The Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) regrets to inform taxpayers and the public that its headquarters in Port Moresby has been locked out by the Landlord, Nambawan Super Limited. All HQ operations therefore has been suspended indefinitely until further notice. All IRC office rental payments are centralized by Departments of Finance and Treasury hence it’s beyond IRC’s control. Taxpayers who wish to pay and file, especially the Salaries and Wages Taxes which are due on 7th September, can email or visit our online payment portal via addresses provided below. https://irc.gov.pg/login We also inform taxpayers that there will be some delay in processing the payments and returns. Considerations will be given for those who have been affected by the closure of office.

The Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu Women's National Cricket Team and the Papua New Guinea Lewas got off to perfect starts on Monday with both countries registering two wins each in their matches on day one of the inaugural Pacific Cup. PNG were arguably the more dominant of the two winning by 178 runs and 8 wickets, over Fiji and Samoa, respectively. Vanuatu's two victories came after batting first in both of their matches. In the morning game a rearguard fightback got Samoa to within 21 runs of the home side's 136/8 and in the afternoon, a commanding total of 172/6 had Fiji needing to attack from ball one, with the hosts eventually coming away with the win by 78 runs. Both undefeated teams face off in the morning match on Wednesday on VCG #2 with Samoa taking on Fiji on VCG #1, both T20 Internationals starting at 9.30am at the Vanuatu Cricket Grounds. Day One Results: PNG 219/5 (20 overs) Ruma 67 (39) Siaka 38* (19), Doriga 30* (13), Vakuruivalu 3-39 (4) defeated Fiji 41 (9.4) Waqavakatoga 26 (20), Doriga 5-2 (1.4), Toua 3-4 (2) by 178 runs. In perfect conditions at the Vanuatu Cricket Grounds, as Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu played their first international cricket for over three years, the Pacific Cup got off to a blazing start as the PNG Lewas posting a massive 219/5 from their 20 overs against Fiji on VCG #2. Recent ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier leading run scorer Tanya Ruma smashed 67 from 39 deliveries and the pair of Pauke Siaka (38* from 19 balls) and Hollan Doriga (30* from 13) put on 63 runs from the final 4.2 overs. Doriga completed a player of the match performance taking a remarkable 5 wickets for 2 runs from only 1.4 overs. Player of the match: Hollan Doriga (PNG) [caption id="attachment_27906" align="alignnone" width="909"] Hollan Doriga is presented Player of the Match honour by Umpire McMillan Marki after PNG's win over Fiji[/caption] PNG 83/2 (9.4) Vare 28* (24), Tau 24* (20), Vaaetasi 1-8 defeated Samoa 79 (19.1) Iosefo 12 (19), Tom 2-11 (3), Arua 2-13 (2) by 8 wickets. In PNG's afternoon game, the Lewas dismissed Samoa for 79 in the 20th over as the wickets were shared among five bowlers with Oa, Tom, Doriga and Arua all taking two each. PNG made light work of the chase with player of the match Naoani Vare remaining not out on 28 from 24 deliveries. Player of the match: Naoani Vare (PNG) Vanuatu 136/8 (20) Langiatu 53 (43), Andrew 21 (26), Sanele 4-34 (4), Tunuvasa 4 catches defeated Samoa 115 (19.1) Agimalo 21* (11), Tunuvasa 20 (12), A 12 (19), Tom 2-11 (3), Arua 2-13 (2) by 21 runs. A relieved Vanuatu side got the win in their morning fixture abasing Samoa, but not before partnerships of 25 and 40 for the ninth and tenth wickets respectively got the tourists close to chasing down the 137 required for victory, eventually y falling short by 21 runs. Earlier Selina Solman has won the toss and elected to bat first with openers Valenta Langiatu and Rachel Andrew putting on 53 in 8.4 overs before Andrews was dismissed trying to hit across the line for four-wicket taker Jacinta Sanele. Langiatu, not long back from a stint of seasonal work in Australia put any thoughts of rustiness to bed with a commanding 53 from 43 ball as the Vanuatu middle order kept the scoreboard ticking over despite a flurry of wickets in the latter overs. Medium pacer Jacinta Sanele collected 4-34 from four overs. [caption id="attachment_27908" align="alignnone" width="921"] The Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu Women's National Cricket Team celebrate a wicket against Fiji in their afternoon match on Monday 3 October[/caption] Samoa collapsed to 50 for 8 after Nasimana Navaika - only just returned to competitive cricket since the birth of her first child - took four of the first five wickets finishing with 4-21 from 4. Some intelligent batting from the tail, Ailaoa Aoina (16 from 16), Florence Agimaloa (21* from 11) and after taking four catch with the gloves, Kalala Tunuvasa (20* 12) got the Samoans close, but not close enough in the end. Player of the Match: Valenta Langiatu (VAN) Vanuatu 172/6 (20) Solman 39 (29), A Chilia 27 (25), Muriyalo 1-24 (4) defeated Fiji 94 (19.5) Waqavakatoga 24 (21), Andrew 2-12 (4), Langiatu 2-18 by 78 runs. A composed 38 from 29 deliveries from skipper Selina Solman helped guide Vanuatu to 172 for 6 from their 20. Solman came to the crease at the end of the power play with the score on 57 after openers Rachel Andrew (26 from 17) and Valenta Langiatu (20 from 17) made a speedy start, and was ably assisted number 5 Alvina Chilia who made 27 from 25 deliveries. Right arm quick Rachel Andrew bowled the first first over of the innings, delivering a maiden - after completing the same feat in Vanuatu's mining match against Samoa, before diminishing with the impressive figures of 2-12 from 4 overs. Other bowlers to collect a brace were Vicky Mansale (2-23) and Valenta Langiatu (2-23) as Vanuatu's attack strangled Fiji's hitting power after left handed opener Ilisapeci Waqavakatoga was bowled by Mansale for 24 from 21 deliveries. Solman capped of a player of the match effort taking 1-22 from 4 overs. Player of the Match: Selina Solman (VAN) Source: Cricket Vanuatu

