The Supreme Court today unanimously declared the 2021 budget unconstitutional, invalid and therefore ineffective. The court was in favor of applicant Peter O'Neill's application to declare the November 17th recall of parliament and other business. Thus have ordered Parliament to reconvene on Monday 14th December to continue the November sitting. Details on the Legend FM/ Yumi FM and Nau FM News at 12pm and 1pm today. For more on this story, log onto our website pnghausbung.com and follow our Facebook page.

Mt Hagen, WHP; Wednesday 9th December; Building of safer toilets with tippy taps is vital for rural communities to be healthy and safe from harmful sicknesses. A community leader John Dupi from Pupral in Western Highlands Province emphasized this when referring to his newly built toilet with a tippy tap that was built with help through the European Union-UNICEF PNG Government WASH Project. “In the past, we didn’t know to build safer and proper toilets even-though we had all the necessary bush materials to build toilets, we thought defecating in the bushes was better,” “even handwashing was not a concern for us, we did not know that this was contributing to our sicknesses through the flies that sit on the feces and contaminate our food resulting in sickness,” Dupi stressed. Dupi said, however, through the EU_UNICEF PNG Government WASH Project and it’s implementing partners continues awareness in our community, we learn t about the impacts of our actions. “Now my son knows the importance of hand wash, sickness does not affect my wife and we don’t have to travel distance for medical assistance constantly’, he said. “I thank the European Union and UNICEF for this vital project that is changing communities and lives. I also encourage other communities in the province to build proper toilets and safer toilets like what my community has done, “ he added. Dupi’s community, Pupral was recently certified as self-declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) by the WASH project implementing partners Care International PNG. Dupi’s household is among over 30 households with 169 community members that each have a safer toilet and tippy taps. Pupral is one of the communities among 200 others in the Hagen Central district to be certified as self-declared ODF.

Prop forward Thomas Flegler has committed to the Brisbane Broncos for another two seasons. The 21-year-old from Innisfail has extended his current deal with Brisbane to the end of the 2023 season, turning down interest from other NRL clubs. A Tully Tiger as a junior, Flegler has played 36 NRL games since making his debut in Round 1, 2019 against the Melbourne Storm. He made 13 appearances last season before a season-ending shoulder injury against Canberra in Round 14, which required Laterjet surgery. Flegler said: “I’ve been really happy at the Broncos and I like Brisbane so it was a pretty easy decision. “It’s been really good to be back around the boys, with all new staff and it being a fresh start, getting back into things has been great. “I think what we went through last year, we are excited to play and start winning games and get back into that rhythm again – we have started on a fresh note and the feeling around the club is really good. “With my shoulder, it’s been a bit over three months now, so it’s a progression thing and I’m doing a heap of running now to get the body back into shape. “I’ll definitely be back for Round 1 but it’s just a matter of taking things step by step at the moment.” Source: NRL.com

The Flying Fijians are set to play the All Blacks next year in what would be their first test against the three-time world champions in a decade. Fiji have played New Zealand nine previous occasions, including five tests, the last of which was a 60-14 defeat in the last ever test at Carisbrook in Dunedin in 2011. Fiji Rugby chief executive John O'Connor said they were also in talks to host Ireland during the July test window, when the British and Irish Lions were scheduled to be in South Africa. "I think next year we have the All Blacks so we will look forward to preparing for that and [hosting] Ireland and hopefully we have that vaccine and the test schedule for next year continues as per plan." The Flying Fijians have played four tests against the Irish, including a narrow a 23-20 defeat in Dublin three years ago. "We're also having discussions with some of the Northern Hemisphere teams that will be coming down and are a possibility to fill in the gaps that are available to play them." The 2020 Pacific Nations Cup was scrapped as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, with Manu Samoa and the 'Ikale Tahi not having kicked a ball since the the 2019 World Cup in Japan. O'Connor said it remained unclear whether the normally annual event would be able to return next year. "I'm really not sure because of Covid-19. "Usually there is always plans for the Pacific Nations Cup but Tonga and Samoa have not qualified for the World Cup and I'm not sure what the plans are for that qualification." Fiji completed a disrupted Northern Hemisphere tour at the weekend with a 38-24 victory over Georgia, after their first three Autumn Nations Cup tests were cancelled following a Covid-19 outbreak in the squad. Source: RNZ NEWS

