A church and government partnership will see the construction of a new health center to serve the people of Yangoru- Saussia district of East Sepik province in the near future. This was seen recently when the Yangoru- Saussia District Development Authority (DDA) made a commitment to partner with the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church to build a new health center at the cost of K1.5 million in Nagum. The Minister for International Trade and Investment & Yangoru-Saussia MP, Richard Maru made this commitment at the 22nd Grade 10 and 4th Grade 12 Graduation of Nagum Adventist Secondary School. “We will start building this major health centre next year and it will serve the people in Urimo Ring, Mongen Ring, and the Marinumbo Ring of Sause LLG. This service is very much needed in this underserved area. The new police station that we are building at Nagum will complement this new health centre and the school,” said Minister Maru. “We are also happy that the Nagum Adventist Secondary School has offered to host the Sause LLG TVET training centre and we will look at funding this project next year.” Minister Maru also encouraged Nagum Adventist Secondary School and all other schools in the district to seriously look at taking up poultry farming as a business to supplement their income. “We want all our schools in the district to be self-funding in a lot of ways apart from depending on the Tuition Fee-Free funds to generate much needed income for the schools,” said Minister Maru.

The Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) will now be able to audit companies in the fisheries industry to ensure they comply with the country’s tax laws. This was made possible through a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the IRC, the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and National ICT Authority (NICTA), on information sharing. From a tax perspective, the fisheries sector has been challenging to administer and manage resulting in the IRC unable to correctly audit players in the PNG fisheries industry. The consequences of this have been a reduction and loss in the overall tax revenue, a drag in tax compliance, a non- disclosure of revenue specifically, and directly affecting corporate income tax and goods and services tax. The IRC Commissioner General, Mr. Sam Koim, strongly emphasised the need to aggressively ensure that the conduct of players in the primary industry are properly scrutinized, monitored, and regulated. Given that the fisheries sector falls within the ambit of the broader primary industry, the IRC aims to curtail adverse effects associated with transfer pricing, based erosion and profit shifting in the fisheries industry. This cannot be achieved without a strong collaboration between the NFA and the IRC. During the MoU signing last week, another key issue brought up was data security when sharing information between the three state agencies. Data protection is a crucial part of this MoU, which aims to safeguard personal and private data as well. Mr. Justin Llikani, Managing Director of the NFA, stated, “The MoU signifies the partnership between NFA and the IRC to ensure data compliance, particularly in the fisheries sector, where companies must adhere to both fish management and tax laws.” The goal is to share data to ensure compliance and prevent tax evasion while protecting data sovereignty and adhering to NFA policies. A data warehouse will be created to store fisheries and tuna data, ensuring it aligns with NFA's data protection policies. The MoU will set the foundation to address these challenges with Mr. Koim also added that international taxation efforts are being pursued, including participation in conferences and investments in pillar- one and two work led by OECD. “Countries like Australia are already collecting taxes from companies like Google and Facebook, and similar efforts are being planned,” he stated. The signing of the MoU enhances the IRC's collaboration with key stakeholders, through its professional partnership framework. This framework supports the responsible use and sharing of data under the IRC's Data Governance Framework, ensuring that strong policies are in place to effectively manage data throughout its lifecycle.

A delegation of Australian businesses is embarking on an important journey to Papua New Guinea (PNG) this week on a mission to further strengthen business ties between the two countries. The trip, which commences today Monday 23rd September to Friday 27th September, aims at fostering stronger economic ties and increasing trade and investment opportunities between PNG and Australia, through the Australia- Papua New Guinea Business Exchange. This Australia-Papua New Guinea Business Exchange will take place in Lae and Port Moresby cities, featuring a series of targeted events designed to facilitate dialogue, collaboration, and partnership between Australian and Papua New Guinean enterprises. The highlight of the Exchange will be a Business Breakfast this Thursday 26th September, where influential leaders from the Westpac Group and the Australian High Commission will share insights on the evolving business landscape in PNG and strategies for successful investment. This initiative comes at a crucial time as both Australia and PNG seek to deepen their economic relationship, leveraging their shared geographic proximity and cultural ties. The program will include networking opportunities, panel discussions, and site visits to key industries, enabling Australian businesses to better understand the local market dynamics and explore potential collaboration with PNG counterparts. PNG businesses across various sectors, including technology, building and construction, infrastructure, and renewables, are encouraged to participate, as the Business Exchange presents a unique platform for forging meaningful connections and expanding their partnership opportunities. Minister-Counsellor, Australian High Commission, Papua New Guinea Ms Diane Barclay, says PNG is a land of opportunity, and this Exchange is a vital step towards unlocking its full potential for Australian investors. “We believe that fostering strong partnerships will not only benefit our businesses but also contribute to the economic growth of both countries.” Mr. Rio Fiocco, the President from the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry (POMCCI) says they look forward to hosting the business delegation at the POMCCI breakfast event. “Engaging with Australia’s vibrant business community is essential for creating sustainable investment opportunities.” “We are excited to support this initiative and look forward to seeing the outcomes of these important discussions.”