Huddersfield trio Ashton Golding, Michael Lawrence and Kieran Rush headline the Jamaica squad ahead of their first-ever Rugby League World Cup. The Reggae Warriors became the first Caribbean nation to qualify for a Rugby League World Cup after they beating Canada and the United States. Jamaica are in a group alongside New Zealand, Ireland and Lebanon for the tournament, which is held in England. Golding, Lawrence and Rush are the only Super League players included in the Jamaican 24-man squad. Workington winger Alex Young, the brother of England hopeful Dom Young, is one of four newcomers in the Jamaica squad alongside Bradley Ho (Keighley), AJ Wallace (Bradford) and Rush. There six players from Jamaica’s domestic competition, all from Duhaney Park Red Sharks, who recently won the National Club Championship Grand Final for the 14th time in 16 seasons. Jamaica head coach Romeo Monteith said: “We are excited to mix it with the best players in the world and everyone is ready to give their all. “We encourage all Jamaicans at home and abroad to rally behind this team and join us on what should be a terrific as well as historic journey.” Source: Love Rugby League

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (Fortescue, ASX: FMG) advises that Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) has entered a global strategic collaboration with energy infrastructure developer Tree Energy Solutions (TES) which aims to accelerate the development of a world leading green hydrogen and green energy import facility in Germany. The investment of €130 million (US$127 million) will be funded by FFI’s unutilised capital commitment and provides FFI with a pathway for access to critical infrastructure to execute its strategy. Through the agreement, FFI subsidiary Netherlands Fortescue Future Industries Holdings B.V. will invest €30 million (US$29 million) to become a shareholder in Tree Energy Solutions B.V. as well as invest €100 million (US$98 million) in the construction of the TES terminal in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, and be a major shareholder with a 30 per cent stake in Deutsche Grüngas und Energieversorgung GmbH (a subsidiary of TES), the project company that will build the TES Green Energy Hub in Wilhelmshaven, Germany. TES is developing a portfolio of terminals globally that will enable transportation of green energy. The first phase of this partnership is to jointly develop and invest in the supply of 300,000 tonnes of green hydrogen with final locations being currently agreed, and a financial investment decision targeted in 2023. The first delivery of green hydrogen into TES’ terminal in Wilhelmshaven, Germany is anticipated to take place in 2026. Initial collaboration projects will be focused on Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The new strategic collaboration demonstrates FFI’s and TES’ commitment to reducing global emissions by accelerating the import and production of green molecules as a lower cost alternative to fossil fuels. FFI joins a group of investors in TES comprised of international financial institutions and multinational energy companies including E.ON, HSBC, UniCredit and Zodiac Maritime. The collaboration will combine FFI’s market leading expertise in developing large scale renewable energy production, with TES’s unique sustainable business model and access to the European green hydrogen market. In accordance with Fortescue’s capital allocation framework, the investment will be funded by FFI’s unutilised capital commitment at 30 June 2022 of US$1.1 billion. To reflect this investment, guidance for FFI’s anticipated capital expenditure in FY23 is revised to US$230 million (from US$100 million). The guidance for FFI’s anticipated operating expenditure of US$500 - US$600 million is unchanged. Fortescue Executive Chairman, Dr Andrew Forrest AO said, “The United Kingdom and Europe urgently need green solutions to replace fossil fuels and this investment will enable Europe to do exactly that. Not in 2050, but in four years from now. “From the beginning of FFI, our philosophy was to drive performance across the entire new renewable GH2 value chain while delivering returns to our shareholders. This investment reinforces this commitment and is a significant step forward in FFI’s journey to become one of the world’s largest green energy producers.” FFI CEO Mark Hutchinson said, “This investment supports the delivery of Fortescue’s supply agreement with E.ON, Germany’s largest energy distributor, following our announcement in March this year to supply five million tonnes of green hydrogen to Germany, with supply commencing from mid-decade.” TES CEO, Marco Alvera’ said, “We are delighted to announce this partnership which marks a new milestone in delivering scalable, affordable green hydrogen as well as securing renewable energy production. This agreement is another stepping stone in building TES as one of the leading hydrogen players in the world to accelerate the energy transition with the most cost-effective, bankable and scalable green alternative to today’s fossil fuels.”