Theonila Tantenani Roka Matbob proudly carries the name of her latefather, John Roka, who was lost to her family nearly 30 years ago during theBougainville crisis. Originally from West New Britain, in 1977 John married his Panguna-bornwife Therese in Arawa. They raised their family in Central Bougainville – the only place John truly considered home. John was a man of family, church and community. He understood theimportance of building communities and was an active participant in doingso throughout his life. From left to right: Daniel Nari, Secretary and Technical Specialist; Nathan Matbob, Counsellor and Teacher; and Theonila Matbob, Counsellor & Teacher. As well as her father’s name, Theonila possesses the same community mindedness – a trait she has coupled to great effect with expertise and knowledge gained with a degree in social and religious studies. Theonila – the recently elected member for Ioro and education minister inthe Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) – completed her final yearof studies in Madang in 2013 and commenced initial discussions with herfamily and in-laws to build the early childhood learning centre. The first classroom was constructed and the centre fittingly named JohnRoka Memorial School in honour of her late father. In 2014, Theonila returned home – degree in hand – and joined her sisters Jessica and Dolorose to continue work at the centre. She soon saw the potential to offer a wider range of services to support local people, many of whom – like the Roka family – also suffered loss and trauma because of the crisis. “The tragic death of my father left my family in a traumatic situation,”Theonila said. “Seeing my Mother’s suffering challenged me to use counselling methods I learned during my student days at university.” In 2019, the institution relaunched as the John Roka Memorial School andChild Counselling Centre with an expanded remit that included familycounselling services. In many ways it was materialisation of Theonila’s desire to address the needs of those impacted by the Bougainville crisis – including herself and her family. “If I can achieve the desired outcomes, then I can go beyond my family andcommunity circle as a counsellor and help others as well.” “Help goes beyond just a classroom education. That’s why I had to take thispath to help my people and help them to find opportunities amid the day today issues we face.” A key part of the expansion was construction of a new 3-in-1 communitydevelopment hub – an initiative made possible with a grant worth more than K80,000 combined with an investment of nearly K6,000 by the centre. The grant was supported by the Autonomous Bougainville Government(ABG) and the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia throughthe Bougainville Partnership Program. It was one of 60 grants awarded to empower local associations to improvelivelihoods, community cohesion, and health and wellbeing. The new infrastructure provides a safe space and functional environment for the centre’s additional community development activities. It replaced a thatched-roof structure where 15 students first started attending classes back in 2014. Counselling services are available to children, youths and adults exposed toa range of traumas, including physical and sexual abuse, parental conflictand underage marriage. In addition to counselling and the continuation of early childhood education, the centre now offers adult literacy classes and generates additional funds by hosting meetings and workshops. The centre now has three times as many students in preparatory, level oneand level two (those 5-8 years old or with learning difficulties) as when it began, and staff have noticed that they have shown a greater interest inlearning and improved attendance. This change is starting to yield results and in the 2020 national grade eightexaminations, one of the school’s students scored 135 out of 150 – thehighest in Paguna District. Theonila said she was encouraged by the level of engagement and wants todo more to bring back the spirit of unity, trust and cooperation. “When children go home with confidence it gives hope to the parents thatthe future of the place will one day change positively,” she said. “Training youths and adults who missed out on education and have nowbecome parents is another positive achievement.” This has been made possible in part due to effective and efficientcoordination, which was reinforced through Bougainville Partnership supported training on leadership, governance and financial management. The community has taken ownership of the project and more than 350 localpeople support the centre through the Village Council of Clans, and there isa culture of contribution. A local electrician secured pipes from local shops and houses in exchangefor electrical wiring work, which were used to complete the water supply tothe ablution block and enabled the project to meet its scheduled completiondate. When they’re not teaching or counselling, the centre’s staff grow vegetablesand raise poultry to generate funds to maintain the school, while studentsget involved and learn about livelihood activities. Other local people lend a hand with maintenance and catering forworkshops held at the centre. Teachers reported the overall confidence and morale of the students has grown, and community support has also improved because of the project. Over 100 primary school teachers attended two in-service trainings inphonics and teacher-to-child relations in a post-conflict setting trainings atthe centre. Sustainability is a priority and staffing requirements are being addressedthrough the adult literacy program, with four women currently beingmentored to one day teach at the centre. “They will be trained to be teachers and counsellors so they will work at thecentre in years to come,” Theonila said. “Our primary role is to provide sound foundation education to our youngchildren. In that way we contribute to the development of promising human resources for our community’s future.” The spirit of community is at the foundation of everything the centrepursues and achieves – that is perhaps the ultimate tribute to John Roka. John Roka School and Child Counselling Centre. The new three-in-one John Roka School and Child Counselling Centre

