Teachers from the Porgera Secondary School in Enga Province are calling on the Provincial Government and the Provincial Education Authority to reconsider the decision of the PEA on the resumption of classes. Deputy Principle, Mr. Amos Amail has advised that the teachers informed the PEA and the Governor that they should not rush to reopen the school as there are many things that need to be prioritized. Mr. Amail said that they would like to have the issue of the displaced teachers sorted out and at the same time declare a State of Emergency in that part of the province. “We still have displaced teachers who are living with wantoks and many have fled the province, also we would like to see them declare a state of emergency and like more security personnel to help assist the police to maintain security,” Amail said. Meanwhile, the teachers at the Porgera Secondary School are still waiting on the Provincial Education Authority to release funds to help assist them in getting back on their feet. Amail said that he has now travelled to Wabag to sort this out. He added that many have taken shelter and refuge with their wantoks, some going to the extent of fleeing the province in the aftermath of the tribal fight that took lives and displaced many almost two months ago. During the fighting, many lost their belongings when both factions turned on the school, which led to the destruction of staff houses and classrooms.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), under EU-STREIT PNG Programme, in its mission to increase the production of high-quality cocoa that will improve the agribusiness of rural communities in the Sepik, signed agreements with over 30 registered nurseries and now these enterprises are distributing (CPB) pest-tolerant seedlings to the potential cocoa producers in the Sepik region. The newly boarded partners have been already equipped with nursery set-ups by the Programme that meet PNG Cocoa Board standards. FAO also purchases and covers transportation cost of the supplied (CPB) pest-tolerant seedlings to target cocoa blocks. These partnerships provide opportunity for the nurseries to further nourish in PNG agri-businesses environment, being empowered to engage, provide and meet local demands for cocoa seedlings sustainably. “We’re engaging farmer groups as service providers to deliver seedlings to their members including youths and women. The FAO under the Programme will purchase these seedlings at the rate of between K3 and K4 per seedling. Transport cost for distribution to farmers who live far from the nursery sites will be paid as well,” explained National Cocoa Production Officer Mr Michael Lames. “Payment will be made upon satisfactory completion of deliveries that will be followed with field verification where seedlings are actually planted into the ground. The money paid into the groups’ respective bank accounts is to support their operation as a business for the benefit of their members,” added Mr Odrick Urum, the FAO-STREIT Cocoa Production Officer. Another benefit under this collaboration is the capacity building of group leaders to learn and adopt recommended practices for running agribusinesses. “It is an exciting opportunity for us to learn some new things like how to operate as a service provider which requires quality delivery on a set period or time,” said Mr Wilfred Mombiang who represents a registered farmers group of Saure Village, in Wewak District, that are supported under the Programme.   The Programme has already built the capacity of nursery owners as well as the producers in efficient cocoa cloning, budding and block management and now the Programme take a new step to connect two critical nodes along cocoa value chain by supporting and facilitating the distribution of high-quality inputs from nurseries to cocoa block owners. All these initiatives are part of the EU-STREIT Programme broader workplan to strengthen cocoa value chain actors. Highlight of Cocoa for Papua New Guinea The Papua New Guinea, and namely the Greater Sepik region, has excellent agro-ecological potentials to produce valuable agricultural economic crops, including cocoa, and to further downstream agri-businesses activities development. Cocoa production provides jobs and income for the rural population, which remains predominant throughout Papua New Guinea. In the main regions of production, around 30% of households produce cocoa, while representing 15% of the number of households at the national level. Around one million people’s livelihoods depend on cocoa. Cocoa in PNG is estimated to grow on 130,000 ha in coastal provinces, as a monoculture or intercropped with coconuts or other food crops. However, this potentiality mostly remained untapped or under-developed, mainly due to lack of sufficient investment, support and capacity, and insufficient infrastructures, leaving the Sepik region less equipped with resources to progress toward sustainable economic development. The EU-STREIT PNG, as a UN Joint