The Nasfund Boroko Client Service Center will be temporarily closed for repairs and maintenance from Monday 10th October 2022. Nasfund Chief Operating Officer Rajeev Sharma is encouraging members to utilize the Fund’s new look Waigani and Port Moresby service centres, during this period. “The Waigani Member Service Centre provides members with the full array of services that the Fund provides. It has 10 counters, two meeting rooms, and can accommodate over 70 members at any one time, which provides an environment that is comfortable and functional for our staff to work in and for members to be served. Our Waigani member service centre is now able to accept and process withdrawal and housing advance payments, whilst at the same time update member details, and process member ID cards – services which are also available at our Port Moresby member service centre. At the same time, we also encourage our members to utilize our on line electronic channels, which includes our Call Centre, Member Online Portal, the Mobile Phone App, or Mobile SMS facilities. These electronic options are aimed at providing the services needed by members, at their fingertips, without the need to physically walk into our branches, which is also a safer option.”

A half-billion dollar COVID-19 quarantine facility in Melbourne's north will be closed after just eight months in operation following a drop in demand. The Centre for National Resilience in Mickleham opened in February to house international travellers, frontline workers and Victorian community members, but housed just 2,168 residents. It equates to a cost of more than $267,000 per resident during the quarantine hub's life span. The government said a decrease in COVID cases across the state had led to a drop in demand for quarantine accommodation at the site. The facility will close next week, with a small number of staff working to shut down the site until it is handed back to the federal government at the beginning of next year. Police Minister Anthony Carbines defended the facility's usefulness and said it would continue to be of use during future emergencies. "The Victorian Quarantine Hub has served its purpose in keeping Victorians safe from COVID-19. Its closure is another step in our recovery from the pandemic," Mr Carbines said. "Australia needed these facilities before the pandemic first hit – but this important facility now exists as an insurance policy in the event of a future pandemic, or to provide accommodation in emergencies like natural disasters." Source: ABC .com

A 36-year-old man died after collapsing while running the London Marathon, organisers have confirmed. The man, from south-east England, became unwell between miles 23 and 24 of the 26.2-mile event. He received immediate medical treatment and an ambulance arrived within three minutes but he died later in hospital. His cause of death is not yet known. In a statement, London Marathon Events expressed its "sincere condolences" to the man's family and friends. The organisation said his relatives had requested privacy at this time, adding: "No further details will be released in accordance with their wishes. "The cause of death will be established later through medical examination." Source: BBC

