Young Journalists and final year Journalism students here in NCD this week had the privilege to undergo a capacity building workshop to enhance their skills in Environmental Reporting. The Workshop, facilitated by Earth Journalism Network and Internews, centred around the important role that Journalists play in informing the public of what and how negative human behaviour impacts the environment [In terms of waste management and pollution] and their role in highlighting these specific issues to relevant authorities and how to influence and bring about positive change in society. This was in conjunction with World Environment Month 2023. PNG Media Council President Neville Choi who also facilitated a session stated that the country is now positioned in the stage where many economic activities, especially in the mining industry will soon commence or resume. He added that journalists and reporters must have adequate knowledge in order in this specific area to accurately report on these issues concerning the environment. “We need more environmental reporting.” “It’s because PNG is now positioned in the space where we need to have reporting in this space in the local media.” “Why? Because we’re seeing the restart of Porgera, the Frieda River Project going ahead, a new company taking over from where Solwara 1 left off for undersea mining,” Mr. Choi said. He further stated these are things that change the direction and economics of our country, and in turn, therefore, impact the lives of our people.

Capital Rugby Union (CRU) and the Queensland Rugby Referees Association (QRRA) are currently developing a program tailored around capacity building for referees, building interest and maintaining the standard of rugby. The CRU and the QRRA have been working together for over 6 years and having just recently formalized their partnership this year. CRU President Mr. Kori Chan was proud to announce that the CRU has secured a first of its kind grant funding for a provincial union, all thanks to a funding program from Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT). While the standard of Rugby is reaching new heights, Mr. Chan told PNG HAUSBUNG that this week and the last couple of days have been really focused on the development of local referees, adding that it is a very critical part of the game and needs to level up. “The quality of rugby for me, seems to be improving across all grades. It’s a very critical part of the game that we need to get better.” Mr. Chan expressed delight in the quality of rugby here in the capital but is also keen on working to ensure that the match officiating aspect of the game be developed to match the standard showcased by the players. He mentioned that the only hurdle that they currently face would be that of securing trainers to facilitate clinics for local referees regularly, and he hopes this partnership can be able to alleviate this. “On top of that, we’re going to be developing pathways for referees with Queensland to see if we can get them down to far North Queensland or Southeast Queensland to be involved in some of their competitions down there.” He said this will be good exposure not just for players, but for match officials as well. Meanwhile, Mr. Chan is happy with the standard of rugby displayed at the Bava Park, stating that it will be a very close contest for all teams leading up into the finals.

Queensland Rugby Referees Association (QRRA) Trainer/Educator Callum Robertson has expressed great satisfaction of the overall performance of local referees during Round 11 of the Pepsi Cup Capital Rugby Union (CRU) competition in Port Moresby, stating that so far they have been very good. He said that he was happy with the outcome, though most of Saturday (24/06/23) was put to running more coaching for the refs, to which they will be graded and at the end of the this training, referees will be accredited with Level 1 match officials certification from World Rugby. “Really happy with their improvement in positioning. Instead of sitting in their jockey, they’re actually getting up and managing that offside line so that we can create space for the teams,” Robertson stated. Aside from this, Robertson was astounded with the level of rugby played here in the capital Port Moresby, stating that it caught him by surprise, especially with the younger divisions being a lot more advanced and very intense and physical. “It was unreal!!! Definitely caught me off guard.” The final day of the Clinic will be held on today, at the Stanley hotel.

Thanks to the partnership between the Queensland Rugby Referees Association and the Capital Rugby Union (CRU), Referees from the Capital Competition have undergone a four days coaching clinic held recently at the Stanley hotel to enhance and build the capacity of local referees. The Queensland Rugby Referees Association (QRRA) is the peak rugby match official body in the state of Queensland, Australia and for quite some time now, have been collaborating with the CRU over a few years, mostly in assistance to officiate high profile matches such as the CRU’s Grand Finals. This is the first education pathway that both partners have engaged in, with local Referees going through Level 1 World Rugby Match officials program. World Rugby and QRRA trainer/educator Callum Robertson, who will be here for rugby pathways and education of the referees and coaches, stated that for the training that the referees will go through is to get the best out of the game and of the players. “We’ve kind of tapered it a little bit to sort of referee ready (Clinic). Because we have got quite a few guys that have yet to start refereeing, but we’ve also got quite a few senior guys at the back.” Robertson explained that going through the training, local referees went through the management toolkit, handling the foul play process and set piece & positioning. He said there was much enthusiasm shown by the group and was happy with their overall participation. “Their very smart in terms answering questions, but getting the confidence to speak up in front of everyone is a thing in the way.” Robertson stated that this is much like a pilot program for CRU and QRRA and hopes for many more to come. Robertson was on the field this weekend to assess referees in action during the Pepsi Cup Capital Rugby Union Competition.

