Jon Philp

The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries including the President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama, Australian High Commissioner, Jon Philp, Bougainville Minister for Education Thomas Petaaku, Bougainville Minister for Community Development Morris Opeti, and representatives from the ABG Department of Education.

This week, he convened with the Morobe Chapter of PNGAus Alumni and Australia Awards, expressing enthusiasm for the impactful contributions of alumni in fostering social and economic development.

Launched in June 2008, the Morobe Chapter boasts a membership of over 150 individuals, showcasing the success and growth of the initiative.

High Commissioner Philp acknowledged the transformative effects witnessed through Australia Awards PNG, emphasising its positive influence on entire communities.

This was the High Commissioner’s second visit after having earlier accompanied Prime Minister James Marape to witness the swearing in of the new Bougainville Government in September.    

High Commissioner Philp was pleased to meet with President Ishmael Toroama again, along with New Zealand High Commissioner, Philip Taula, and United Nations Resident Coordinator, Gianluca Rampolla.

The high commission says this early provincial engagement highlights the importance Australia places on engaging with Papua New Guineans across PNG.

During his travel, High Commissioner Philp was able to see first-hand how Provincial Health Authorities are benefiting from Australian funding to assist with Papua New Guinea’s COVID-19 response. He was also able to observe the measures put in place to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever in the Highlands.

The High Commissioner was joined by Western Governor, Taboi Yoto, Member for South Fly Open, Sekie Agisa, as well as senior representatives of the Australian Federal Police and the Department of Home Affairs, PNG Customs and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.

The many agencies represented on the delegation reflect the shared importance with which Australia and PNG treat the issues faced by this important border province. This was reaffirmed when the delegation took a tour of the Torres Strait towards Saibai Island.

The new ward will provide 26 beds to treat tuberculosis cases in a modern facility, leading to improved patient outcomes.

“ANGAU is creating the benchmark for large-scale, joint health infrastructure projects in Papua New Guinea,” said High Commissioner Philp.

“A healthy population is a productive population, and this will drive economic development and help build this great nation.”