Even though Australia has its own challenges, its people are always “generous and kind to help their fellow Papua New Guineans”, says Opposition Leader Don Polye.
He was commenting on the Australian Government’s K1.2 billion aid package to PNG for economic growth and poverty alleviation.
“The new aid package is a continuous vote of confidence in PNG and its people,” Polye said.
“However, our alternative government’s position on the funds is that the Australian Government should help PNG strengthen its institutions, address law and order problems and use the funds on other priority areas.”
Polye said the country’s integrity in economic management has dropped due to the Government’s lack of fiscal discipline in its budgets and other “ill-decisions like the K3 billion UBS loan”.
“Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has been spending public funds recklessly on economically unjustifiable areas.
“We urge the Australian Government to place stringent procurement on the funds so that our people can reap tangible benefits from projects which are worth value for money,” Polye said.
The Opposition Leader stated that when he was the works, transport and civil aviation minister in the past government, the people of Australia always financially supported PNG so that “our people can have better road networks and transport system in the country”.