The Government has spoken out on its intention to take proactive measures to continue to safeguard the consumers in the country. Recently, Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey met with the Independent Consumer and Competition Commissioner (ICCC), Paulus Ain to discuss the cost of living. Ling Stuckey stated that he is willing to work closely with the ICCC to strengthen laws that protect consumers against predatory behavior. The Treasurer mentioned that the recommendations that the ICCC has put forward to amend the Price Regulation Act, the Habours Act and the Packaging Act will be implemented, but at the moment is subject to National Executive Council (NEC) approval. “There will be major increases to the penalties applied under the Price Regulation Act to deter businesses from price gouging and ripping off consumers. Amendments to the Harbours Act will mainstream smaller ports into the same regulatory framework as the larger ports, to ensure consistency in the service delivery and customer experience." The Treasurer said the Packaging Act is also under the scope to be amended to ensure all products sold in country are correctly labelled. He added that all pieces of legislation will be presented to parliament once cabinet has given the green light. He expressed concern that some of the benefits of the Government’s Household Assistance Package are not being passed on to ordinary Papua New Guineans. “ICCC needs to ensure that our people are not being over-charged.” Meanwhile, additional funding will be provided to enable ICCC to visit some provinces this year and monitor the prices of goods and services. He also urged for the ICCC to present a comprehensive price gouging enforcement plan, to be funded in the 2023 budget.

The Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Education recently held an audience with the Acting Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), Fr Jan Czuba and representatives from the Department of Education (DoE) to evaluate the current status of the Education system in the Country. According to the report that was presented by the Acting Secretary pertaining to an independent inquiry into the Higher Education Sector, focusing on the University of Goroka, highlighted key issues that needed immediate attention, such as corruption and a lack of quality standards in the Education System. Apart from this, other representatives including those from the Ministry of Education, the Teaching service Commission and the office of the Librarian, gave a brief evaluation on each sector and its challenges in this day and era. During this audience, it was also identified the country lacks proper early childhood education, funding, services in rural and remote areas, unqualified teachers and inadequate teaching staff to cater for an expanding population, language barriers, empty schools without teachers and administrative issues. Committee Chair & Member for North Whagi, Benjamin Mul stressed that a good education system is important in achieving the country’s 2050 Vision; therefore, the Committee was looking forward to working with the DHERST to improve it and address issues that are affecting it. Meanwhile, there are plans to conduct site visits and inspections to Teachers Colleges, National High Schools of Excellency, FODE Centres and other institutions including Early Childhood Education, Primary and Secondary Schools in provinces around the country.

Prime Minister (PM) and Foreign Affairs Minister, James Marape has extended an invitation to Chinese investors in a bid to promote the country as a prime business destination. The PM made this statement when he invited the Governor of Guangdong Province, the country’s premier trading partner in China, Wang Weizhong to a breakfast this week. Whilst recognizing Guangdong as the largest and fastest-growing economy in terms of GDP among the 31 provinces and municipalities in mainland China, Marape also stated that it stands as an example of a prosperous Chinese province. “We warmly welcome investors from your province and encourage the continued strengthening of relationships between our capital city and your province and cities. It is a pleasure to have you here for the second time, and you are most welcome." With the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) all around the country, has expressed willingness to provide land to Chinese investors interested in forestry, fisheries, oil and gas, and other sectors. The Prime Minister spoke highly of the Chinese President, Xi Xing Ping in the 90’s. T hen Governor of the Fujian Province and his connection with the country, and his role in the founding of the Lufa Mushroom Project. "Your President is a true friend of Papua New Guinea. Even when he served as Governor of Fujian Province, he maintained a special relationship with Eastern Highlands Province. Some of the projects he initiated, such as the Lufa Mushroom Project, continue to thrive." Marape also went on to state the longstanding association of Chinese merchants and their influence in the country. "Chinese people have been a part of Papua New Guinea for over 200 years. Many of our foundational businesses were established by Papua New Guineans of Chinese origin.You are not among strangers but amidst a nation and people with strong ties not only to the Republic of China, but also to the Chinese people." PM Marape expressed his gratitude to President Xi for elevating China-PNG relations to a higher level and thanked China for its status as PNG's largest trading partner.

Prime Minister (PM) and Foreign Affairs Minister James Marape expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the increasing trade ties between Guangdong, a prominent Chinese province, and Papua New Guinea (PNG) during a meeting with Guangdong Governor H.E. Wang Weizhong this week. During this discussion it was established that trade with the province increased by 265.2 percent in trade volume in the first half of the year. The Governor formally invited the PM to visit the province later on, to which Marape accepted. Also attending the breakfast were National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop, State Enterprises Minister William Duma, Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong, Internal Security Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr, other MPs and senior public servants. Guangdong boasts the largest and fastest-growing economy in terms of GDP among the 31 provinces and municipalities in mainland China. It is home to the influential Pearl River Delta (PRD) Economic Zone, along with the Shantou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai Special Economic Zones. Governor Wang said trade with PNG amounted to a huge increase of 93.28%, reaching about USD$477million in imports and exports. “The positive momentum has continued to strengthen, with import and export trade between our regions, growing by 265.2 percent from January to May this year," Governor Wang stated. PM Marape also made mention of his satisfaction of improvements in trade and investment levels, adding that the trade partnership between the two regions has seen a remarkable growth of over 200 per cent. However, he reiterated that there is still ample room for expansion, and PNG is eager to foster further collaborations with Guangdong province. ENDS//