The Lae Biscuit Company sponsored Snax 9s has become a growing annual event in the Papua New Guinea rugby league calendar attracting a massive 28 teams so far for the 2020 challenge. The confirmed teams participating will be announced early next week for the 4-days 2020 Snax 9s challenge set for 17th -20th December 2020 at the Lae Rugby League oval, Morobe province. Since the first tournament in 2014, 2020 marks 7 years in running of the Snax 9s which is the primary selection avenue for the three times Digicel Cup champion and 2020 Runner Up, the Lae Snax Tigers. The growth of the Snax 9s has become a household tournament in PNG thus every year has seen increased participation. Tournament Director Steven Malum said while they try their best to include everyone with the main aim being all about the formation of the Tigers team, maintaining a balance of participation results in better quality of talents showcased. Malum said hosted in Lae being the corridor to the highlands and the Island region as well the rest of PNG the Snax 9s has been able to cater for a larger interest of PNG as a whole. Malum said Snax 9s has grown from a 16 teams inaugural challenge to now reaching 28 teams and climbing. ‘’The participation increased from 16 teams in 2014 then 20, 24 and now 28 thereafter,’’ Malum said. Malum said apart from the core aim that is all about the Tigers make up is the opportunity for other franchises to scout players as well the growing avenue for the upcoming generation of rugby league to showcase. ‘’We want to be fair and give the opportunity to other franchises as well to participate and scout potential players,’’ Malum said. Malum said most importantly as well is the strict adherence to discipline throughout the tournament like previous years. He said on the other hand Covid-19 cancelled local seasons nationwide and the Snax 9s is aware of this thus brought together the rugby community to remain positive looking forward to a new normal lifestyle next year (2021) and years to come. Malum added it’s been a tough year for sports and rugby league in PNG especially dealing with Covid-19 and with the tournament scheduled a week ahead of the Christmas week, he hope the Snax 9s unites everyone at the local frontier heading into the Christmas period to give their best looking forward to next (2021) season. ‘’We keep on hosting the Snax 9s heading into the seventh year as it’s been a successive challenge for us in the Tigers otherwise we wouldn’t have been putting in that much effort and spending so much. The 9s concept has proven to be more reactive and quicker response time as well ticks the mind to think fast and execute better. Players who pose these traits have the upper hand when drafted into the 13 aside team game,’’ Malum said. Registration and consent forms have been sent out to participating teams and a final medical check will be conducted once teams arrive in Lae prior to taking the field. Teams are reminded that a full team consist of 20 men, and at anyone game only three Digicel Cup players can take the field. ‘’You can have 10 Digicel cup players or more in your team but only three will be able to take the field per game,’’ Malum said. Joshua Lau recieves the player of the tournament prize money from Edrish Kumbruwah of Snax Sports Foundation in last years Snax 9s grand final. Lau's Aca Ropens are the defending champions of Snax 9s.

