Australian Government

Key points:

• The Greens will introduce a bill offering temporary resettlement for about 150 asylum seekers
• They say the government could support the bill without compromising on its immigration policy
• The move comes ahead of a visit by refugee Behrouz Boochani to parliament this week

The bill would offer roughly 150 people who are still in Nauru and PNG to temporarily live in the community in Australia until they are resettled to a third country, as long as there have been no adverse security assessments made against them.

Infrastructure – that reflects and responds to people’s diverse needs – plays a pivotal role in empowering communities, especially women, girls and marginalised people. At its best, infrastructure can change the behaviour and habits of the people it serves, driving a wide social impact. It can reduce inequality, widen access to jobs and education, make communities more resilient to climate change and promote public health and wellbeing. 

Police Commissioner, David Manning said the vests and helmets would ensure the security forces are able to maintain their operations effectively throughout the election period.

He said the appropriate vests or protection gears added an increased level of confidence to the members of the security forces.

Commissioner Manning made this remarks during the signing of the gifting agreement between the Australian Government and the Royal PNG Constabulary yesterday in Port Moresby.

The campaign: ‘Bougainville Stand Up Strong – Get Vaccinated! (Bougainville Sanap Strong – Kisim COVID Banis Sut) ‘features vibrant first term politicians Minister for Police, Emmanuel Kaetavara, and Women’s Member for North Bougainville, Amanda Masono, school principal Finlyn Mamats, and a range of health workers.

Minister Kaetavara said, “As political leaders, we must lead by example. By getting vaccinated, I can help protect myself, my family and my community.”

Australian High Commissioner, Jon Philp said this during the contract signing by the two governments for the rehabilitation of ports Infrastructure for the next 30 years.

The contract was signed at the APEC Haus to support the MOA signed in June 2021.  

Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison and Prime Minister James Marape met virtually on Friday, 21st of January to sign agreements for PGK1.5b (AUD$580 million) in upgrades and refurbishments to several priority ports.
Prime Minister Marape said the deal continued the support rendered under the PNG-Australia Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership arrangement.

This support is from the Australian Government and international cricketing partners.

Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp in a brief ground breaking ceremony last Tuesday launched the cricket pitch at the Lelehoa Primary School, Ahioma village, in front of a small crowd of enthusiastic cricket playing youngsters and cricketers from the Ahioma Cricket Association.

He was speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday 7^th December, 2021

Rev. Siai on behalf of the host landowner, the United Church of PNG acknowledged first the two governments of PNG and Australia for seeing the need of the people of Motu Koitabu. He thanked the Motu Koita Assembly for its vision.

“I want thank Chairman of Motu-Koitaba for giving priority to the need of our Motu-Koitabu people. A man from this tribe and thank you for that vision. I know it was not easy, it was challenging to realise this vision,” Rev. Siai said.

The announcement of the 2021-2023 extension coincides with International Snakebite Awareness Day on 19 September.

PNG has one of the highest localised snakebite rates in the world – with snakebite mortality rates in some parts of the country three times higher than malaria or tuberculosis.

However, more than 500 lives have been saved in PNG over the last three years through improved access to the timely administration of antivenom.

The partnership is an initiative of PNG’s National Department of Health, the Australian government and Seqirus Pty Ltd. 

The quake struck in the early hours of 26 February and aftershocks continue to be recorded.

In a statement, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, said: “We are saddened to hear reports of lives lost and many people being injured. 

“Given the challenging terrain and remoteness of the area, we expect that the extent of the damage will become clearer in coming days.

“At the request of the Papua New Guinean Government, Australia is today providing a RAAF C-130 to conduct aerial surveillance and provide logistical support to the PNG Defence Force.