Programme (FAO as leading agency, and ILO, ITU, UNCDF and UNDP as partners), is the largest grant-funded Programme of the European Union in the country and the Pacific region. Being implemented in close cooperation with the National and provincial government institutions, research entities, civil society organizations, and private sector enterprises, the Programme aims to help improve the lives of the people from East Sepik and Sandaun provinces, by focusing on increasing sustainable and inclusive economic development of rural areas through improved economic returns and opportunities from cocoa, vanilla and fishery value chains while strengthening and improving the efficiency of value chain enablers, including the business environment, and supporting sustainable, climate-proof transport and energy infrastructure development.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape yesterday (September 6th 2022) announced a K42.7 billion health intervention programme for the next 10-15 years in Papua New Guinea. He made the announcement yesterday (September 6 2022) when addressing the 56th Medical Symposium of the Medical Society of PNG in Port Moresby, with the theme, ‘ICT in COVID-19 Pandemic, Education and Research’. “Our Government has committed to a K42.7 billion 10–15-year programme of interventions in the health sector,” PM Marape said. “These interventions must be made correctly, in the correct places, so that small steps are being worked upon for the collective dreams of the country going forward. “It calls upon every one of us to work together, and at this juncture, let me thank those of you who have played your part for our country to be where it is today. “I bring to you our total commitment to ensure that our National Health Plan is financed to the best of our ability, and we can together work to ensure that the standard of health is better for our people to benefit from going forward.” PM Marape said his Government was putting its money where its mouth was with the biggest-ever allocation of K2.8 billion to Health in the 2022 Budget. “Our Government is committed to making health our major focus,” he said. “You cannot find a better place to read Government policy than every year’s annual appropriations. “In the last annual appropriation, Health sector received the highest-ever presented to any sector, since 1975. [caption id="attachment_26204" align="aligncenter" width="1044"] Photo Courtesy: Papua New Guinea National Department of Health, Facebook page[/caption] “Health has always come behind infrastructure and education, but we have turned this around, with Health receiving the highest.” PM Marape said COVID-19 had awoken PNG to the ailing state of health facilities throughout the country. “The COVID-19 pandemic exposed our vulnerability that we have been carrying all along,” he said. “How can a nation of 10 million people have only 200 ICU beds nationwide? “Of the 200 ICU beds nationwide, only 40 had oxygen and ventilation, 26 of which were in Port Moresby. “I was dumfounded and I was stunned, I was embarrassed. “Having been a politician since 2007, I felt that I had let the country down in a very big way.” PM Marape said PNG must “leapfrog” in ICT and his Government was prepared to make substantial investment in this. He urged all medical practitioners to look into the National Health Plan 2021-2030, which he launched last year, and recommend ways to improved PNG’s health system based on research. PM Marape also talked about the need for PNG patients to be treated in-country than going overseas and for quality health services to be just one-hour away. He said his Government was committed to supporting medical research.

Staff from Credit Corporation Properties (CCP), a subsidiary of Credit Corporation PNG Limited, recently visited Port Moresby General Hospital to donate gift packs to the hospital’s pediatric ward . The gift packs which included pre-loved toys, clothing, and personal hygiene items all donated by both tenants and staff came as a response to the recent appeal made by the hospital’s charity arm, Friends of POM Gen (FOPG) for business houses and individuals to donate basic essential items to the hospital’s children ward. CCP General Manager, Brent St. Hill said the donation is part of Credit Corporation’s (CCP) community service obligations. “I would like to thank our staff who took the lead in making this donation possible and our tenants for their support and contributions as well, he added. On hand to receive the donation was FOPG Operations Coordinator, Grace Roland, who thanked CC Properties for responding to the hospital’s appeal, saying, “their support comes at a time when basic items are in such high demand. We would like to thank Credit Corporation and your staff for your generosity and support to the hospital” “The response that we’ve received from both business houses and individuals is overwhelming and we are very grateful for the contributions and support shown,” she further added.

