members acknowledged this timely support to the hospital. Sr. Warure also made known the need for a new ambulance, proper beds and a facelift of the hospital facilities. The Fly River Provincial Government and the Western Provincial Health Authority are both working together under an MOU to address and implement the development pillar on quality health for the people of Western Province.

Residents in the capital can now be assured of their safety as police today announced the commencement of their Special operations as the days countdown to Independence. NCD/Central Division Commander, ACP Anthony Wagambie Jnr said police will now be executing their operation orders, and both Central Provincial Police Commander, Laimo Asi & NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika have received their orders and will be briefing their subordinates on what is expected of them this independence period. “All our policemen and women will be out in full force, both in NCD and Central Province to ensure that we celebrate this occasion very peacefully.” NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika said Papua New Guinea is a country with diverse cultures and traditions and NCD itself has a large concentration of people in the country, this in turn has resulted in the amalgamation & recognition of a variety of cultures, which impacts the Capital’s development. With the launch of NCDC’s Independence celebration program, preparations are underway, and the Met Supt. is anticipating opportunists will be out and about causing havoc. “We’ll have a lot of problems, and we’ll have a lot of crimes that will be committed at this time, so to speak. There is nothing secret about it.” Superintendent Sika has advised that police are prepared and will be out in full force this festive period with men from other police units in the capital. “On top of the existing metropolitan police units here in NCD, I also included reinforcements from support units such as the Special Services Division, Dog Units, National Fraud Squad, Water Police, everybody is coming on board to support us.” Almost 500 police personnel will be spread across the city conducting operations and ensuring police visibility on the ground and will be positioned in key areas prior to the start of the independence celebrations. 6 vehicles have also been released by the City Manager for police use during this time to conduct operations. Apart from this he stated that police will be checking people at their discretion, should they deem them to be a danger to the greater public. Foot patrols will also be conducted through this period.

Police in East New Britain are now working to establish a motive to the attack on Tokua Airport following the sabotage of equipment and destruction in the early hours of this morning. Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector Janarius Vosivai confirmed that there was a break-in, 25 suspects entered through airside, and proceeded to ransack the area. Police are currently investigating to establish total property lost and damage sustained. PPC Vosivai says key suspects involved have been identified, 6 of the 25 involved. Due to the extent of the damage to terminal facility and equipment, the National Airports Corporation will likely close the aerodrome temporarily for police to conduct investigations. Meanwhile, a Notice to Airmen [NOTAM] has been issued by Niusky Pacific Ltd advising of the closure to all aircraft operations at this time. More updates will follow as this story develops.

After the announcement of the Ticket prices and the confirmation of the Prime Minister’s XIII matches to be played here in the nation’s capital, PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina has also advised that all Teams from Australia will touchdown in Port Moresby this week. All 160 players, officials and other personnel will be flown into the country via an Australian Defense Force Aircraft in preparations for the matches next weekend. Hondina stated that representatives from the ARL and the PNGRFL have been working overtime to make sure that everything is set upon arrival. He said that PNGRFL Commercial Manager, Tasman Samuel is heading the working group from the PNGRFL to liaise with the ARL to process all the players. It is on that date which the country will get to find out who will be donning the 17 Kumul jersey’s that will take the field on the 23rd of this month. “On Thursday there will be a press conference by the two captains and an announcement of the game day lead up.” This will lead to Friday when both teams hit the fields for captains run. Hondine further added that there will be interaction between players and both teams with schools around the city but limited.

