The Media Council of Papua New Guinea now has an updated Code of Ethics and Professional Practice against which the performance of its media members’ can be measured. In its 2024 Annual General Meeting on Saturday, November 2nd, the Management Council of the MCPNG endorsed the Code, which will now be socialized throughout the country’s mainstream media newsrooms. Media Council President, Neville Choi, said for too long, there have been very public conversations referring to what many perceive to be a drop in the standard of journalism, without actually defining what their arguments are based on. He said this Code now provides a standard to which all practitioners of media should be performing. It is a guide which also arms Editors and News managements with a performance standard to expect of all media workers in the business of producing and disseminating news and information. “This updated Code clearly defines the role of journalists and all media workers, how they should carry themselves in the course of their duties, and the values they should be subscribing to as the guardians of important news and information for our people.” “It clearly defines the obligations of media owners and managements to the safety and well-being of their workers, their working environment, and professional growth and development.” “Most importantly, the Code can be used and referred to by the public to judge and appreciate the way media workers represent the organizations they work for, and the integrity and foundations of the profession of journalism.” Mr. Choi said the Code, which has been updated to be fit-for-purpose in today’s media landscape, also covers how the media deals with issues around the use of Artificial Intelligence and AI generated content. He said now that the Code has been endorsed, it provides the foundation for the setting up of the Media Council of PNG’s Independent Complaints Tribunal which is the Council and industry’s complaints management mechanism. The Code and the Tribunal, form two of the PNG media industry’s strongest arguments for media self-regulation. Mr. Choi said the Code also features in the National Media Development Policy as part of Industry’s standard and guidelines for its performance and addresses the media policy’s emphasis on industry self-regulation. He said the Media Council will continue its rebuilding program which began in 2022 with the review and updating of its Constitution. The review and updating of the Council’s Code of Ethics and Professional Practice will now be followed by the formal establishment of the Council’s Independent Complaints Tribunal. “If the media is serious about developing for the better, it needs a set of standards to operate by.” “We now have a standard for media industry, media education, and for all who practice in the media space, regardless of whether they are members of the Media Council of PNG or not.” “If you provide information and news for public consumption, do it correctly. Be guided by the MCPNG Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.” The updated Code can be accessed via the Media Council of PNG website https://www.mcpng.net/code/

Fuel consumers through out the country will have to dig a bit deeper into their pockets this month because the price of fuel will increase starting tomorrow, Friday November 8th. The Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) announced that the price for all three petroleum products, which are petrol, diesel and kerosene, will increase on average right across Papua New Guinea (PNG) for the month of November. The domestic increase in the fuel price is affected by international supply restrictions due to the ongoing geopolitical tension in the Middle East. The changes will commence tomorrow with their Indicative Retail Prices (IRPs) increase on average nationwide. After adding all the various cost components, including the imported costs for each petroleum product, the domestic sea and road freight rates for the 2024 third quarter, the annual wholesale and retail margins for 2024 and Goods and Services Tax among other parameters, the maximum retail price movements for fuel in Port Moresby city will increase as follows: - Petrol increase from K4.18 per liter in October to K4.24 per liter in November; a 6 toea increase. - Diesel increase from K3.88 per liter in October to K4.01 per liter in November; a 13 toea increase. - Kerosene increase from K3.62 per liter in October to K3.74 per liter in November; a 12 toea increase. Meanwhile, the fuel retail prices in all other designated centers will change according to their quarterly approved domestic freight rates for the fourth quarter of 2024, and their respective annual retail margins for this year. For all other centers, the maximum retail prices for each regulated petroleum product will all increase on average consistent with the increases observed in Port Moresby city. The ICCC also states that as part of its enforcement and compliance of fuel prices, its Investigative Officers will conduct inspections to all service stations to ensure prices of declared petroleum products comply with the allowable maximum prices in the country. The ICCC officers will also conduct compliance inspections in Lae, Mt. Hagen, Kokopo and Port Moresby cities. Inspection Administrators in other provinces will be supported by ICCC Agents and respective Provincial Administration in those provinces.