A prominent company in the country's health sector is currently being investigated by the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) for tax evasion. The IRC Commissioner General, Mr. Sam Koim, issued a statement confirming that an audit conducted by the IRC, revealed a serious level of tax evasion by this particular company, whose name is withheld due to the ongoing investigation. "The IRC strongly warns that tax evasion through fraudulent means is illegal and that it (IRC) employs rigorous systems to identify and penalize such practices," said Mr. Koim in that statement released. The IRC has initiated legal action against the said company to demonstrate its commitment to addressing these fraudulent practices and urges all corporations to act as responsible citizens by fulfilling their tax obligations accurately, thus contributing to the nation's development. "The IRC's strong stance aims to promote tax compliance and protect the integrity of the tax system in the country.

The inaugural AFL (Australian Football League) Pacific Cup is coming up in November in Australia, and the AFL PNG team is not wasting any time in preparing for it. ALF PNG Senior Football Manager, Mr. Rex Leka confirmed with PNG HAUSBUNG that the Papua New Guinea (PNG) AFL Commission has endorsed the train on teams for the men’s and women’s national teams- the PNG Mozzies and Flames, to prepare for the 2024 AFL Pacific Cup. He said that after the rigorous training that the train on squads will be going through, the selections will then be finalized. “This is the train on squad until the end of the month (September). We will be submitting only 28,” Mr. Leka said. He went on to explain that the final selection will only be 28 players for both national teams, adding that overseas based players will also be included in the finalized lists with three boys based in Australia to join the Mozzies. As for the women’s national team, Mr. Leka said they are yet to confirm the overseas based girls to be included in the Flames. He said there could be at least 3 or 4 girls based in Australia that could join the women’s team. “The Pacific Cup will run from the 18th of November to the 24th at the Sunshine Coast, Australia. That’s going to be the first ever pacific AFL Cup,” Mr. Leka said. Meantime, the total number of members in the men’s train on squad is 46 and for the women’s, 39 members.

Prime Minister James Marape survived a Vote of No Confidence (VONC) moved by the Opposition this morning, relieved to have the support of his coalition Members. PM Marape in his speech after the VONC motion was entertained, expressed his gratitude for the MPs who voted for him to remain as Prime Minister, adding that now this is over and done with, it is time to get back to work on running the country. Marape also thanked the Opposition for moving the VONC motion, stating that they exercised their duty and enacted a constitutional process to elect a new government, which is a mark of democracy. He also thanked MP Rainbo Paita for being the selected alternative PM for the opposition team. Meantime, Paita congratulated Marape on his victory this morning and urged him to now look at fully addressing the pressing issues in the country through a bipartisan approach. He also urged the MPs on the government team to work closely with Marape on making positive changes going forward. Parliament was then adjourned to November 26th at 2pm.

This news just in! The Speaker of Parliament announced the results of the Vote of No Confidence (VONC) motion. Those for PM James Marape 75, those for a new government, 32. Marape remains in power as PNG's Prime Minister, therefore defeating the VONC motion moved by the Opposition this morning. No MP moved across the floor this morning to join either side. Keep following PNG HAUSBUNG for more updates and listen in to the NAU FM NEWS, YUMI FM NEWS and LEGEND FM NEWS for more on this story.

The Vote of No Confidence (VONC) will be on the National Parliament agenda paper tomorrow and is expected to be moved by the Opposition to vote against incumbent Prime Minister, James Marape. Parliament today confirmed that the resumption of the sitting will be at 10am in the morning. What is expected when parliament resumes, is for the Opposition to move a motion for the vote to take place, which should commence the proceedings for the VONC to take place on the floor of parliament. Apart from this, it should be another normal parliament day with other agendas to be dealt with on the floor as well. Parliament was adjourned last week on Thursday 5th September for a week to give time for the VONC to go through the required constitutional process before it can be active on the day of the actual vote to take place. At present, the number of Members Parliament in the Opposition team is over 30 and the government team over 70, but these numbers could change today in the lead up to the VONC, or even tomorrow on the floor of parliament where MPs can cross over the floor to another team. Meantime, security is expected to be heightened tomorrow at the National Parliament premises and the city as well when MPs sit for the parliament session.