Fixtures for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2022 have been announced. The tournament will take place from 18 to 25 September 2022 in Abu Dhabi, the two venues being – Zayed Cricket Stadium and Tolerance Oval. The warm-up games will be played on the 16th. The group games will take place on 18,19,21 September, followed by the playoffs on the 23rd and the final being played at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on the 25th September. Eight teams have been divided into two groups and the top two teams will book their place in the main event, which will be played in South Africa in February-March 2023. Group A consists of Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, and USA; Group B will feature Thailand, Zimbabwe, PNG and UAE. Bangladesh and Thailand made it to the qualifier by the virtue of their MRF Tyres ICC Women's Team Rankings when they competed in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup in 2020. In August 2021, Scotland (Europe) became the first team to qualify through the regional qualifier. In the subsequent months, they were joined by Zimbabwe (Africa), UAE (Asia) and USA (America). PNG were the highest ranked side from the East Asia Pacific and qualified as they were not able to hold their regional qualifier due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The final place went to Ireland, who were the highest ranked team from the regional qualifiers but did not win the respective tournament. Bangladesh will start the tournament as one of the favourites. In the four qualifying events in the past, Bangladesh have qualified three times – twice as winners and once as runner-up. The 2023 ICC Women's T20 World Cup will be the eighth edition of the tournament, with South Africa set to host the event for the first time. By virtue of being the hosts, the Proteas have already qualified for the tournament along with Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and West Indies. "This T20 World Cup Qualifier is going to be a fantastic event with eight closely matched teams competing for just two places at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa next year. The level of competitiveness in the women’s game has increased significantly over the last four years and with every ICC region represented in Abu Dhabi it will be a tough fought event," ICC Head of Events Chris Tetley said. Emirates Cricket Development Manager Andrew Russell also expressed his delight on the occasion. "Women's cricket has never been in better shape both around the world and in the UAE, and it is essential to our Board that we carry forward this momentum. We aim to do just that through hosting this prestigious event, which we believe can be a vehicle that accelerates the sport's growth in this country and across our region." Source: ICC Cricket

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) has today received the donation of a Konica Minolta Bizhub printer from Remington Technology. In order to provide children enrolled at BbP’s Early Childhood Education Library Learning Centres, with the opportunity to learn to read and write, the organisation has a daily need for printing in high volumes. The children start the year with colouring-in, tracing and gradually progress to writing, getting to know their numbers and engaging is lots of different craft activities to stimulate their learning. Remington Technology GM, Justin Kieseker said; “Remington Technology is known for supporting education and the development of our children in PNG. We are extremely pleased to support Buk Bilong Pikinini with their early learning literacy programs as we believe early learning programs such as this should be available to all young children in the country. If Remington providing a multifunction device enables more young children to access reading and writing materials, then we have contributed to giving them the best start to their learning journey, that is our small way of giving back to the community”. The printer is valued at K5000 and also comes with K5000 worth of printing. Leanne Resson, BbP Executive Officer said: “BbP is grateful for this special gift just in time for Literacy Week. Thanks to the sponsorship, PNG children are able to focus on their learning and have the materials required to support their budding literacy.” Anne-Sophie Hermman, BbP Founder and Chairperson said: “As BbP is celebrating our 15th anniversary milestone this year, we are excited to welcome new partners to our family of sponsors. Thanks to this support, we are looking forward to continuing to support more children with an opportunity to become literate. If you can read, you can learn anything.”

AUSTRALIAN-based ace striker Tommy Semmy has confirmed his availability to join the PNG Men’s National team for the MSG Prime Minister Cup in Port Vila Vanuatu in September. The Wau-Bulolo raised East Sepik man plays for club Altona Magic FC in Melbourne who had just ended their season proper. Also joining from Australia is another young Western and West Sepik kid Israel Grese who will be making his debut for PNG at this Vanuatu tournament. PNG Technical Director Paul Isorua said with consultation with his two coaches Marcus Gusmao and Harrison Kamake, he has brought in several players as well which include Bruce Tiampo (Lae City FC), Willie Napina (Star Mountains FC) and Ferdahlas Namuesh Sylvester Wafihunia (Morobe Wawens FC) have been called up to join the team for the training. Also named in the initial team list but not listed in error is veteran midfield maestro Jacob Sabua All players are currently in pre-NSL season training with their respective clubs which is a big advantage coming into the national team training camp. PNGFA mindful of the start of the NSL season has sent formal notice of selections to the players and clubs concerned to obtain their consent before releasing their players for national representative duties. Since this tournament signals the process of moving younger players into the national senior team as part of the transition process, PNGFA wishes to extend it’s gratitude to notable players such as David Muta, Michael Foster, and Koriak Upaiga just to name a few who were not named in the team. These players and others gave their very best for the country over the years and the challenge is now up to the young players to carry on the trend set by these