The four (4) Engan MPs representing Lagaip-Porgera, Wapenamanda, Kompiam Ambum and Kandep have today, on behalf of the Enga people, reiterated their joint call for an independent commission of inquiry into proceeds from the Porgera Mine over the last 30 years to Enga Provincial Government. The Engan MPs, all accomplished professionals, raised questions about substantive revenue loss and its impact arising from and closure of Porgera Mine when global gold prices were at their premium. In response to their collective statement of concern, the Governor of Enga Province, Sir Peter Ipatas, responded with derogatory and insulting comments, failing to address the substance of their complaint. “The four of us: Lagaip-Porgera MP Hon Tomait Kapili, Kandep MP Hon Alfred Manase, Kompiam-Ambum MP, Hon Sir John Pundari and Wapenamanda MP Hon Rimbink Pato condemn without reservation Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas’ statement reported in the 30th November edition of The National newspaper” [at page 9]. The Governor had called the Honourable Members ‘small boys’, stating that they should not ‘question his leadership’, essentially wantonly dismissing their legitimate concerns. “This name-calling and demeaning utterance calls into question Governor Ipatas’ leadership as being childish, irresponsible and it likely constitutes defamation” the MPs said. “We are not small boys; we are educated, mandated leaders of four Electorates of Enga Province”. “Sir John Pundari has been in Parliament for 25 years; he’s an experienced businessman, having been in full employment before contesting the elections – also properly qualified as a business manager.” “Hon. Rimbink Pato has been in Parliament for ten years following a highly successful career as an expert constitutional lawyer, as well as other business and management pursuits.” Pato went on to excel as Papua New Guinea’s longest-ever serving Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, a role that since the Prime Ministership of Hon James Marape has been held by three individuals. “Manase and Kapili are first-termers but are all well-educated with relevant qualifications and experience and in possession of the skills necessary to contribute to nation-building in the development of Enga province and PNG”, the leaders said. “We reiterate that we are not young children but experienced professionals in business, finance management and legal practice who have been duly mandated by our respective constituents to represent our districts and people,” the four MPs added. “We are simply seeking the truth for our people; to provide for accountability and transparency of the receipt of all the substantial incomes both in dividends and royalties as well as tax credits received over the 30-year lifetime of mine operations.” “We have a responsibility to our people in throughout Enga Province to ensure they know where the money has gone. If it has been invested properly for the people, they must know through us. Governor Ipatas should have nothing to fear by releasing such information he can prove also to his people that the money has been properly spent. If he is not willing to release the funds, then one must question why.” “Accordingly, a proper and independent inquiry for example a Commission of Inquiry should be instituted by the incoming Government to examine the mine’s operations over the last 30 years and the income generated by it. We know that this is what our people want to see”, the Members said. “Moving forward, based on these findings by a Commission of Inquiry, we want existing structures changed to ensure direct and greater benefits to SML landowners as well as the five (5) districts of Enga Province, which was offered before the Government refused to renew the SML.” The Engan Leaders also added: “We are concerned about the state of the economy where many decisions have been made on an apparently wishy-washy basis. The Marape Government, an Ipatas aligned Government, has made decisions that lack clear understanding of the local situation, and require proper consideration.” The Members’ statement is made in the context of the ongoing worldwide pandemic which has caused extreme economic recession throughout the world. “The closure of the Porgera Mine resulted in the loss of 3500 jobs, loss of revenue including taxes for the National Government, loss of income for contractors and subcontractors, and general impact on livelihood for our people who have no alternatives”, the MPs said. “This unfortunate impasse and closure of the Porgera Gold Mine happened when gold prices were at a premium globally. It does not make economic, political, social or any other sense to close the mine.” “The losses in revenue – not just to the National Government and PNG generally – but direct losses in royalties and dividends directly to the Enga Provincial Government for re-distribution to the peoples of Enga is a big concern for us”, the leaders said. “This is about improving the condition of our people and securing funding for meaningful, quality infrastructure throughout the Province.” “PNG is no longer an isolated land comprised of many discrete tribes”, former Foreign Minister Pato said. “I know from my experience travelling to other nations and in my consultations with other Governments and leaders that there is now a very different view of PNG and her place in the world: we are a mature nation, a united country, and we can do much better.” “It is time that leaders were held accountable to their constituents and this is exactly what we are seeking with the Porgera mine in Enga Province. The Enga Provincial Government must be accountable to the people of Enga” he added.

National Airports Corporation (NAC) advises that the Tokua Airport in East New Britain Province was re-opened on Sunday 06th December, 2020 at 1800 hours, allowing flights to resume into Tokua today. The Airport was closed all day on Sunday, December 6th  2020, following a security incident and breach, at the Airport. NAC Security Incident Brief from Tokua, reports that up to 20 criminals living within settlements around the Tokua Airport area, held-up and robbed students from the PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment between 4 and 5 am on Sunday morning at the Tokua Airport carpark. The students had arrived at the airport before the normal operating hours of the airport when the terminal doors were still closed. In the process of defending themselves, a fight broke out between the criminals and the students. During the fight, two men were assaulted, one died at the scene, and another was hospitalised and later died. The students in fear of their lives, broke down three terminal doors to seek refuge and also entered the airside onto the runway. No other damages were caused to the facilities. Three students received knife wounds, two with minor injuries and one in critical condition. NAC strongly condemns this attack on passengers and regrets the loss of lives during this incident. It is NAC’s mandate to ensure that all 22 national airports in PNG operate in a secure aerodrome environment that are compliant to the PNG Civil Aviation Regulations. Since Sunday, NAC had set up an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to closely monitor the situation at Tokua Airport. Whilst East New Britain police are providing full time security at the Tokua Airport, NAC is also putting measures in place to safeguard the security and safety of its staff and the travelling public at Tokua Airport. NAC would like to reassure the travelling public and airport stakeholders that it is working closely with the Civil Aviation Minister, East New Britain Provincial leaders, Airport Community leaders and the Police, to fully restore safety and security at the Airport.