American energy company Chevron USA Inc will make an advance payment to Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL), in exchange for LNG and condensate cargoes over the next two years. This was achieved when Chevron (Singapore Branch) and KPHL closed an agreement just recently. Since the introduction of equity marketing at the start of 2024, KPHL has sold 4 LNG cargoes on the spot market and this term- sale will provide more security for KPHL. KPHL Managing Director, Mr. Wapu Sonk said KPHL selected Chevron’s forward sales agreement, following an extensive bid process with major trading, utility and other entities to source funding. “We appreciate Chevron being able to finalise this deal,” said Mr. Sonk. “This agreement advances PNG’s hydrocarbon business, where we believe there is significant potential in LNG and related energy businesses, including carbon offset possibilities. We look forward to working with Chevron in the future.” Meantime, Mr. Sonk said this agreement will further as well Kumul Petroleum’s goal of acquiring additional equity in the PNG LNG Project, which he said KPHL made a partial payment to Santos earlier this year in relation to acquisition of an additional 2.6% in the PNG LNG project, with the balance to be paid by December 2024.

The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE) reports an uptake of registrations from delegates, exhibitors and sponsors with just a month to go before the hosting of the 2024 PNG Investment Week in Australia. Chief Operating Officer for PNG CORE, Mrs. Pansy Taueni-Sialis, says preparations are underway for the 2024 PNG Investment Week hosted by the PNG CORE from the 6th – 11th December at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. “Whilst we still have a number of delegate seats left, they are selling out fast alongside our exhibition booths and sponsorship packages and we encourage those intending to participate at this event as a delegate, exhibitor or sponsor to register now while we still have spaces available,” she said. Mrs. Taueni-Sialis also mentioned that part of the uptake in numbers was through the ‘BOMO’ (Booth and Membership Offer) special offer for non-members of PNG CORE who have taken advantage of this special by signing up as exhibitors and new members of PNG CORE. “We welcome these new members to the Chamber and look forward to their exhibition at the 2024 Investment Week.” The 2024 PNG Investment Week will open with the ‘PNG Investment Week Charity Golf Challenge’ on Friday 6th December, followed by the pre-conference sessions on Sunday 8th December which will have key regulators speaking on PNG Ready for Investment, and will run in parallel with the International PNG Suppliers Forum. The opening plenary will commence on Monday 9th December with key government officials from both Papua New Guinea and Australia speaking under the conference theme ‘Creating Opportunities and Reinvesting Equity’, Investment and Trade, Banking and Security with more interesting themes on Tuesday 10th December and the final day on Wednesday 11th December. PNG CORE will make available a full program on the conference in the coming days.

The Center for Excellence in Financial Inclusion (CEFI) in its effort to implement National Government policies on achieving financial inclusion, has partnered with the Department of Education (DOE) to start rolling out financial literacy curriculum in schools in the country. This was achieved when 21 books, comprising of seven Teacher Resource Books, Student Activity Books and Syllabuses each, were launched on Friday 1st November. These books were developed following an intensive two weeks of workshop involving teachers, textbook content writers from the DOE and a team from CEFI who put their heads together to develop the financial literacy curriculum. These books were launched at the Tuhava Resort in Central province just an hour's drive outside the city of Port Moresby where the two- week workshop was held. The Deputy Director for CEFI Mr. Peter Samuel in his opening address said the launching marked a significant event in the history of Papua New Guinea (PNG). It's about teaching the young generation about good financing in the future, he said. This is the first of its kind for PNG to have financial literacy taught in schools to the next generation of Papua New Guineans, to better help them to make wise financial decisions in the later part of their lives, when they become adults. Although other subjects like economics, business studies or accounting are taught in secondary schools, financial literacy, which is the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills like personal financial management, budgeting and investing, are not taught from the primary level of education up. Mr. Samuel added that teaching one to be financially literate not only helps one to make better financial choices, but it will also contribute to the whole economic growth of the country going forward. The DOEs first Assistant Secretary for the Curriculum Development Division, Mr. Alex Magun, said the next step now is to train teachers to teach the subject to the students in schools, further stating that it is the perfect time to inject the subject into educating the young generation to be financially literate. Meantime, CEFIs Executive Director Mr. Saliya Ranasinghe said the outcome of the development of the financial literacy curriculum also shows the hard work put in by both organisations over the years, collaborating to finally have the subject finalized, approved and then progress into classrooms. He added that financial literacy is the main focus to drive financial inclusion in the country, which comes under the focus of the government captured in its development plans like Vision 2050 and the Medium-Term Development Plan (MDTP) 4. And achieving this outcome of having the financial literacy subject taught in schools is a tick in the government's plan. This curriculum is expected to be taught in schools initially for Prep to grade 6 only, from next year and beyond. Meantime, the development of syllabuses for the secondary level of education is in progress and should be launched as well in the near future. A syllabus is a legal document, a policy paper document for the DOE that actively tells what kind of curriculum should go into the classroom.