players. PNG Football Association President John Kapi Natto when announcing the squad said the team has been selected considering all things and disruptions by the NGE 2022 and is based on player fitness and playing continuity and will consists of youths with supported by select senior players. He said players selected are fit and have been playing together and the teams’ preparations to the tournament will be strengthen their playing structure and game flow. "The draws are good for us given our preparation time. We play the Vanuatu Development side on the 17th September and a week later we play their senior side. The top two teams go to the semi finals." Mr Kapi Natto thanked the PNG Government through the PNG Sports Foundation who are taking carriage of the team as this is a regional government initiative sanctioned by the Oceania Football Confederation and FIFA as a tier 1 tournament and will contribute to our rankings. He said PNGFA will use this as preparations for the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands and early preparations for the 2024 OFC qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup which for the first time will see OFC having one direct entry to the World Cup. Mr Kapi Natto also said the team is looking forward to celebrating the country's independence celebrations on the 16th September with the PNG community in Port Vila. The full squad is Russel Chris, Roland Warisan, Ismael Pole (Goalkeeper), Abel Redenut, Alwin Komolong, Felix Komolong, Daniel Joe, Moses Joe, Philip Steven, Godfrey Haro, Emmanuel Simon, Yagi Yasasa, Gregory Togubai, Ricky Wadunah, Joseph Waiwai, Obert Simon, Stahl Gubag, Nigel Dabinyaba, Ati Kepo, Kolu Kepo, Mathew David, Raymond Gunemba, Jonathan Allen, Pala Paul Israel Grese Team Management: Head Coach Marcos Gusmao, Assistant Coach Harrison Kamake, Physio Jimmy Kepas and Team Manager Nigel Kiaka

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) supported 181 people, including 140 women (77 percent), to access financial literacy training in Madang Province. From August 29 to September 2, five local trainers, certified through USAID’s partnership with the Center for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI), trained 181 people in the basics of financial literacy at various locations in Madang. Participants in the financial literacy training now have a better understanding in the basics of saving and budgeting, which are the foundational skills for creating new enterprises and increasing household and personal financial security, particularly for women. Unfortunately, many people from marginalized communities in PNG, especially women and people from rural and remote communities, find it difficult to access services like banking so they often miss out on its associated economic benefits. For example, banking provides people the ability to save money in a secure place for future use or the option to access financial credit to grow their small-scale business and expand their livelihood options. Illan Baboa, is a graduate of the financial literacy training conducted by trainer Tina Manamb at the Tusbar Secondary School in Madang said “Thank you USAID, this training has taught me better ways to save and budget my money so I can continue to help meet my family commitments and put money aside to grow my small floral business”. This is part of USAID’s commitment through the PNG Lukautim Graun Program (LGP) and its partnership with CEFI to deliver financial literacy training for Papua New Guineans that focuses on the economic empowerment of people form marginalized populations, particularly women. Led by Cardno International Development – a DT Global Company, USAID’s PNG LGP works in partnership PNG Government, local communities, and a range of implementing partners from the private sector, faith-based organizations, and civil society organizations to empower traditional landowners to sustainably manage their resources and particularly to economically empower women to be full participants in PNG’s economy. Improving people’s livelihood prospects helps communities to reduce pressure on forest resources and contribute to protecting PNG’s rich biodiversity for future generations.

President of the Nimamar LLG Stanley Tunut was officially sworn in as Chairman of Tourism & Culture, Youth, Sports & Religion on Monday 05 September 2022. He takes over the portfolio from Kavieng Town Mayor Sikal Kelep who held the position since winning office in 2019. Governor Sir Julius Chan when making the announcement said Tunut's appointment was not a demotion for Kelep but rather a means to allow Kelep more space to carry out his duties as Mayor of Kavieng Urban. Stating it was rare to change appointments when the PEC member has been performing well. “ We have discussed the increasing roles and responsibilities of your leadership as the Kavieng Town Mayor and custodian of our Capital City with the booming economy driven by business growth since this Government upgraded and continues to upgrade the infrastructures and municipalities with a greater focus on Tourism and Autonomy. “It is with this foresight and our mutual understanding and your given consent that I relieve you of the responsibilities in the PEC as Chairman Youth, Sports, Tourism, and Culture & Religion. “You have been a loyal and committed participant in the PEC. My Government will support you and together build your capacity to manage and run the township efficiently in line with the development aspirations of my Government,” said Sir J. Tunut’s appointment allows for fair representation from the LLG’S and districts as per section 25 (6) of the Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local Level Governments, which states, “The Governor shall appoint a Chairman for each committee under this section, but such appointment shall be made so as to ensure fair representation of the various electorates and districts within the province.” Officiating at the swearing in ceremony was magistrate Patricia Tivese who called on the three arms of Government including Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary to work together for the betterment of society. “The three arms of Government must work independently and in accordance with the law. As elected members you are mandated to carry the people's burdens and to ensure our province progresses,” said Magistrate Tivese.