The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) has extended the due date for written submissions due to increased interest from the general public and stakeholders to have a say in the important review on the Form & System of Government on the Election of the Prime Minster by the People. CLRC Chair, Saki Soloma announced on Tuesday 20th of June that the extension will be for one week, from the 30th of June to 7th of July. “I urge our stakeholders, including the general public to take advantage of this opportunity and have your say in this important Review for the country.” He said the submissions can be hand delivered, mailed or emailed to the CLRC. Soloma stated that the CLRC’s online survey http://bitly.ws/AxiH on the Review is still open, but will officially cease on the 30th of June 2023 as was originally planned. “On behalf of my fellow Commissioners and the Management of the CLRC, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, and acknowledge everyone for their time and effort to come forward and contribute their views either through online survey, our Facebook page, written submissions or involved, especially in the nationwide consultation.” He added that all the views were captured and will go a long way in assisting CLRC not only to frame the recommendations in the final report that will be presented to the Prime Minister in December 2023, but more importantly to bring about changes – if need be, to our system of government to ensure a better future for the country for the next 50 years from 2025 onwards. For further information, contact CLRC using the above contact details or visit the CLRC Official Facebook page www.facebook.com/clrcpng.

The Chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform and Service Delivery and Northern Province Governor, Garry Juffa announced the receipt of the Independent Payroll Audit that was conducted by an independent auditing company, Deloitte. During the Governor’s speech, he mentioned that the report tabled to the SPC Sector Reform & Service Delivery stated that this particular report was a completion of a mammoth task that they were pleased to announce to the people of Papua New Guinea and this was the completion of the payroll audit. “This effort had commenced in 2014, however it had received very little success or it had not progressed much, until the Marape Government came in and formed the committee.” Juffa stated that one of the first roles of the committee was to look at the payroll blowout, which over time has constituted almost 30% of the Country’s budget, which was shocking and for any economy is truly unsustainable. The committee decided that this was an important matter that needed attention and the organization engaged to carry out this huge task was a reputable international organization, Deloitte, who were engaged through a very transparent procurement process, according to the Governor.

A little bit of drama late in the game capped of an exciting Ampol State of Origin Game two, with Queensland taking the spoils after an impressive defensive effort in front of 52, 433 fans on home soil to see off the New South Wales Blues with a 32-6 victory. Blues winger Josh Addo-Carr was binned in the final minute of the match for throwing a punch and both Jerome Luai and Reece Walsh sent off. This however did not douse the excitement felt by the Queensland fullback, beating his chest as he walked off the pitch triumphantly. Reece Walsh, Daly Cherry-Evans and Lindsay Collins, starred for the Maroons as they wiped the Blues into oblivion. Although the maroons were a bit scrappy in attack, they made up for this in defense shutting down numerous NSW attacking plays, mostly infront of their goal line, gifting coach Billy Slater his second consecutive State of Origin series victory. Earlier on in the match, Queensland were denied a try in the first 3 minutes, while NSW lost Tom “Turbo” Trebjovic with a torn pectoral, with doubts that he will not be able to complete the rest of the season. This prompted an unconventional shift in the Blues line up, with Damien Cook playing the rest of the match out of position in the centres and scoring the only NSW try of the match. Queensland opened the scoring through Valentine Holmes, who capitalized off a loose ball following a Cherry-Evans special. Cowboys teammate, Murray Taulagi would follow suit in the 33rd minute with his own to go into the sheds up by 10. Holmes showed his class yet again, scoring 2 minutes into the second half. With momentum fully on Queenslands side, the Hammer was next on the scoreboard, scoring off a Taulagi kick. Xavier Coates, who was given a call up after Selwyn Cobbo was ruled out of Game two due to injury, showed grit and class to get one for himself, and it was another Cowboy who sealed the match, picking a try after a Cook dropped ball in the NSW try line.

Thanks to quick response from the NCD Sector Patrol Units have seen an attempted burglary here in the Nation’s Capital foiled with two suspects apprehended. Members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary were quick to respond, doing so in under three minutes to thwart the robbery. According to police on scene, Sector Patrol units, on motorized patrols around down town received a report from the operations centre of a shop within the Pacific Palms Compound at Ahuia street being burgled and quickly responded to the call. Upon arrival, police were quick to secure the compound forcing the suspects to attempt to flee but fortunately, ran straight into the police officers arms. Right now, both suspects have been transferred to the Hohola Police station for detainment and questioning along with a security guard alleged to have aided the suspects.