Four senior executives from the Department of Personnel Management signed their contracts last week. Deputy Secretary Executive Resourcing Services Mr Vele Ravugamini has been confirmed to his position after being in the position in an Acting capacity since 2018. He signed his contract for 3 years. Director Corporate Affairs & Capacity Building Mr Michael Moke also signed his contract for 3 years. Two senior officers Mr Elison Kalimet and Ms Roselyn Rakuavia have been elevated as Acting Deputy Secretaries respectively whilst the two positions will be re-advertised. Mr Kalimet takes on the role of Acting Deputy Secretary Policy & Reforms while Ms Rakuavia is the Acting Deputy HR Advisory & Compliance. Both deputies will act in their respective positions for a duration of 3 months and their performance will be assessed accordingly. Department Secretary Taies Sansan says she looks forward to working with the deputies following the signing of their contracts and Key Result Areas. “Your contracts are performance based and now that you have signed them - please work towards achieving the Key Result Areas in your contracts.” Ms Sansan urged them to provide the leadership and guidance required in their respective wings to ensure there is a cascading effect of their respective KRA’s to all officers within their respective divisions and branches. “This year has been a challenging year with the covid-19 pandemic but as the country slowly finds ways to deal with the pandemic under the new normal – it is incumbent on you all as senior executives of this department to embrace the changes and work towards executing them. Importantly, let’s all work together to ensure we implement the major Public Sector reforms of the Department and the Government. That iscritical and it is important that we achieve this under the Departments Corporate Plan”.

“We started using the bridge in April this year when construction was completed and the bridge opened and in September, the bridge collapsed,” stated Mr Gwae, Headmaster of Bayune Lutheran High School, Bulolo, Morobe Province. Bayune Lutheran High School is one of three post-primary schools in the Bulolo district which caters for almost 700 students in the area, as well as the greater Morobe Province. A small river runs between the school and the main road and when there is rain and flooding, the river is impassable. “In 2018, the Morobe Provincial Government budgeted around K300, 000 for a foot bridge for the school.” A private contractor was contracted to build the footbridge and it was officially opened in April, 2020. However, after only 5 months in use, it now sits partly submerged in the river following flooding that damaged a section of the bridge. Being the only passage for students and teachers to safely cross over the river, the destruction of the footbridge has had its toll on the remainder of the 2020 academic year for Bayune Lutheran High School since. Teachers and students are currently using bamboos as a makeshift bridge to connect to the section of the footbridge that is still accessible. “Right now, part of the bridge is submerged under water. When it rains, we are completely cut off. We instruct the students not to take the risks. We suspend classes, we inform the authorities and we tell the students to go home.” So far, the member for Bulolo Sam Basil gave K40, 000 for the maintenance of the bridge and the money has been paid into the Bayune Primary School account. However, repair works on the bridge has not yet started to date. “We are planning on fixing the bridge during the Christmas holiday.” “It won’t be as good as the one that was constructed, but at least something students can use to cross over to the school.” Picture sourced: Austin Polin

Governor of Central Province Robert Agarobe on Friday presented over K3million of IDG funds to the people of the LNG impacted villages in the Hiri LLG area. Governor Agarobe made this presentation in a series of cheques handed over to ward members of the LNG impacted wards of the Hiri LLG, which also included a K1m check to the Hiri Special Purposes Authority, an authority set up within the affected area that is aimed at driving projects and programs within the local area. With the presentation of the Infrastructure Development Grants, Governor Agarobe reiterated to the ward members the importance of having a set plan in place which complements the provincial plan set out by the Central Provincial Government to drive its provincial economy. “The idea behind this is that in line with our plan to drive our provincial economy, we have targeted certain areas with our main pillars being agriculture, tourism and sports,” said Governor Agarobe. “In handing this money now directly to the ward members for the first time, we are empowering the ward members at the village level.” “When we tell them that we want them to have their ward development plans, they are now empowered with the funds.” Governor Agarobe further encouraged the ward members to spend their allocated funds in line with their ward development plans and to carefully manage their undertakings. “Money that belongs to the people will go to the people.” “All we, as a government, are doing now is putting the structures in place and it is our job now to regulate them.” “We’re giving all the powers back to them to start doing things at their level but we expect them to fall in line with the provincial plans that we are pushing.”

Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, HE Jon Philp, presented electrical tools and joinery equipment to the Port Moresby Sheltered Workshop Thursday (3 December) – marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The High Commissioner was honoured to celebrate the day with members of the workshop, reflecting the importance of fair treatment and inclusive participation in all levels of society. Mr Philp was delighted to be able to celebrate the day with workshop members. He said, “Everyone should be afforded an opportunity to participate in and contribute to society and Australia is committed to helping persons with disabilities to achieve that goal.” The equipment presented through the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership - will enable the workshop to continue offering joinery services including training to persons with disabilities. Mr Trevor Sereva, Council Chairman of the workshop grateful for this support. He said, “This equipment will greatly assist us in delivering training and building new and better-quality products. We would like to thank the Australian Government for recognising our needs during these tough times.” The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated each year on 3 December to promote an understanding of persons with disabilities and to recognise persons with disabilities as equal participants and contributors to development.