PNG Air wishes to advise our customers and the travelling public that flights to Lae, Nadzab Airport and Kiunga Airport resume today. Our Call Centre team will be in contact with passengers with existing bookings for further information and arrangements to your travel. We thank you for your continued patience and understanding, and look forward to seeing our Lae and Kiunga passengers onboard soon. PNG Air currently flies to Lae multiple times daily, and Kiunga up to 3x per week. For bookings, log on to www.pngair.com.pg, or visit your nearest PNG Air, Post PNG Sales Office and Travel Age

The 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series Week One schedule will feature two traditional Sydney rivalries as well as a return to Melbourne for the first finals game since 2019. The NRL today confirmed the times and venues for all Week One matches, featuring: Minor Premiers and 2021 Premiers Penrith Panthers (1) taking on Parramatta Eels (4) in a battle of the west at BlueBet Stadium on Friday night; Melbourne Storm (5) in an elimination final against Canberra Raiders (8) on Saturday at AAMI Park; Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (2) facing North Queensland Cowboys (3) in a Qualifying Final on Saturday night at PointsBet Stadium; Sydney Roosters (6) clashing with traditional rivals South Sydney Rabbitohs (7) on Sunday in an elimination encounter in the first Finals match at the new Allianz Stadium; NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said that we are in for another exciting finals series, with every match providing an unpredictable outcome. “The 2022 season has been entertaining, with the outcome of the final eight positions being decided on the final day of Round 25,” Mr Abdo said. “Fans have shown their support for the game with great attendance and viewership numbers. We have had over three million fans attend games and our TV audience is up 7% for the regular season compared to last year. “It all sets up for an unpredictable and enticing four matches in week 1 of finals. Fans in Sydney will get three massive games, while fans in Melbourne will get to experience their first Finals match since 2019.” Tickets will be on sale for all matches to the competing clubs’ ticketed members at 10am on Monday (September 5), while tickets for the competing clubs’ non-ticketed members and NRL Account Holders will be on sale at 1pm on Monday. Finals Series tickets will be on sale to General Public at 10am on Tuesday (September 6) at www.nrl.com/tickets. All matches in Week One of the NRL Telstra Premiership 2022 Finals Series will be broadcast live on the Nine Network, Fox League, Kayo Sports, 9NOW and Sky NZ. NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series – Week 1 Qualifying Final: Friday, September 9, 7.50pm (EST), BlueBet Stadium Penrith Panthers (1) v Parramatta Eels (4) Elimination Final: Saturday, September 10 5.40pm (EST), AAMI Park Melbourne Storm (5) v Canberra Raiders (8) Qualifying Final: Saturday, September 10, 7.50pm (EST), PointsBet Stadium Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (2) v North Queensland Cowboys (3) Elimination Final: Sunday, September 11, 4.05pm (EST), Allianz Stadium Sydney Roosters (6) v South Sydney Rabbitohs (7)   Source: NRL.com

Two members sitting on opposite sides of Papua New Guinea's parliament are making waves after the country's most recent election. They were the first women voted into PNG's 118-seat parliament in five years. Kessy Sawang and Rufina Peter may be serving different constituents and different parties, but they share a bond. The pair met up last week for the first time since being voted in and embraced in a tight hug. The return of women to the Parliament has been welcomed, but they still make up less than 2 per cent of MPs in PNG. And their success has reignited debate around how best to increase female representation in parliament. PNG's election went down to the wire As PNG's more-than-month-long election was drawing to a close, there were fears it may result in another all-male parliament. That was until Ms Peter was declared the new Governor of Central Province late on a Friday night, just days ahead of the first sitting day. "It has been a struggle for women and just to be there, it's very significant. For that reason, I'm very happy," she told the ABC. As she celebrated her win, Ms Sawang was still waiting on counting to be completed in her electorate. She took to Facebook to congratulate her fellow candidate. "In [the 2017 election], both of us were the last two women standing and we bowed out of the race in third place," she wrote. "We resolved that we [would] work on our strategies for the next five years and go all out in 2022." On the first sitting day of the new parliament as the new MPs were sworn in and James Marape was returned as Prime Minister, counting in Ms Sawang's electorate on the other side of the country finished. There would be a second woman in parliament. "It still hasn't really sunk in yet," Ms Sawang laughs. "My friends call me by my nickname Kez and then they realize 'OK, we have to call you Honorable Kessy Sawang'." As she joins the government, Ms Sawang says her focus is on improving