National Executive Council

The Government, through National Executive Council decision No: 25/2016, in no uncertain terms directed that no fees of any sort relating to student enrolment be imposed upon parents.

Education Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra said in line with the NEC decision, he has issued circular instructions; 2/16 and 2/17 in 2016 and 2017.

Kombra said: “Still, reports are coming in that a number of schools are imposing fees, including withholding certificates to collect so-called outstanding fees from parents. That is uncalled for.

This follows the approved revised restructure which Mala said will enable the Office to work more effectively and efficiently.

“As the Chief Censor of this growing organisation, I am adamant that the Office is capable of delivering respective outcomes despite setbacks such as funding, which all of us are currently experiencing.”

He said the three main objectives of the Office for 2016 are slowly but surely being carried out.

They are; 1) Decentralisation of Chief Censor’s powers 2) Concept Paper on Internet Filtering and 3) Development of Awareness Strategy.

This was because the subject of the proceeding was not “reviewable”.

The main issue the court was asked to review was the process used by the National Executive Council in its two decision dated June 18^th  and June 24, of 2014, to abolish the Investigation Task Force Sweep team and establish the new anti-corruption investigation body; Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).

A trial was conducted on the issue and Justice Collin Makail, on Friday afternoon, delivered his decision.

The seven member board, appointed by the National Executive Council, was announced on Monday by Minister for Civil Aviation Davis Steven.

The board will be headed by new acting managing director and chief executive officer Richard Yopo and Chairman Reuben Aila, who represents the Chamber of Commerce.

This follows the reappointment of a senior public servant with performance issues at the National Museum and Art Gallery (NMAG).

The acting appointment was made this week without the Minister being present at the Ministerial Executive Appointment Commitment (MEAC).

Kulang said in a media conference today that he has not been properly and effectively consulted as required by Section 6 of the principal law; Regulatory State Authorities Act 2004.

He said the Board of Trustees deliberately avoided invoking Section 4 of the RSA Act 2004.

The regulation is to ensure PNG’s sovereignty is protected and respected by expatriate advisers who work in government agencies only.

The new law comes into effect this Thursday, September 1^st.

The new arrangements apply to all non-citizens who are currently employed by development contractors and other agencies to provide advisory support.

The agreement creates a link between the adviser and the agency secretary.

“On expiry date of a TRP (Timber Right Purchase) project, a review must be done and the concession returns to the landowners, which we have captured in the revised Act,” Tomuriesa said.

He was responding to questions by Middle Fly MP Roy Biyama in Parliament yesterday on why logging permits, held by foreign companies, are still owned by them after it expires.    

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill revealed thus in Parliament saying this include landowners, mine villages and the provincial government.

He said it is a totally different approach to the past where the people of Western Province only received dividends on the 6.1 percent of shares that were held by the State.

"We are now providing direct equity participation for the people of Western Province and this will further allow for participation at the board level.

A joint committee for security has been created for security operations during the World Cup.

This comprises of the PNG Defence Force, Customs, National Airport Corporation, Department of Transport, the National Maritime and Safety Authority, National Security Advisory Council, PNG Fire Service, NCDC and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) as the lead agency for public safety and security plans.

Chief Executive Officer of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Seamus Marten said preparations are going according to schedule.

Acting Secretary for Education Dr Uke Kombra officially issued the instruction today as per the National Executive Council’s (NEC) decision.

Head teachers who do not comply with this decision will face disciplinary action.

NEC has made the decision to endorse the new single integrated Tuition Free Fee Policy in principal but the section on project fees imposed on parents was not approved after it was abused by schools.