The Pope’s visit to the country marked a significant time, not only for the Catholic faithful, but for all Christians a like and for the nation as whole, especially at a time when things are not going so great. That was the sentiment expressed by the Governor for West New Britain (WNB), Sasindran Muthuvel, when PNG HAUSBUNG spoke with him after Pope Francis’s visit to APEC Haus in Port Moresby city on Saturday 8th September to meet with Pacific Island dignitaries who came to also meet the Pope. The good governor said his people also came along to the capital city to see the Pope and attend the Holy Mass, over 160 Catholics from the province came on what he described a pilgrimage to see His Holiness despite challenging economic times where the costs of goods and services are too high. He said this reflects the people’s faith in God that good times will come and that peace, harmony and good will amongst people will prevail in challenging times, something which the Pope, a representative and servant of the Almighty on earth, embodies in his visit and message to people of Papua New Guinea (PNG). “We are truly blessed and honored to see Pope’s visit in Papua New Guinea,” said the governor. He said Pope Francis gave very good messages for the nation, especially about the importance of respecting women especially at a time when the country is faced with challenges in addressing violence against women and violence in general, adding that the Pope’s message of peace and prayer should also be absorbed and deeply reflected on by all Christians. The governor was also pleased to hear the Pope’s message on the Bougainville issue among other challenges faced in the country, where the Pope urged the government to bring a peaceful and permanent solution to the issue of Bougainville’s full independence. “We are truly blessed to receive the Pope, and I strongly believe that his visit to the country will bring a good blessing to our country, Papua New Guinea.”

The country’s agriculture sector is showing signs of continued improvements despite some uncertainties experienced in the energy and resource sector. This is because global commodity prices for cocoa, coffee, and palm oil continue to remain strong and will do so for the remainder of the year. That is according to Kina Bank’s August Monthly Economic Report that was released on Friday 6 September 2024. Kina Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Greg Pawson, said whilst there are still some uncertainties with the Papua LNG project, the non-resource sector particularly agriculture has remained strong since earlier this year. “Cocoa was the standout performer in August, rising by 17.09%. Coffee also ended the month on a strong note, up 9.04%, while Palm Oil saw a modest increase of 0.4%,” Mr Pawson said. Whilst the International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) forecasted a production deficit of 462,000 tonnes for the current cocoa season. They reported that global supply chains remain constrained due to adverse weather conditions, aging trees, pests, and diseases affecting major cocoa-growing regions. On another positive note, the gold price increased by 3.467% in August, driven by uncertainty over US inflation figures. “It is pleasing to note that the gold price rose by over 60% since the start of 2020. Most of this year’s increase has been driven by the expectation of rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve,” Mr Pawson added. Despite the strong performance in agriculture and precious metals, there is still uncertainty surrounding the Papua LNG project. “PNG businesses continue to be in a ‘holding pattern’ as the much-anticipated start date for the Total Energies-led Papua LNG project keeps getting delayed. The project is currently in its Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) stage. The ongoing delay is expected to strain general economic sentiment, with the projected FX flows for the construction phase needed to stimulate business activity,” he said. “Inspite of the uncertainty and delay in Papua LNG, the increased activity in the agriculture sector is positive for PNG’s long-term growth.”

Pope Francis has left the country on board an Air Niugini Boeing 737, departing Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby at around 12:10pm for his next leg of his Holy World Tour. The Holy Father's last engagement of his visit to the country was speaking to the Catholic youths at the Sir John Guise stadium, where he first heard them talk about their struggles, their misfortunes and the challenges they face in life, be it in school, unemployment, or drug abuse and crime. "I will not leave the country yet until I come see you," Pope Francis announced to the crowd of over 20, 000 young people at the stadium. The Pope took time to remind the youths that each and every one of them is special in the eyes of God and that God loves them, and that His plans for them can be achieved through faith in Jesus Christ, harmony with God and with their fellow men. He also reminded the youths to support each other and seek guidance from helpful people as well in times of need, where proper guidance can lead them to a good life in God and Jesus Christ. The Catholic youths who gathered at the stadium comprised of youth groups from the Catholic Diocese around the country, students from the various Catholic agency schools in the city and even representatives from neighbouring Solomon Islands. The Pope left the stadium after 10am and headed over to the APEC Terminal at 7Mile where he was given a farewell by the people, including primary school students who lined up along the route which he took to terminal, cheering and waving the PNG and Vatican flags. The PNG Government dignitaries, including Prime Minister James Marape also said their farewell to the Pope where a 21- gun salute was accorded to send him on his way. The Pope's next stop on his tour is Timo Leste

His Holiness Pope Francis will conduct his final day in PNG with a meeting with the youths, over 20, 000 youths are expected to attend this event at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby. This morning some youth made their way to the stadium as early as 4am. Busloads of school students and teachers from the Catholic agencies schools in Port Moresby city also made their way to the stadium early this morning. Youths and school students from various Catholic Schools in the nation's capital, have taken today off from their usually busy academic week to attend the Papal youth festival today. Students from Jubilee, Don Bosco, St. Joseph's International Catholic School, Caritas Technical Secondary School, De La Salle, Marianville were some schools present at the event. Attendees from various Catholic Dioceses across the four regions of PNG were also present for the occasion including Mt. Hagen, Milne Bay, and ESP. Security was again strict at the gate with certain items prohibited from being taken into the stadium. Bag checks were conducted and items not to be taken in where then place on a table where the owners would pick them up later after the event this morning. Meantime, the Pope is expected to leave the shores of PNG at around 10am where he travels to Timo Leste next.