The body of the late member for Sumkar, Chris Yer Nangoi was officially handed over by the National Parliament to the Sumkar District to repatriate Late MP Nangoi to Karkar Island. The casket of Late Nangoi arrived in Madang around 4pm yesterday afternoon via POM and was accompanied by his immediate family, the Deputy clerk of Parliament, Basil Kwaramb, Minister for Education,  Jimmy Uguro and Chief Executive Officer of Sumkar District, plus other senior parliamentary staff. Deputy Clark of the National Parliament , Basil Kwaramb while officially handing over the body of Late MP Nangoi to Sumkar District clarified that, the normal process of handing over the body has not been followed due to the absence of the Madang Parliamentarians and Provincial members. Mr. Kwaramb  however explained that , they have to bypass the recognized processes in order for the family and district to carry out their programs at the district level.

Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai says ballot papers that were produced and supplied earlier to Port Moresby for the seven electorates that were split with the creation of seven new ones will be publicly destroyed. He said when Parliament adopted the Electoral Boundaries Commission report in its last Parliament session in May and voted for creation of seven new electorates and have them certified to be included in the 2022 national elections, the ballot papers had already been printed based on the initial request to cover 111 electorates. "Therefore, we had to seek Australia's assistance again through the Australian High Commission to cater for the increase in the number of parliamentary seats and to reprint the ballot papers for seven affected electorates and seven new electorates. The Australian Government through the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby have taken on board our request and we appreciates the opportunity to work the Australian Electoral Commission on this vital election activity," he said. The affected electorates include: Komo-Magarima in Hela Province, Laigaip_Pogera in Enga, South Fly in Western Province, Kairuku-Hiri in Central, Sohe in Oro, Wau-Bulolo in Morobe and Talasea in West New Britian. The new electorates are: Komo-Hulia, Pogera-Paiela, Delta Fly, Hiri-Koiari, Popondetta, Wau-waria and Nakanai. Mr Sinai said the ballot papers for the affected electorates that were delivered to Port Moresby on 3rd and 4th April this year are securely locked away in a container and will be destroyed on Saturday 2 July before polling on Monday in the presence of the media, security personnel and other key stakeholders including from the Australian High Commission. "Let me assure our international partners and particularly the Australian Electoral Commission that the ballot papers that were delivered earlier to Port Moresby for the seven affected electorates are kept safely and will be destroyed before polling. We have about 1,305,000 ballot papers that need to be destroyed', he said. The Commissioner said any rumours and speculations that these ballot papers are already in the wrong hands to hijack the election process is not true and should be disregarded as the Electoral Commission is the custodian of these ballot papers and will be appropriately disposed.

Athletics PNG welcomed home its athletes and officials this week from the highly successful and record breaking Pacific Mini Games in Northern Mariana Islands. The team of 38 athletes and seven officials touched down at Jacksons Airport on the Air Niugini Charter flight and was met by Athletics PNG secretary Philip Rehder who was among the many families and friends to welcome their heroes of Saipan. In welcoming the team at the Homecoming Function held at the TAC, APNG President Tony Green said athletics total medal contribution of 62 to the Team PNG total (including six from Para athletes) was a rewarding achievement for the athletes and coaches who had been preparing for these games over the past two years under very trying conditions brought on by Covid-19 and restrictions imposed by governments and respective sporting and training venues. He added that in his 30 years of involvement with athletics and preparing for many international events, these games preparations had been the most challenging. With athletics once again topping the medal tally in our regional event with 23 gold, 23 silver and 16 bronze, it was very pleasing the hard work and commitment by everyone involved paid off. All athletes’ performances were outstanding as evident in the medal haul and special mention of Lakona Gerega , Karo Iga and the womens 4*100m relay for their national records as well as Gold Medals. Adolf Kauba and Scholastica Herman were two junior athletes who made a huge impression. The team’s performance is also a reflection of their coaches for the effort and commitment they put in. Head coach Brett Green was instrumental in the athletes wellbeing and focus over the period leading up to and during the games. His professionalism and hard work was supported by Subul Babo, Nelson Stone, Philip Kamane and Malcom Limbai Rehder extended special gratitude to team managers Kylie Martins and Sharon Atuai for their tireless work in getting all the necessary travel requirements in place and meeting other Team PNG travel protocols where required. The success of this team was also attributed to the backing of our major sponsors PNG Air and Prima Small Goods. The support of the National Sports Institute, KCH through the PNG Olympic Committee, PNG Sports Foundation were instrumental in enabling APNG to hold training camps and regional and national championships. These events are important in athletes staying focused and healthy throughout the pandemic period where international events were cancelled and we could not gauge our performances against other athletes in the region until these Games.  

