A week-long Debt Operations and Collections training facilitated for Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) staff by ATO Consultant and Trainer Ms. Sara McKenna, with the support of the Debt Collection and Operations Division (DCOD) Management, successfully concluded yesterday Revenue Haus in Port Moresby. The training was held from Monday, May 19 to Friday, May 23, the training brought together officers from across the Regional Operations – including officers from the Highlands Region, Southern Region, Kokopo, NCD Central Tax Centre (NCTC), and HQ DCOD. IRC stated that the program aimed to enhance technical knowledge and soft skills essential to the effective recovery and management of tax debt in Papua New Guinea. “The training commenced with a focus on communication skills, emphasizing the importance of tailoring engagement strategies based on taxpayer behaviour and improving the way officers' approach and interact with taxpayers. Participants were equipped with tools to improve communication effectiveness and build stronger taxpayer relationships. Throughout the week, sessions covered a broad spectrum of topics, including: - Understanding the various business entity types in PNG, - Strengthening decision-making processes in tax debt handling, - Exploring debt recovery options and how best to assist taxpayers, - Analyzing financial statements and assessing business viability. Interactive case scenarios, practical examples, role plays, and group discussions were embedded throughout the program to reinforce learning and encourage collaborative problem-solving among participants. The training really opened our eyes to the need for a shift in how we engage with taxpayers," one participant noted. "It reinforced the importance of delivering quality service to encourage voluntary compliance and reshape public perception of the Internal Revenue Commission,” IRC said. IRC stated that the training concluded with a closing dinner hosted by the Regional Operations Management to formally thank Ms. McKenna for her expertise and commend the active participation and contributions of all attendees. “The event also served as a moment to recognize the vital support of DCOD Management in facilitating the successful delivery of the program. The IRC remains committed to capacity building for its workforce and looks forward to more collaborative training opportunities with the ATO and other development partners in future,” IRC added.