Fone Haus brand ambassador and former NRL Telstra Premiership champion and North Queensland Cowboys star Jonathan Thurston is back in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for his second visit. This time during his stay here, Thurston will be helping the Fone Haus Emerging Leaders program and visit Family Sexual Violence (FSV) partners of NWTL company (Nambawan Trophy Limited)and showing support for the staff who help survivors of FSV. Thurston will leave Port Moresby for Lae city tomorrow, Wednesday 18th January where he will go around and meet up with Fone Haus staff in Lae city and at the same time visit Emerging Leadership program participants and the FSV partners. The Fone Haus Emerging Leaders program is an ongoing initiative where currently about 32 Fone Haus staff members are participating in the program to help develop them into better leaders in the workplace and their respective communities. “Got a whole week here, looking forward to go to Lae doing the emerging leaders’ program, it is great that Fone Haus as a company is investing in their staff to make their staff go to the next level for their company,” said Thurston. “I’m looking forward to doing all that as well, so whilst I’m here, if you see me out on the streets, come and say hello and take a photo. It should be fun.” While in Lae, Thurston will be also taking time out to play some game of footy with the locals. Meanwhile, Thurston’s first visit to PNG was back in May 2022, which was eight months ago. The theme for his visit this year is “Making Memories with JT”, and the public is urged to take pictures, videos if they see him in public.

The Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and Sports, Don Polye wants to see greater cooperation and partnership between the governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG)to further excel education at the tertiary level in the country. Minister Polye, who welcomed Australian Prime Minister (PM) Anthony Albanese to the University of Papua New Guinea School of Medicine and Health Sciences on Thursday 12th January, told Albanese that he looks forward to working with Australia in the area of excellence in education. “Excellence is very important in this contemporary time, we see Papua New Guinea and Australia and the rest of the world, working and partnering to drive excellence in education, especially in the universities and technical education, it’s very important,” said Minister Polye. Polye told PM Albanese that it would of great value when he and his Australian counterpart meet and talk about this matter and other matters relating to tertiary education. The other area which Polye would like to see both countries partner in, is the area of digital learning; that is, visual, online learning and teaching. He explained that the world is now moving into that space and PNG must migrate into that area too because it is vital for education and training of the country’s future generation. Another area of partnership Polye highlighted was the networking with some of the major institutions in Australia to share ideas, research, innovations, and technologies. “I am happy to seize the opportunity that your government is presenting and work with your ministers,” said Polye. Meanwhile, PM Albanese was at the School of Medicine in Port Moresby to see firsthand the projects funded by Australian government through the Incentive Fund to assist student learning in PNG. There he was met by the Chancellor for the University of Papua New Guinea Mr. Robert Igara and Minister Polye and the school’s Dean.

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrapped up his two days visit with a trip to Wewak in East Sepik Province as a mark of significance of the relationship Papua New Guinea and Australia have before and after independence. Speaking at the Moem Barracks when making his visit to inspect the guard, he told the people, soldiers and local leaders, including Governor Allan Bird that his trip to Wewak, apart from other engagements, was to pay tribute to the man who got PNG's independence from Australia in a peaceful way and then continued to maintain that relationship onwards. "We have flown in to Wewak to pay tribute to late Somare and this is significant because in a few years you will be celebrating 50 years of independence," he said. He said this relationship will continue as the future of the two nations are linked and therefore, trade and investment, exchange of workers, defense and security will continue to be strengthened. Much of that was discussed during the 4th Annual Bilateral Leaders Dialogue in Port Moresby on Thursday 12th January, which he believes should pave way for better trade, economic and security relations. PM Albanese was later given a guard of honor at Boram Airport by the Second Royal Pacific Islands Regiment to farewell him and his delegation back to Port Moresby and then back to Australia this evening.

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has arrived in Wewak town for his second day of visit to PNG. PM Albanese first visited the Somare family in his first engagement. There he was traditionally welcomed by the elders of Kreer Village before he visited the tomb of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare at Kreer Hights where he and Prime Minister James Marape laid wreaths at the tomb. While there, he also joined the Japanese Ambassador to lay wreaths at the Japanese war memorial. Albanese's visit will end after the ground parade at the Moem Barracks.