September was a busy month for UNFPA and our partners. As the lead UN agency for young people, UNFPA leveraged traditional haus man/meri platforms as spaces for intergenerational exchanges. The Youth Dialogue held with the provincial government in Alotau, Milne Bay Province, revealed leverage points for progress (health, education, and jobs) and showed clearly that trust-building involving law and order, together with mutual responsibility for the future were takeaways to guide our work into the next country program. The health system in PNG is critical in to the Government's development goals and it is also an entry point to build trust with the public. In the Momase Region, UNFPA conducted a Reproductive Health Commodity Supply Chain training under our DFAT-funded C-Surge program. This is part of a comprehensive strategy for health sector capacity building involving many more partners. For example, for a decade DFAT has been supporting the roll-out of a Health Information Management System which this week was extended across the Information Management System which this week was extended across the country (congrats to colleague for that!), and UNFPA's work to build capacity on M-Supply, the Logistics Information Management System, is a part of this. Our best advocates for that system will be the health workers themselves. When they see the results of our collective efforts, we are one step closer to delivering a health system that leaves no-one behind. This leads to an important day observed annually on the 26th of September, World Contraception Day. UNFPA works to deliver a world with zero unmet need for family planning. We use "family planning" a lot because there is a hesitancy to speak of "sexual and reproductive health". But when we shy away from candid conservations, we miss opportunities to protect vulnerable population and, in some cases, also save lives. Our mission requires us to have the courage to challenge social norms and behaviors that are harmful to people. Usually when we create opportunities for dialogue, we discover that people are not opposed to contraception per se, but that both men and women are confused about who has a right to use them, how to use them, and what choices they have, and there is too much stigma attached to the use of condoms. It's been a decade since PNG held a national condom campaign, STIs and HIV are on the rise PNG. Too many people living with HIV prefer not to know their status and do not access drugs that can suppress the infection. As a result, we have more children born with HIV. In a world with 1 million new sexually transmitted infections identified daily, we must break away from the idea that condoms are only for sex workers or other key populations. We must find entry points for discussion about how we manage our intimate relationships- emotionally and physically. That's why we are excited for our upcoming event "Condomize!" Together with NDOH, National Aids Council, UNAIDs and the Global Fund and CSO partners we're going to relaunch the conversation that saves lives.

Titans forward David Fifita is expected to pull on a Tonga jersey for the first time in next weekend's World Cup warm-up match against France after arriving in England with the Pacific nation's squad. Fifita is one of 21 NRL stars in the 24-man Mate Ma'a Tonga squad, which includes NSW Origin representatives Daniel Tupou and Siosifa Talakai, as well as rookie Panthers halfback Isaiya Katoa and hooker Soni Luke. The strength of Kristian Woolf's squad is highlighted by the players either unavailable or overlooked, including injured Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs, Wests Tigers forward Joe Ofahengaue and Bulldogs enforcer Tavita Pangai jnr. World Cup veterans Andrew Fifita and David Fusitu'a, who were key members in the stunning rise of the Pacific nation at the 2017 World Cup, will also miss the upcoming tournament in England. Tonga captain Will Hopoate, his St Helens team-mate Konrad Hurrell and Huddersfield playmaker Tui Lolohea are the three Super League players in the squad. Fifita, Tupou, Talakai, Titans prop Moeaki Fotuaika, Warriors forward Ben Murdoch-Masila and Broncos fullback Tesi Niu are others who didn't feature in the mid-season Test against the Kiwis. [caption id="attachment_27868" align="alignnone" width="840"] Titans back-rower David Fifita[/caption] The squad was announced on the Tonga Rugby League Official social media accounts on Monday. Tonga, who are ranked No.2 on the IRL World Rankings, open their World Cup campaign against Papua New Guinea at St Helens on October 18 before meeting Wales and Cook Islands in their remaining pool matches. Star forward Jason Taumalolo will miss the opening two matches as well this weekend's warm-up clash with France in Halifax after receiving a three-game ban for a tackle in North Queensland's semi-final defeat by Parramatta. Mate Ma'a Tonga Talatau Amone (St George Illawarra Dragons) David Fifita (Gold Coast Titans) Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors) Moeaki Fotuaika (Gold Coast Titans) Siliva Havili (South Sydney Rabbitohs) William Hopoate (St Helens Saints) Konrad Hurrell (St Helens Saints) Isaiya Katoa (Penrith Panthers) Sione Katoa (Cronulla Sharks) Felise Kaufusi (Melbourne Storm) Keaon Koloamatangi (South Sydney Rabbitohs) Toluta’u Koula (Manly Sea Eagles) Tui Lolohea (Huddersfield Giants) Soni Luke (Penrith Panthers) Ben Murdoch-Masila (Warriors) Tesi Niu (Brisbane Broncos) Haumole Olakau’atu (Manly Sea Eagles) Will Penisini (Parramatta Eels) Mosese Suli (St George Illawarra Dragons) Siosifa Talakai (Cronulla Sharks) Tevita Tatola (South Sydney Rabbitohs) Siosiua Taukeiaho (Sydney Roosters) Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland Cowboys) Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters) Source: NRL. Com