These are exciting times for Rugby League fans in the Nation’s Capital as it has been confirmed that after 5 years, the Prime Minister’s XIII will return to the shores of PNG. PNGRFL CEO Stanley Hondina announced today that following confirmation of the match schedule, ticket sales for both match days are on sale at selected outlets. The 23rd and 24th of this month have been confirmed on the international calendar for matches in which the CEO stated would be a treat for rugby league lovers who have been anticipating it’s return. “For the First time in the history of the PM’s XIII, there will be 12 teams playing 6 games over 2 days, something that’s never been done before, and we look forward to welcoming all fans.” According to the schedule published by the PNGRFL, the 23rd of September will see the PNGDF Women take on the ADF Women, which will be followed by the Women’s PMs XIII prior to the main event which will see the Country’s best athletes take on the Australian PM’s XIII. Then on Sunday, the Junior Orchids take on the Australian School Girls, followed by their male counterparts and capping off a long weekend of footy, the PNGDF Men will go up against the ADF. Hondina added that ticket prices for the matches remain priced consistent with that of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and the 2019 Great Britain Lions Tour in PNG. Corporate Boxes have been allocated to the games major sponsor and dignitaries but there still is opportunities for individuals and business houses to be part of the action. Ticket Prices are as follows: Saturday 23rd Sept, 2023 Grandstand - K120 Western Wings – K80 Eastern Stands – K50 North & South Stands – K30 Corporate Hospitality: Club Lounge – K650 15-Seater Premium Seating – K15,000 9-seater Premium Seating – K12,500 Sunday 24th Sept, 2023 Grandstand – K40 Western Wings – K25 Eastern Stand – 15 North & South – K10 Corporate Hospitality: Club Lounge – K250 15-Seater Premium Seating – K10,500 9-Seater Premium Seating – K8,500 Tickets are available now online at the Tiketmastas.com while over the counter ticket purchases will be at: Brian Bell Boroko J-Mart Erima Cool Stuff Rangeview

Although operation orders are in place, Northern Province Police are waiting the Provincial Administration to submit their programs for the Independence celebrations. Assistant Provincial Police Commander, Inspector Bob Avese told PNG HAUSBUNG that there was talk of celebrations to be held in Popondetta town, but they have not received confirmation as yet to plan the security for these events. “We had a music festival planned in town, but we have not gotten word from the Provincial Administration and organizers to confirm.” He said it is highly unlikely that the events may take place but has confirmed that operational orders for independence will commence. Meanwhile, the A/PPC Avese stated that hold ups are slowly becoming a norm in the area, mostly orchestrated by unemployed youths looking for opportunities. He said for some time now, police on most occasions have been called in to address this issue. “It’s mainly the youths who find that there is no way to make money turning to these activities.” Despite this he assured that police will be working to ensure safety in the province and make sure the independence celebrations are peaceful.

As the clock ticks towards the end of the campaign period this month, 15 candidates have tossed their hats in the ring to contest for the Wewak Open seat. Returning Officer for Wewak Open, James Piapia told PNG HAUSBUNG that so far the By-Election Campaign period has been very calm and is hoping it stays that way come polling time on the 23rd of this month. Mr. Piapia stated that out of the 15 candidates that have been nominated, only one female has put her hand up to contest the seat left vacant by former member Late Kevin Isifu. “It’s the campaign period now and we can only hope it stays this way till the polling time.” He said at present, he is happy with the way things are going, noting that they have not encountered any major incidents but are anticipating anything to happen. Piapia added that he plans to speak with the candidates soon to ask them to ensure that their supporters are in line and assure them that they will be on their best behavior. “I will also be speaking with the PPC to make sure he is on standby and alert.” Over 368 Temporary Election Workers [TEW’s] have been engaged to deliver the By-Elections, with Mr Piapia further calling on all people to respect the process.