Kina Bank customers have only today to hand in their Kina Local Cards to be replaced with a Kina Visa Debit Card as the bank makes changes to its banking cards to safeguard customers from theft and ensure ease of customer usage of Kina Bank cards. Customers can visit a Kina Branch nearest to them or for those in Port Moresby, they can also visit the two Kina Digital Hubs located at the Boroko Post Office or the Eliseo Rainbow Shopping Mall, to have their cards replaced free of charge. Kina Bank Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Roppe Uyassi said the bank has seen a significant number of customers swapping their Local Cards for a Visa Debit Card since the bank commenced the replacement exercise on September 30th. “We advise customers who are still using their Local Cards to have them replaced for the Visa Debit Card immediately by the 31st of October,” Mr. Uyassi said. “After this deadline, the cards will be terminated. The bank is taking this proactive step to protect its customers from losing their money through instances of card cloning or skimming.” “We encourage our customers to visit our branches and digital hubs to swap cards and receive their new cards instantly, with no setup fee, no monthly fees, no EFTPOS fees, and no monthly account fees,” he added. The Kina Visa Debit Cards are equipped with advanced security features, including 3-D secure service, real-time transaction alerts, and micro-chip protection against card skimming and cloning. They also provide customers with greater control over their purchases and access to the global Visa network. The Kina Visa Debit Card also allows customers to: · Shop anytime, anywhere including online and overseas · Tap to pay on EPTPOS machines in PNG and overseas · Make online purchases with Visa fraud protection · Withdraw money from any ATM in PNG and globally that accepts Visa Cards.

A recent drug bust in the Western province saw police nab a suspect with over 4kilograms of marijuana with a street value of over K20, 000. Police personnel in the North Fly Command arrested and charged a male suspect for being in possession of marijuana weighing 4.5kilograms with street value of K20, 000 to K30, 000. The acting Police Provincial Commander (PPC), Inspector Anjap Minata said the suspect was arrested and charged under the amended Dangerous Drug Act under Section 3 (1) (d) and locked up at the Tabubil Police Station. The court file for the suspect is in progress and he would appear in the Tabubil District Court soon. He said the 32-year-old suspect (name withheld) is believed to be from Sanapte village, Oksapmin Local Level Government (LLG), Teleformin district in the West Sepik Province. Police alleged that on Saturday October 12, 2024, between 1pm-2pm, the suspect was traveling on a Toyota Land Cruiser open back vehicle from Teleformin to Tabubil. The suspect upon seeing the police vehicle at Megalsim Hydro started acting suspiciously, prompting police officers to check his carrying bag and confiscated rolls of aluminum foils containing marijuana. The police officers who arrested the suspect were providing escort for a National Court Judge who wanted to visit the Megalsim Hydro site along the Kiunga- Telefomin Highway. Acting PPC Minata said the suspect was brought to the police station where he was formally charged. “I warn the people of Oksapmin and Teleformin who are engaged in drugs trading business to quit it,” said the acting PPC. “It is a fast-money-making business and is on demand on the street but by doing this illegal business you are only destroying the lives of younger generation of this nation.” “If you have a son or daughter and doing this illegal business, your children will pay the price of your illegal practices,” PPC Minata said. Minata encouraged people not to engage in this illegal drug smuggling and trade business. He said there are many ways they can make money for their survival, and selling illicit drugs is certainly not the way.