The new Minister for Youth, Community Development and Religion made a courtesy visit to the office of National Youth Development Authority today. The Huon Gulf Member and Minister for Youth, Community Development and Religion Jason Peter was accompanied by the Department Secretary, Mr. Jerry Ubase were warmly welcome by NYDA Director General, Mr. Joe Itaki and his staff. The minister's visit to the office of NYDA is to get the feel of the office environment, it's operations and meet and greet with staff. The Hon. Minister was happy to see staff in professional attire and gathered on time for the meet. This reflects commitment and dedication to youth work and the desire to serve the state. The Minister shared his life's journey in brief as how he faced life in his youthful times from the slumbers of West Taraka in Lae and believe the operations of this office has important tasks on hand for the upbringing young elites of tomorrow. Source: National Youth Development Authority  FB Page

Providing a revitalized facility for children to study stimulates an encouraging learning environment for children,” says Head of BSP Credit Inspection, Mukesh Madho when handing over a completed refurbished project by Group Compliance team to Callan Resource Center Services Special School for Children with disabilities in Gerehu recently. The Gerehu Callan Resource Center Services Special School for Children with disabilities welcomed a refurbished building with new office furniture, equipment and stationeries for their learning. This was part of the BSP Group Compliance team’s 2022 community project initiative, which saw repairs done on the roof and ceiling, landscaping around the premises, and repainting of the building both inside and the exterior walls. The team also donated a computer set, 2 printers, stationeries and educational charts, reading books, five office desks, five office chairs, a conference table and medical kit including a wheelie bin for trash. Callan Services Board Member & Administrator Priscilla Kare applauded the BSP Group Compliance team for the great work done at the center saying, “We feel very important that BSP has once again stepped in to boost learning at this center.” “It may sound small but this has a bigger impact on our children, especially for children in this special school. This project will provide an equal and accessible education through an inclusive learning environment for all,” Mukesh Madho said, “Improving the quality of learning for all children is our objective for this project, especially for children with disabilities, hence, supporting teachers is also vital in promoting inclusion for special schools that teach children with special needs.” “We believe in providing such opportunity gives these children the chance to learn under a conducive environment and boost them to acquire more and feel loved by the community, “added Mr Madho. The Gerehu Callan Resource Center Services Special School project is the 28 out of the 49 projects handed back to the communities under the 2022 BSP Community Project initiative, all coordinated and organised by the bank’s different branches, departments, units, subsidiaries and the countries in which BSP operates in.

Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) was pleased to have been a part of the Internal Revenue Commission’s (IRC) General Tax Awareness Workshop for Micro Small Medium (MSMEs) Businesses, held at the APEC Haus from Tuesday to Friday last week. The awareness focused on educating registered taxpayers about how to complete and submit tax returns and documents to the IRC, keep proper business records, calculate their taxes and what taxes need to be paid. It also covered practical aspects of Company Income Tax, Goods and Services Tax, Salary and Wages Tax and the IRC’s Tax Services. The NSL team set up an information booth and had the opportunity to talk to business owners about the importance of superannuation for their employees and how this can help set them apart as an employer of choice. NSL’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Paul Sayer said ,“We are thankful to the IRC for giving us the opportunity to meet with these emerging leaders in the MSME space to talk with them about superannuation and compliance, as well as, the products and services offered by NSL”. “NSL maintains a strong relationship with the IRC and shares a common goal of encouraging good governance and financial compliance for the improved economic growth and stability of the Country.” “We aim to continue working with the IRC and other stakeholders to educate our Members of the benefits of good financial practices for use in both their personal and business lives”, he added. NSL also provides free awareness sessions, counselling and training to help Members take advantage of products like Voluntary Contributions, Retirement Savings Accounts and Choice Super to ensure they are maximizing their savings potential for a better future. Nambawan Super is prioritising the education of its 214,000 Members by offering FREE Financial Literacy Training which aims to help Members develop good financial practices. The fully certified NSL Financial Literacy Training offers Members five modules that cover the following topics:  Module 1 – Taking Charge of Personal Finances  Module 2 – NSL Superannuation Products and Services  Module 3 – Planning for Retirement  Module 4 – Buying Your Own Home  Module 5 – Financial Literacy Skills for MSMEs The Fund encourages all Members to enquire about the Financial Literacy Training and other services through the NSL Call Centre or at their local Branch.