The general public is hereby warned that the spread of fake news on social media has reached a level never seen before in PNG. PNG Department of Information and Communications Technology understands the negative impacts of fake news and is closely monitoring through its Social Media Management Desk (SMMD) activities of certain individuals and groups with malicious intent that are going around doing character assassination of leaders using social media platforms during this election period. Character Assassination is a deliberate attempt to destroy someone's reputation, especially by criticizing them in an unfair and dishonest way when they are not present. All candidates, regardless of who they are have their democratic rights to contest the election and must be respected to exercise their rights. The Department hereby strongly warns those involved in spreading fake news to immediately refrain from such illegal activities or find themselves facing the full force of Law.

Nambawan Super’s Annual Employer Conference 2022 attracted nearly 400 Employer representatives from across the country marking the first time Nambawan Super had hosted a significant face-to-face event, since the pandemic was declared in 2020. Nambawan Super’s Chairman Reg Monagi, remarked that the conference this year successfully connected Employers with the Fund, enabling them to understand and provide feedback on the Fund’s new initiatives, upcoming challenges and opportunities available for both Employers and Members. “Since the onset of the Coronavirus Pandemic, we have had limited face-to-face interactions. But as a Fund, we recognise how valuable these are, and are thankful that it is now possible to welcome our Employers in person”, Mr. Monagi said. “Meeting face-to-face with our Employer representatives from the Government, Non Government, private and civil sectors had enabled us to gain more insights and have the quality conversations we needed to have for the benefit of all our Members,” Mr. Monagi said. “As we return to normal, we plan to continue to offer a hybrid of digital and in-person services. Whilst not everyone can access our services digitally, for those who can it saves time and improves their access to the Fund,” he added. Performance Mr. Monagi opened the Conference with an overview of the Fund’s performance in 2021, stating that the results were pleasing after what was a very tough year for the Fund in 2020. “In 2021, we saw great improvements in returns from many of our investments as the global and local markets started recovering from the tough economic climates brought on by the Pandemic,” he said. “Last year, the Fund achieved a net surplus of K526 million which resulted in the growth of its net assets to K8.8 billion and a declaration of a 6.5% crediting rate for our more than 214,000 Nambawan Super Members.” “Another major factor in the Fund’s growth can be directly attributed to our employers as they contributed an incredible K935 million on behalf of their staff, our Members. The Fund also made Benefit Payments totalling K778 million, through Retirement Savings Accounts, Unemployment Benefits, Housing Advances and Lump Sum Payments on exit,” he added. Initiatives The conference also saw several senior Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) representatives present on initiatives that the Fund is undertaking to improve Member and employer services as well as to continue generating good returns for Members. These initiatives include the upgrading of NSL Branches with construction of the new Daru, Kiunga and Wabag Branches set to commence this year; as well as the refinement and roll-out of the Nambawan Employer Pay system to improve the efficiency of employer remittances; and support for Superannuation and Tax reforms in the Country to better protect the Members savings. Challenges Nambawan Super also informed attendees, that the Fund was strongly focused on adapting its operational and investment approaches to counter the slowing of global growth, which is likely to continue into 2023. Mr Monagi explained that the Fund is expecting to encounter a number of challenges in 2022 and in the future, however, the Fund is always actively looking at effective ways to counteract these challenges to deliver the best possible results for their over 214,000 Members. “Global markets have been volatile as they react to the Ukraine-Russia conflict and resulting fuel, and now food shortages. Globally inflation is rising quickly – meaning the cost of living is increasing,” he stated. “Locally there are also several unfavorable conditions in our PNG market. One of the major challenges that the Fund has already encountered, is that of the State imposed a Market Concentration Levy on BSP Financial Group, which is currently before the courts.” “Despite these challenges, which are already affecting Funds in the region, we are working tirelessly to maximize benefits for our Members,” he added. Delivering for Members Mr Monagi, encouraged Members to remember that superannuation is a long term investment and year-to-year there would always be ups and downs. Members however, should be assured that Nambawan Super has always been PNG’s most consistent Fund over the long term and has always delivered good results for its Members. “As a profit-to-Members fund, generating returns for our Members is our highest priority and we are proud to have continuously provided these services for the last 60 years, establishing Nambawan Super as the most consistent superannuation fund in PNG”, he said. “On behalf of the NSL Board, Management and Staff I would also like to extend our deepest thanks to all of you our stakeholders, employers and most importantly to our Members past and present for supporting the Fund throughout our 60 years of service to the people of PNG,” he concluded.