As part of building the capacity of its workforce, NiuSky Pacific Limited (NSPL) is looking at introducing in the very near future a school to train the next generation of air traffic controllers for Papua New Guinea (PNG). NiuSky Pacific Acting Managing Director, Mr. Graham Blythe said this plan is captured in the recently launched 2025- 2027 Corporate Plan for the state-owned entity. Released along with NiuSky Pacific Strategic Direction 2025- 2030, the Corporate Plan outlines the focus for the next three years and the building of the new school is captured under its Strategic Portfolio Plan to enhance workforce. “This is a training school in recognition of air traffic services, but over time, we want to expand that to include more of the engineering side and also bring in some aerospace training,” Mr. Blythe said when revealing further plans to expand the school. According to the Corporate Plan, a growing concern faced by the aviation industry globally is the production and sustainability of the next generation of aviation professionals. This applies locally where NSPL faces staffing challenges. Therefore, recruiting and retaining qualified air traffic controllers and other highly skilled industry professionals is an ongoing challenge for PNG, particularly in PNG’s remote towns, due to factors like limited training facilities and the high cost of living in urban centers. The Acting Managing Directed emphasized that the establishment of a new air traffic controller school is important because there is a need for capacity building within PNG’s aviation sector to reduce dependency on foreign expertise and develop local talent and capacity.

NiuSky Pacific Limited (NSPL) is in the process of reviewing the salary structure for its employees to improve the wages of its hardworking workforce nationwide. This was revealed by the NiuSky Acting Managing Director (MD), Mr. Graham Blythe when stating that this has been catered for under the newly launched 2025- 2027 Corporate Plan, which was launched along with the Strategic Direction 2025- 2030 on Tuesday 22nd October in Port Moresby city. “So, we’ve had a thorough review of salary structure, the staff have not had a pay increase since 2019. So, looking at the state of the economy and the world in terms of inflation and the cost of living, we’re now in a process of putting in a salary increase,” the Acting MD said. Captured under the Workforce Enhancement under the Strategic Portfolio Plan, it states that the current salary structure that is used to renumerate staff is the Hay Salary Scale, and a comprehensive Job Analysis and Evaluation will enable NSPL to provide an updated, more aligned Salary Scale for NSPL based on market analysis in PNG and Australia. The implementation is planned for the fourth- quarter of 2024. It is not only the Salary structure of NSPL staff that is being looked at; housing and vehicle schemes are also covered for in this Corporate Plan. “We’re also looking at vehicle ownership and home ownership in the NSPL plan,” Mr. Blythe said. The Company Assisted Housing Schemes aim to support employees achieve their homeownership aspirations by NSPL providing interest- free loans to cover the equity required for obtaining home loans from banks, whilst employed with the company. They are: · Home Equity Loan Assistance Scheme (HELAS) · NiuSky Housing Development Scheme In terms of vehicle ownership, the purpose of the Vehicle Ownership Scheme is to ensure the provision of reliable transformation solutions for NSPL management and staff. Recognizing the importance of accessible transportation for employees, this scheme establishes a framework for facilitating access to motor vehicles. By implementing this scheme, the NSPL aims to enhance employee satisfaction, productivity, and mobility, ultimately contributing to a positive work environment and organisational success.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has further strengthened its relationship with fellow Melanesian country Vanuatu in terms of economic and technical relations, through the signing of a significant framework agreement in Samoa. Prime Minister, James Marape, signed a framework agreement with the Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas, committing the two countries to pursue, develop, and implement economic and technical cooperation activities within the two countries for the benefit of their people. The signing took place today at Taumeasina Island Resort in Apia, Samoa, and on the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). While thanking Vanuatu’s Prime Minister Tabimasmas for taking time to attend and sign this agreement, Prime Minister Marape highlighted that the agreement is a milestone achievement for the two countries, which will foster and deepen a long relationship the two countries have as members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) and with PNG playing a small role in the birth of Vanuatu as a country. In response, Prime Minister Tabimasmas expressed appreciation to PNG for its assistance in the past, including sending relief aid to Vanuatu after it was hit by a cyclone. He highlighted that this is a result of few discussions he held with leaders from PNG and thanked the Government officers from both countries for working hard and ensuring that those discussion resulted in the development of this framework agreement. The agreement provides an overarching framework under which the two parties can initiate, develop, and implement subsidiary cooperation understanding and agreements between various sectors and areas of development. The scope of cooperation in the agreement includes, but is not limited to: • Agriculture • Air Services • Bilateral Trade and Investment • Climate Change and Environment • Defense and Security Cooperation • Double Taxation • Education and Human Resource Development • Disaster • Health and Medical Services • infrastructure • Investment Promotion and Protection • Marine and Fisheries Cooperation • Policing • Mining and Energy • Tourism and Culture The event was witnessed by PNG’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko, Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources Jelta Wong and Minister for Community Development, Religion and Youth Jason Peter.

The Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has extended the deadline for the grace period for taxpayers, especially business owners who have yet to make their tax returns, to do so quickly or face consequences. This week, the IRC sent out word to those business owners who have yet to lodge in their tax returns to the State, that they have until November 29th to do so or face deregistration. A tax return is a form filed with a tax authority (in this case the IRC) on which a taxpayer states their income, expenses, and other tax information including how much they have earned in a year. This so to inform the tax authority on the status of taxes being submitted by taxpayers in a financial year. Following that grace period public notice, the IRC on Friday 25th October stated that about 388 taxpayers responded to it, and that number is expected to grow as the IRC continues to do more awareness both on traditional and digital media channels and in person. So far, 16 provinces have seen business houses lodged in their tax returns. They include: · Jiwaka leading with 117, · West New Britian with 58, · Western with 52, · Morobe with 50, · National Capital District with 40, · East New Britain with 35, · Autonomous Region of Bougainville with 9, · New Ireland with 8, · Enga with 8, · East Sepik with 7, · Eastern Highlands with 6, · Western Highlands with 6, · Madang with 3, · Southern Highlands with 3, · West Sepik with 2, and · Simbu with 1. Provinces not listed currently have zero responses. The IRC also advised that taxpayers lodging returns are not required to submit Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) documents, and provinces without processing powers should complete the survey form, assist taxpayers as usual, and send the necessary documents to their designated processing centers. Also, Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) holders who regularly file returns will not be affected and TIN registered from 2022 onwards are exempted.

NiuSky Pacific Limited (NSPL) recently launched two significant documents aligned with the government's strategic plans on transportation, by focusing on further enhancing its services in air navigation in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and improving its current workforce capacity. The Minister for Aviation and Transportation, Walter Schnaubelt, who launched the plan on Tuesday 22nd October, said the Strategic Direction 2025- 2030 and the 2025- 2027 Corporate Plan, marks a significant milestone achievement for NSPL. Speaking further on the two documents at a press conference just after the official launching, the minister began with the Strategic Direction 2025- 2030, stating that it sets NiuSky Pacific Limited on a clear path on maintaining its current position as a leading air navigation service provider in the Asia Pacific region. It aligns NiuSky Pacific’s goals with national priorities including the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 4 and Connect PNG Program and the anticipated Transport Sector Medium Term Transport Plan 3. “The long-term strategy outlines where NiuSky Pacific will focus its efforts in advancing the provision of air navigational services, the business, the workforce and operations over the next five years,” said the minister. On the Corporate Plan, the minister described it as a medium-term plan focus for NSPL which provides a practical road map to implement the strategic vision outlined in the longer-term plan. “This period will focus on improving key infrastructures, adaptation and introduction of advanced technology and workforce development,” Minister Schnaubelt said. “The key milestone of the plan reflects NiuSky Pacific's commitment to innovation and service excellence by preparing the organization to adapt to evolving industry demands.” In its commitment to national development, the NSPL strategy aligns with the government’s strategic plans and priorities. NSPL strategy aims to contribute to the successful delivery of Connect PNG Program by improving air and transport connectivity across PNG. It also supports social economic growth through the provision of world class aviation services. The minister added that some key areas the Corporate Plan focuses on are enhanced aviation services, improved air navigation services, environmental sustainability, workforce enhancement, and community development. Minister Schnaubelt then encouraged all stakeholders to actively participate and support the implementation of Strategic Direction and Corporate Plan that NiuSky Pacific Limited launched.