After the completion of the National Gaming Control Board’s (NGCB) nationwide illegal gambling educational awareness, the NGCB has made a call out to all parents to take full responsibility of their children and ensure they do not engage in illegal activities that will have detrimental impact on their path. The purpose of the awareness is to educate the public on the legalities of games and gaming activities, and the penalties set out in the Gaming Control Act 2007. The NGCB, in collaboration with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) have stressed on the importance of ‘responsibility, accountability and making rational decisions’ which are tools to combat illegal gambling, rising law and order issues, social issues amongst others. The awareness program emphasized that the public must be educated on the impacts of engaging in illegal gambling activities and most importantly, parents must ensure their children are not exposed to illegal gambling, which will have negative impact on their decision-making. The awareness program also highlighting the variety of games that are authorized by the NGCB while informing the public on games such as card games, bingo, ludo king, online games, dart, hi-lo, cockfighting, or any other game that is played in exchange for money that are deemed illegal. People who are caught engaging in illegal games will be apprehended and prosecuted by the police with a K5, 000 fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both. The NGCB maintains its commitment to ensure regulatory and best practice within the gaming industry and promote responsible gaming to minimize adverse impact on the society and is realized through the rolling out of this educational awareness program. The awareness will continue to the Highlands region, Momase region and conclude in the Southern region.

With their third minor premiership in four years secured, the Panthers get down to the business of becoming the first team since Parramatta in 1981-82-83 to win three titles in a row. The Panthers could scarcely have been more impressive in their Round 27 demolition of the Cowboys and they head into the finals series brimming with confidence and self-belief. The absence of five-eighth Jarome Luai had the potential to throw the premiers off kilter but as they have done for the past four seasons they seamlessly slotted in a replacement player in Jack Cogger and barely skipped a beat. In stark contrast the Warriors rested a host of stars and were outplayed by the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium, halting the momentum they had built up in a seven-game winning streak. Playing their first finals match in five years, the Warriors will fancy their chances of an upset, but they have to reverse a worrying trend that has seen them lose their last seven games against Penrith. With the weight of history and a boisterous BlueBet Stadium against them, Andrew Webster's men will need dig deep if they are to throw the Panthers juggernaut off the rails. A week off and another chance to rest weary bodies is the prize for the winner of a fascinating contest that will reveal much about the premiership aspirations of the two combatants. Source: NRL.com

As the Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) continues to work towards becoming operational in the coming months, Commissioner Andrew Forbes has advised that collaboration with multiple local and international agencies is key to their operations. Andrew Forbes advised PNG HAUSBUNG that at this point, they are well advanced in growing their networks as they continue to collaborate with agencies, departments and integrity institutions as well as international counterparts. “We have had some initial consultation on the arrangement of working through an Anti-Corruption Multi-Agency Task force with a number of integrity agencies and institutions facilitated through the office of the Chief Secretary.” The commissioner said they hope to see this initiative progress, as it will be an exemplar as it will demonstrate a true sense of collaboration. “Collaboration is Key, as ICAC’s role will always involve ‘triaging’ complaints that allege corrupt conduct.” This means that while most corruption related complaints may be directed to ICAC, not all will be dealt with through its processes. He stated that through ICACs referral role, many of these complaints will be referred to the appropriate agencies (Police and the Ombudsman Commission) to deal with. As he explained, ICAC will maintain a watching brief over all complaints, even if they are referred to other agencies. He said collaboration with courts on the other hand will be restricted because the courts are entirely independent. It is anticipated that the only direct dealings with the courts, other than in the capacity of a party to the proceedings, may involve facilitating the process to carry out its powers.

Police have confirmed the apprehension of the prime suspect responsible for the robbery and killing of a Chinese national earlier this month, with charges laid against him. The suspect was arrested at a wreckers yard at 5mile here in the Nation's capital and has been charged for armed robbery and murder. Commissioner of Police, David Manning has advised that the arrest of the suspect was an example of police increasingly using new and emerging technology to apprehend criminals and the apprehension of the murder subject is the latest example of its effectiveness. “In many years gone by a criminal could run and disappear, take on a fake identity and elude justice." "That is difficult today as there are more tools at police disposal and we are investing in training across the force.” The Commissioner further added that the increased use of computers for data collation, electronic intercepts of criminal communications and roll out of the National Identity Cards all contribute to strengthening law and order. As Law enforcement technology too evolves with RPNGC capacity to deploy more new methods, Manning said criminals will not be able to escape from the law. “The bottom line for any fugitive is that they might evade for a period but we will find you and put you behind bars.” He commended the efforts of the officers that apprehended the suspect.