The 20-year-old Queensland Origin winger, who was already signed with the Broncos for 2023, has locked in for a further two years on top of that with his new extension. Cobbo’s huge show of faith in the Broncos came on the same day the club’s Premier Partner Firstmac announced a massive five-year extension of its partnership until 2027. Cobbo has been one of the standouts for the Broncos this season crossing for 11 tries in 13 matches, as well as making 58 tackle breaks, nine line breaks and averaging 125 running metres per game. The Cherbourg product’s red-hot form saw him win Maroons selection for this year’s State Of Origin series at just 19 years of age. Cobbo, a former School Captain at Murgon State High School, is a graduate of the Broncos Academy system. He joins a host of other young products of the Broncos’ elite pathways to commit long-term to the club including Ezra Mam, TC Robati, Cory Paix, Kobe Hetherington, Jordan Riki, Xavier Willison, Deine Mariner and Blake Mozer. Broncos Coach Kevin Walters said, “Selwyn has a great sense of the game, great skill and anticipation and a feel for the game – he is a wonderful young player and this is great news for the Broncos. “I just love the way Selwyn goes about his work – he’s always got a smile on his face and we love having him at the Broncos. “The environment that Selwyn and his teammates are creating themselves is huge for us and we feel we’re on the right pathway as far as growing our culture as a team and a club.”   Source: Broncos.com.au

Secretary for the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council Ivan Pomaleu has congratulated Papua New Guinea Weightlifter Dika Toua on behalf of Prime Minister James Marape on being inducted into the International Weightlifting Federation Hall of Fame. Secretary Pomaleu congratulated Toua at a Reception held by the PNG Olympic Committee to welcome back the PNG team from the Mini South Pacific Games held in Saipan, the Northern Marianas and to farewell the Team for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. Mr. Pomaleu told Toua that the Prime Minister would have wanted to congratulate her himself but due to prior commitments, he could not be there in person. “The Prime Minister has heard stories of how you rose up from your humble beginnings in the Hanuabada to making Papua New Guinea become a prominent weight-lifting sport country in the world and that is an achievement that could only be achieved through great sacrifice and hard work,” he said. “You make us proud and show the world that Papua New Guinea people, especially women can achieve anything they set their mind too.” “You started your sporting career at a very young age and at just 16 years of age, you became the first weightlifter to take the stand for women weight lifting, when it was first introduced at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and became the first female weightlifter to compete in five Olympic Games,” he said. “Your hard work and sacrifice while juggling your family life, has now earned you a place in the International Weightlifting Federation’s Hall of Fame.” Secretary Pomaleu also congratulated the team that represented Papua New Guinea at the Mini Pacific Games. The team finished at the top of the medals tally with 33 gold medals, 28 silver and 9 bronze. Mr. Pomaleu said 23 of those Gold Medals were won by the Athletics team and the team also won the honour of having the Best Female and Male Athletes of the Games as well as the Best Coach.

