The Department of Personnel Management in conjunction with Department of Finance
conducted for the first time a virtual workshop with all government agencies around the
country this week.
The workshop which was zoomed from Port Moresby had a record 97 participants who
joined from around the country.
The workshop themed “Working Together For Data Accuracy” was opened
(30th March) by Department of Personnel Management Secretary Ms Taies Sansan.
Ms Sansan presented her opening remarks via zoom from her office to open the
workshop.
“I want to thank the organising committee who have put together this virtual workshop to
discuss and address key HR issues that are confronting the Public Service and the need
for us to move in one direction to address these issues with the primary aim of delivering
public services at minimal costs”.
Ms Sansan urged Public Servants throughout the country to remain steadfast and vigilant
in this trying time and to continue to deliver their mandated roles in serving our people,
especially front liners like doctors and nurses to protect citizens’ lives during this critical
period for our country.
Secretary Sansan told participants that the workshop is a very important one and that it
needs to take place to correct data on human resources and personnel emoluments and
so it is timely to have the workshop at the end of first quarter of the year.
This is a directive from a number of NEC decisions since 2016 and through the Special General
Order 11 of 2019 and other undertakings by the government to address the issue of over
expenditure in Pay Bill in implementing a number of strategies across the public sector.
“The importance of hosting the workshop is to ensure all public sector agencies
understand the national governments expectations. It will enable DPM through the
Organisational, Staffing & Personnel Emoluments Audit Committee (OSPEAC) to inform
the public service through your officers who are participating in this workshop on how
respective agencies can contribute positively to achieve desired outcomes”.
“I want the Public Service to take note of government directives especially the ’Niupla
Pasin’ protocols and the need to follow simple rules by wearing masks, washing hands
and social distancing in our work places or in public places. Once we all practice these
protocols we will contribute to the reduction of the spread of the virus and come out safe
like other countries”.
Secretary Sansan told participants that upon completion of the workshop – it is important
that they brief their agency heads on the discussions of the workshop.
Ms Sansan acknowledged the use of virtual platform zoom for the workshop given the
covid-19 restrictions. Public Servants will continue to perform their duties by employing
this new method to engage with each other without the need to be under one roof.
“With the covid-19 restrictions and the governments National Isolation Strategy – being
innovative is the way to go to ensure we continue to perform our duties as Public
Servants”.