the lives of people in her Rai Coast electorate by providing basic services like water and electricity and improving law and order. But as one of only two women in the House, there is added pressure. "I represent my people, the Rai Coast people, but because I am a woman and there's only two of us there's already Papua New Guineans saying we represent the voices and aspirations of Papua New Guinean [women]. "I'm happy with that, I'm OK with that." Ms Peter similarly has a list of issues she wants to address in her region, but also has an eye on the many problems women face in PNG. "One of the important issues is gender-based violence, there's also the lack of treatment for women with [breast and cervical] cancer," she said. PNG has elected nine women since independence The two MPs become the eighth and ninth women elected since PNG gained independence in 1975. Ms Peter will serve in opposition while Ms Sawang will be in government, but the pair say they will "definitely" work together. Their time in parliament is expected to be heavily scrutinized. Ms Peter says more work is needed to change many people's perceptions "that women aren't good leaders, are not effective political leaders". Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong met with Ms Peter and Ms Sawang on Tuesday, carving out time during a diplomatic visit to Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste. Senator Wong said Australia was pleased to see women more involved in political leadership in Papua New Guinea after the latest election. "I believe that we need to harness the talents of our whole community, and that communities are stronger when we do that," Senator Wong said. "So while these are ultimately decisions for Papua New Guineans and for your democracy, we are really pleased to see two women involved in that level of leadership." 'Vote Women for Change': Female leaders back the new MPs One of PNG's best-known former MPs, Dame Carol Kidu, mentored both women and several others who stood in the election. Last year Dame Carol conducted community workshops in eight electorates where women who had polled well in the 2017 election were standing again. The Vote Women for Change program, which focused on educating voters about representation in parliament, was funded by the Australian National University and the Australian government. The eight women in those seats continued to support one another through campaigning, voting, and counting. They traded messages and advice in a WhatsApp group, urging one another on. The fact that they came from different political parties was pushed aside by their shared experience as female candidates. At the end of the election, the group came back together at a beach outside Port Moresby to debrief, plan for the next five years, and to talk about how they can all continue to support the two women who made it across the line. "We need a balance to get a decent future for Papua New Guinea, I don't see a good future for Papua New Guinea with no women in parliament," Dame Carol said. "I'm not saying women are better than men, and there are some very good men in parliament, but we need a balance." Dame Carol points to Rwanda as an example, which now holds the title of highest representation of women in any national parliament. Following the brutal genocide in the 1990s, Rwanda wrote quotas into its new constitution in 2003, mandating that a third of seats must be reserved for women. Today, 49 of the 80 Lower House seats are held by women. Dame Carol says corruption decreased and development improved as more women were elected in Rwanda. She believes it has become harder for women to be elected in PNG in the years since she left parliament. 'Two is not enough, we need a critical mass' Reviews of previous elections have found that female candidates are particularly disadvantaged by the corruption, violence, and money politics in PNG's elections. Ms Sawang says more female MPs are needed. "Two is not enough, we need a critical mass," she said. There had been a plan to introduce reserved seats for women, but the Prime Minister has now ruled that out. "Women can win on merit — we don't need special seats for women," Mr Marape said. "If women want to contest, this coalition, led by Pangu Party, gives an assurance for a better electoral process in 2027." The idea of reserving seats for women has been divisive, with some female leaders supporting it as a way to change attitudes, while others are concerned it may diminish the standing of women in parliament. When asked if other measures would be considered, Mr Marape instead focused on Australia's record. "It took 40 years for Australia to produce its first female member of parliament, it took three years for Papua New Guinea to produce two members of parliament. Never forget this," he told the ABC. As the two new MPs begin their political journey, Dame Carol has sounded something of a warning. "They are very, very competent women — I would say they are stateswomen. But it's going to be very hard for them, the atmosphere in parliament is not gender friendly," she said. "But I have every confidence they are going to cope with the difficulties." Source: ABC Pacific