The outcome of the 04th Annual Bilateral Dialogue between the prime ministers of Papua New Guinea and Australia saw a lot of trade and investment, and regional security matters discussed and consensus made. Speaking after the dialogue at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby, Australian Prime Minister (PM) Anthony Albanese told the media that the meeting also served to strengthen this bond between the two countries as we go into an age of new technologies, environmental and security issues. "Today's 4th annual bilateral leaders dialogue strengthens the incredible partnership these two countries have, a comprehensive partnership of equals. Its based upon the fact that our economic and security cooperation is in both of our interest." On that note, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the defense treaty that both countries will sign should strengthen security and improve trade and economy going forward. He said the treaty should see increased defense force cooperation between the two countries, training of security personnel with support from Australia, joint operations, domestic security improvements. He said this is in the best interest of both countries; therefore, in June this year this treaty will be looked at further as both countries work towards an actual ratification. This is because when there is security and stability, there is an environment for more investments and trade, leading to good economic growth and benefit in both countries.  

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicated some important issues that he and his Papua New Guinea (PNG) counterpart, Prime Minister James Marape, will be discussing during the bilateral dialogue on his first day of visit. Albanese, while addressing the PNG National Parliament this morning, said issues such as health, education, infrastructure, regional security,Visa arrangements between the two countries, trade and investment, and climate change are if vital interested for both countries and the region which should see assistance provided by our closest neighbour. Touching on health, Albanese said Australia will continue to provide support for the health sector as it is the most important part of any county's economic development. He said one of the achievements from that support so far is the ANGAU memorial hospital in Lae. "We are proud that the Australian funded hospital was completed last year in Lae, " he said. " This new facility will serve an area that is home to over one million people and make contribution to boosting access to health care in PNG. " On infrastructure, he said Australia will support this as it caters for development and business, which then leads to investments and trade. On that note he said trade between the two countries will be discussed and further improve it. T he same for the Visa arrangements between PNG and Australia, saying that there are areas to improve going forward. Meanwhile, both PM's are currently in dialogue at the APEC Haus and give a press conference soon after their bilateral talks.

The Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese has arrived in the capital Port Moresby to start his official two days visit of the country. He was met and received by the Deputy Prime Minister John Roso and delegates at the APEC Terminal. After a guard of honor by the Papua New Guinea Defense Force the PM left for a courtesy visit to the Governor General. Meanwhile, the members of parliament are now awaiting his arrival to the National Parliament for his official address.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) can expect a boost in surveillance and monitoring of illegal activities on its waters now that the Ship- Rider agreement between the country and the United States (US) Government, is in the process of being ratified. The Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko announced this in parliament today when responding to questions from the member for Hiri Koiari on the update on regional security agreements PNG had signed with partner countries. The Ship- Rider agreement will enable security of PNG waters in partnership of with the United States Coast Guards, whereby PNG personnel will be working along side their counterparts on board vessels using latest technologies to monitor and deter any illegal activities at sea, such as illegal fishing, human trafficking, drug trafficking and arms smuggling to name a few. “After nine years of negotiation and have Ship- Rider document on the shelve, we are finally ready to sign the agreement between the United States of America and Papua New Guinea,” said the minister. Minister Tkatchenko went on to confirm that the Ship- Rider agreement will be ratified next week. This agreement between the US and PNG is important because it will enable the policing of PNG waters using technologies like satellite navigation to pinpoint suspicious vessels and allow for Coast Guard vessels to investigate.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has given his assurance that the issue whereby top students missing out on placings in tertiary institutions, is being addressed for the interest of the parents, guardians, and students. The PM made this known during parliament sitting today when answering questions from the Deputy Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa on the matter. The deputy opposition leader was concerned about the matter continuing to pop up whereby some students with top marks were given placings in their second or third choices or even missing out completely from getting into universities and colleges. Tomuriesa said there have been reports already of such cases in his electorate of Kiriwina Goodenough in Milne Bay province after the examinations last year and the subsequent selections. PM Marape responded that the government is aware of this matter and is working to get this fixed, especially when it comes to the online selection. “As a government, we are concerned with the high level of dropouts, not only those who have received good marks and missed out, but also all students that have come out of grade twelve, grade ten and grade eight but dropped out.” The PM said the online selection is being looked at so to fix this matter going forward. “A couple of years ago the online selection system was introduced, we had one or two occasions of such where student applicants who felt they were qualified, but can’t seem to get into universities or missed out and put in their second and third choice.” “There was an indication of a review in the process to find out why this glitch has taken place.” Marape stressed that this is a very genuine concern, and it is being looked at and he will give further update on this in the next parliament season after this current one.

The Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will start his first official visit as prime minister to Papua New Guinea (PNG) when he touches down at the APEC Terminal at Jackson International Airport, Port Moresby this Thursday 12th January. The PNG Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko announced in the briefing of Albanese’s visit today that a historical event will happen during his first day of visit to the country. “A historical event will happen at the National Parliament where for the first time an Australian Prime Minister will address the National Parliament and all our members, and we look forward to Prime Minister Albanese’s address to our parliament and to our country,” said the minister. The minister also clarified that there will be no implications to the country’s constitution or laws, to have a prime minister of a foreign country address members of PNG in the country’s parliament house. “It just needs the floor of parliament or members to agree for that to happen,” explained Tkatchenko. “A proper parliamentary process will take place to ensure that the correct process has been approved for the Australian Prime Minister to address parliament.” The Australia PM’s address at parliament will take place after his visit to the Government House to see the Governor General of PNG, right after arriving to Port Moresby. Meanwhile, on the first day of visit PM Albanese will also visit the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) School of Medicine and Health Sciences Taurama Campus to see firsthand projects funded by Australian government through the Incentive Fund. However, this will take place after the main event the 4th PNG- Australia Annual Leaders’ Dialogue, which is the bilateral meetings between the two prime ministers and selected ministers at the APEC Haus. PM Albanese will also call in on the PNG Opposition Leader, Joseph Lelang at the Hilton Hotel later in the afternoon. He will wrap up his first day of visit with an official dinner hosted by PM Prime Minister James Marape at the State Function Hall at parliament house. On the second day of visit, the 13th of January, both PMs will fly out to Wewak in East Sepik province. There Albanese will visit first the resting place of Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, where he will lay wreaths at the Grand Chief’s resting place and visit and spend time with the family of Somare at Kreer Heights. The Australian PM will then visit war memorial sites and then head to the base of the Second Royal Pacific Island Regiment (2PIR) at Moem Barracks. There he will address the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Ground Parade and brief the Chief of Defence Force, Major General Mark Goina. He will be engaged in other activities afterwards and later depart to Port Moresby and then depart for Australia, ending his two days visit.

The review of the Superannuation and Life Insurance Act of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been completed with recommendation put forth to the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG) for deliberation on the proposed changes to the Act that would benefit companies and their customers going forward when it comes to life insurance and general insurance. The Bank’s Acting Governor Mr. Benny Popoitai said the review was to ensure that going forward, these insurances will come under just one regulator- the BPNG. He said currently there are two regulators for each of the insurances provided to clients of financial institutions. “Prior to the review, it was under the Insurance Commissioner for general insurance and life insurance under the Bank of PNG, now that means insurance companies must have two reports and they report to two different regulators. So, it’s cost saving on the insurance companies to have one regulator,” explained the governor. He said this was one of the recommendations put forth by the committee to improve cost of doing business in so far as insurance in concerned. This recommendation is also consistent with the financial sector development strategy, not just a recommendation from the Superannuation and Life Insurance Review Committee. Mr. Popoitai also said that the review was also done to ensure that life insurance and general insurance keep up with the changes in time. “As we all know with the economic development, there are challenges in these sectors that need to be identified. Where deficiencies are identified, we need to improve so that amendments in the legislature or changes in the Act may be necessary.” The Act itself was enacted in 2000 and it has been over 22 years now, something which Mr. Popoitai said is high time changes are made to it for the benefit of companies and their clients. The committee started the review work on the Act in 2018 and was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the review was finally completed in 2022. Meanwhile, the review program was a result of International Monitory Fund (IMF) diagnostic review, IMF assessment program in 2011 and resulted in the review of the financial sector development program and development strategy 2018 to 2030. The report of the review was officially handed over the Acting BPNG Governor this morning in Port Moresby city, marking the close of the review program as well.

In 2022 alone saw a lot of issues arising from the notorious settlements in Erima in Port Moresby city; however, this year the Police Station Commander (PSC) for the Gordons Police station has plans to seriously deal with this matter going forward. Last year the area saw a lot of ethnic clashes and crimes committed. People were injured and even killed during numerous confrontations between ethnic groups that live in the settlements. PSC Inspector Gabriel Kini said this must change in the new year. Inspector Kini said this year he plans to carry out more awareness to the people and implement the concept of community policing in the hot spot areas in the settlements. “I am planning on carrying out awareness in the communities, especially the one at Erima and the one behind the Funeral Home. “ We got a mixed batch of people living in these communities and its very, very hard to contain the issues that arise there,” said the PSC. He said police will be proactive by reaching out to identify the targeted areas and then reach out the community leaders to work with them. “We start to identify the community leaders out there, liaise with them to bridge us police to the community, so we can give some responsibilities to them so at least they take ownership, and they do their own policing in their respective communities and areas.” He explained that by doing this, it will be more convenient for police to assist the communities to promote a safe and secure place to live in. Meanwhile, PSC Kini said the settlement areas were quiet right throughout the festive period with no major cases reported and he thanked the people along with their community leaders for their efforts to maintain peace and harmony during Christmas and New Year.