Australia has supported all of PNG’s national elections as we share a strong commitment to democracy. At the invitation of the PNG Government and the PNG Electoral Commission (PNGEC), Australia will observe the 2022 PNG National Election as part of a wider international election observation effort. International election observers have an important role in elections across the world as their observations improve the transparency and credibility of the electoral process. The role of international election observers is to provide a comprehensive, independent and impartial assessment of all aspects of the electoral process. PNG Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai has accredited the international election observers who are part of the international election observation effort. All international election observers have received an identification card from the PNGEC. International election observers do not interfere in the election process and have signed the PNGEC Code of Conduct for Observers. Observations will be reported to the PNGEC and findings from the international observation effort will assist in improving future elections in PNG. Australia’s support reflects PNG and Australia’s shared commitment to democracy. Any questions about the conduct of the elections should be addressed to the PNG Government and issues will be addressed through PNG’s own rules and mechanisms.

Trukai Industries Limited is proud to support Dika Toua and Morea Baru in their recent successful campaign at the 2022 Pacific Mini Games in the Northern Marianas Islands. Both Trukai Brand Ambassadors performed exceptionally well with Dika taking home 3 gold medals in the 49kg division and Morea bagging another 3 in the 61kg division. Dika was also bestowed the honor of being inducted into the International Weightlifting Federation Hall of Fame, an achievement that both Trukai and the PNG Weightlifting Federation proudly celebrates. Trukai Industries’ Marketing Manager, Maryanne Tom says that the company stands by the great talent that is evident with Dika Toua and Morea Baru. “We celebrate their achievements knowing that their ongoing success is the drive behind the advancement of the weightlifting code in the country.” Trukai Industries has supported the weightlifting sporting code through the PNG Weightlifting Federation for 23 years and as part of the athlete incentive, both Dika and Morea will be paid cash incentives for their medal wins at the recent Mini Pacific Games. The Athlete incentive program was created in 2014 as a great way to motivate our teams to perform at their best at international competitions. At different tournaments, an incentive in kina value is warded to the individual based on their results. The incentive is only awarded if they win a gold, silver or bronze medal. PNG Weightlifting Federation President, Sir John Dawanincura stated “Weightlifting has done it again for PNG. We are proud of the achievements of all our Team PNG weightlifters at the 11th edition of the Pacific Mini Games in 2022, in Saipan, and profoundly proud of our elite Athletes’ performances in Morea Baru and Dika Toua”. These two athletes were awarded best male and best female athlete of the Games, by the Pacific Games Council, at the closing ceremony. We were very pleased to see our new young athletes compete and collect a bag of medals also in both the Mini Pacific Games and Oceania Championships that were run concurrently. We thank Trukai Industries Limited for their continued effort to support the PNG Weightlifting Federation and our Athletes in their sporting journey and sporting pursuit of success over the years, and into the future with the additional commitment of support presented today”. Trukai as the 2022 official sponsor of the PNG Weightlifting Federation is pleased of the achievements thus far and looks forward to building this partnership into the future.

The SP PNG Hunters are extremely pleased to announce a partnership with iconic Cat dealer Hastings Deering, effective immediately. The partnership will see Hastings Deering support the club while competing in the QRL Hostplus Cup and additionally provide Hunters players opportunities for education and training in preparation for life after football. With more than 70 years of operation in PNG and as the nation’s Cat® distributor and service partner, Hastings Deering, like rugby league, holds a strong place in the community. “For many people in the country, rugby league is what unites everyone as Papua New Guineans, and as people,” the PNG Hunters CEO, Scott Barker, said. “The Hunters team demonstrates our desire to create strong pathways for emerging talent, a value we share with Hastings Deering. This partnership extends beyond the field, where Hastings is helping our players prepare for life after football through skills-based training which will lead to employment opportunities in PNG.” “Off the field, our players are pillars in the community, supporting social awareness programs including the prevention of gender-based violence and promotion of health education.” “COVID-19 has certainly been a difficult time for everyone, but I know watching the Hunters is a highlight for the PNG people. We’re excited to watch the boys play in this year’s season,” Hastings Deering PNG Area Manager Andrew Dare said. “Our strong family culture at Hastings Deering is aligned to the Hunters, and more broadly reflects a set of shared values and joint connection with Papua New Guinea." As the country’s national sport, rugby league has the highest participation rate in PNG, with a large number of emerging all-female teams. Mr Mark Scott said beyond showing Hasting Deering’s dedication to its local communities, this partnership is founded on the alignment of people and community-focused values. “The PNG Hunters have shown immense resilience in the face of COVID-19 and have been true sportsmen off and on the field, consistently giving back to their community,” Hastings Deering CEO, Mark Scott, said. “A core value we share with the PNG Hunters is the celebration of our people and their commitment to success. We believe our people are the heart of our business.” he said. “We’re proud to elevate such an upstanding group of men through our partnership with the team and support them once again this season.” Hastings Deering currently have 23 business centres, including six in PNG, with locations across Queensland, the Northern Territory, New Caledonia, and Papua New Guinea.

The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) has produced a draft report on the review into the laws on income tax with specific emphasis on personal income tax. The report with its findings and recommendations was accepted by relevant stakeholders from the public and private sector at a seminar on Friday 24th June 2022 in Port Moresby. “The aim is to adapt the best tax regime for the good of our people,” CLRC Secretary Dr. Mange Matui said. The seminar provided an opportunity for the key stakeholders as concerned implementing agencies who would be affected by the recommendations, to provide their final input and position on the recommendations before the report is finalized and submitted to the government later this year, he said. “The dilemma is to strike the balance between relieving the workers and ensuring the Government continues to generate revenue to provide goods and services to the people,” Dr. Matui said.   A total of eight (8) recommendations in the area of legal, policy and administrative, and socio-economics were proposed, based on the findings from the research and consultations conducted around the country in 2021 after the Review was launched. The recommendations provided solutions to the key issues on whether to scrape or reduce personal income tax which is the highest in the world. As well as considerations on tax incentives, application of personal income tax in the informal sector; tax-free superannuation and retirement benefits, and other associated issues. “The recommendations also complement efforts by other relevant agencies concerning personnel income tax,” he said. CLRC Commissioner Ms. Martha Koviva said whilst the report also considers the government’s interest and reliance on revenue from personal income tax, she hoped the government will seriously consider and implement the report. “Laws and policies are enacted to ensure the citizens’ welfare is prioritized and if the current tax regime on personal income tax is contrary to the overarching national goals and directive principles and the Vision 2050 that envision a happy, healthy, smart, wise and prosperous PNG, then the Government should promote and implement the necessary reforms to address these concerns,” Commissioner Kokiva said.

The 2022 Pacific Update conference, co-hosted by the Development Policy Centre and The University of the South Pacific’s School of Accounting, Finance and Economics kickstarted this morning at the Laucala Campus in Suva. The Pacific Update is the premier forum for discussion of economic, social, political, and environmental issues in the region. Delivering the welcome remarks, USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia said the gathering reflected the commitment to continue deliberations, development, and research on public policy as the Pacific region adjusted its sails to navigate forward these important discussions. “These are important contributions towards USP’s commitment to shaping Pacific futures to ensure the sustainable development in our communities and in the lives of the people we serve,” he said. “Our focus is to work with all stakeholders and development partners, local and regional to deliver a means to advance progress towards addressing development challenges and achieving aspirations driven by our member countries.” Professor Ahluwalia added that in the pursuit of sustainable development goals, accountability and good governance must be promoted through all policy creations to amplify the voices of the community. “Good governance and accountability are considered key ingredients for sustained development and broader consultations improve the policy-making process and generate effective policies.” “At the same time, we need to be advancing women’s participation, particularly in leadership roles towards climate action and disaster management. Women living in the Pacific region are often disproportionately affected by the socio-economic impact of disasters largely due to climate change. “This is our Pacific journey, and it is our duty as custodians of Pacific futures to nurture and sustain our Pacific ways of resilience for our region.” The President of Nauru, His Excellency Lionel Rouwen Aingimea was also present this morning and delivered his opening remarks. “Whilst COVID-19 remains of critical concern, we must not lose focus on pursuing solutions to existing regional matters and development aspirations. We have to remain focused on delivering and providing development that empowers our people and makes our region stronger. I am confident that by working together we can create better conditions, stronger policies, and a more robust sense of institutional frameworks aimed towards a prosperous Pacific.” The first day’s panel discussion included gender equality, aid effectiveness and Fiji’s economy. The Pacific Update Conference continues until Thursday 30 June 2022 at the USP Laucala Campus. Sessions will focus on economic recovery, PNG economy, social protection, labour mobility, development, and social impacts.