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New Policy for Prisoner Rehabilitation

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The Department of Justice and Attorney General has launched a new policy set to transform Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration in Papua New Guinea.

Launched in Port Moresby on October 23, 2024, the Offender Rehabilitation and Reintegration Policy is the first of its kind since the inception of Department’s Community Based Corrections Branch in the mid-1970s.

The Policy provides the strategic direction for rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, enabling a multi-agency collaborative approach that redirects focus on outcome-based strategies, promoting the use of existing networks, governance systems, resources and practices that are best fit to our circumstances.

The Papua New Guinea Government, in partnership with the Australian Government, is committed to implementing this policy and ensuring its success.

The policy, launched by Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Pila Niningi will empower Probation and Parole Officers to play a pivotal role in reducing recidivism and building stronger communities.

Elisabeth Mirio holding a hard copy of the Offender Rehabilitation Reintegration Policy.
Elisabeth Mirio holding a hard copy of the Offender Rehabilitation Reintegration Policy.

Key features of the policy include:
• Real Pathways to Rehabilitation: Providing offenders with opportunities to learn new skills, find employment, and reintegrate into their communities.
• Enhanced Support Systems: Strengthening the capacity of Probation and Parole Officers to provide effective supervision and support.
• Improved Crime Prevention Programs: Implementing evidence-based programs to address the root causes of crime.

Tessa Plueckhahn, Counsellor for Law and Justice at the Australian High Commission PNG said the policy is a key achievement in the country’s commitment to building a safer and more just society by addressing this very important need to rehabilitate and reintegrate people and have a clear pathway for that and processes, consistent processes in place.

“Because as we all know, punishment alone does not address crime in communities. That hard end of the law, yes it’s necessary, but it’s not the end of the story and it’s not the only way to deliver justice.”

Secretary of the Department of Justice and Attorney General, Dr Eric Kua said the policy will guide the work of the parole services in terms of dealing with parolees that are released into the community.

Elly Naphal, CBC’s Chief Probation Officer, expressed enthusiasm for the policy’s potential to enhance the organization’s capacity and impact.

“This is a significant boost for our efforts to achieve sustainable rehabilitation and reintegration programs in the same way advocates for the important role CBC plays in working with prisoners, communities and partners.”

The development of the policy entailed extensive consultations conducted at both the national and provincial levels.

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Rugby League

More Positives for NRL Bid despite loss by PNG in PM’s XIII Challenge

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Papua New Guinea was left with three losses and a draw in this years Prime Ministers XIII Challenge.

The Junior Orchids lost to the Australian School girls 14 points to 4, while the Junior Kumuls Managed a draw with the Australian School Boys 22 points each.

The Junior Kumuls took an early lead but with 7 minutes remaining Australia scored three tries back to back to force a draw.

The biggest thumping from Australia came in the Womens match when the Australian Women’s Prime Ministers XIII side had a field day scoring 50 points with the PNG Women left scoreless for the entire match.

NRL Bid
PNG Womens PM’s XIII side left scoreless on Sunday. Pics by NRL.

In the main game Papua New Guinea came out early to score two converted tries taking a 12 – 0 lead but were forced to chase down a 42 points lead from Australia. PNG’s errors and discipline led them to lose their early lead only managing 20 points. In the end, the Australian PMs XIII side ended the game winners 42 points to 20. Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea James Marape said that the concept was very important for PNG and Australia’s partnership, especially the push by Papua New Guinea to be the 18th team in the National Rugby League (NRL) which has gained much support from the Australian Federal Government.

Prime Minister James Marape promised an even bigger Prime Ministers XIII Challenge during Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence in 2025.

An optimistic Marape added that by 2028 PNG should have a positive answer from the National Rugby League competition in Australia.

“I want to appreciate the Australian Government for their support. We hope to see our own team play in the NRL hopefully in 2028 onwards,” Marape said.

Representing the Government of Australia was Pat Conroy Minister for Defence Industry & Capability Delivery who he is also the Minister for International Development and the Pacific.

Sharing similar views with Marape is also positive about the ongoing discussions for Papua New Guinea to enter the NRL.

He said rugby league was a key factor in uniting the two nations in the Pacific.

Conroy said the spinoff from a successful NRL Bid will bring more development and job opportunities for Papua New Guineans in PNG and in Australia as well.

“Like Prime Minister Marape I am very optimistic we have reached an agreement with the fundamentals, just the final details but I am very confident we are going to get there and nothing will bring our two countries closer together.

“More PNG players in the NRL will be an awesome thing and I think in the years to come a PNG team will rival Penrith for dominating the competition,” Conroy said.

Related stories: Kumuls Focus on Defense, Elsie Albert leads Womens PM’s XIII side, Brendon Ready for PM’s XIII Challenge.

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Rugby League

Brendon Ready for PMs XIII Challenge

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Brendon Nima after a strong showing in the Queensland Host Plus Cup has been chosen for the Papua New Guinea Prime Ministers XIII side.

The Prime Ministers XIII rugby league challenge between Papua New Guinea and Australia will be this Sunday (13/10/24). The the kick off will be at 4pm at the Santos National Football Stadium.

Nima who plays wing says there are many talented backliners in the PNG side and it will be a challenge for him and other players to impress selectors if they want to make the Kumuls side for the Pacific Championships. The team is focused on defense and Nima says they are ready to take on the Australians.

He adds they have a good mix of players in the side and the team is always full of pride to represent Papua New Guinea.

Related Stories: Elsie Albert Leads Womens Side, PM’s XIII Men Focus on Defense

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Rugby League

Elsie Albert to Lead PNG Womens Prime Ministers XIII Side

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Elsie Albert PNG Prime Ministers XIII Womens Side Captain

Elsie Albert will be leading the Papua New Guinea Prime Ministers XIII womens side today against Australia.

Albert has been power house in the Women’s National Rugby League Competition in Australia. She is currently playing for the Paramatta Eels women’s team. Elsie will be one of only four women that play in the WNRL in Australia.

Others include Essay Banu and Sareka Mooka who play for the North Queensland Cowboys and Ua Ravu with the Canberra Raiders. There is a handful of players from the Queensland Cup and other Australian based competitions. The rest of the team is made up of women from Papua New Guineas National Women’s Rugby League Competition the Santos Cup. The squad comprises of 22 women.

Elsie Albert as captain of the Women’s Prime Ministers XIII side is confident the team will be up for a win against the Australian side.

“You have to have confidence in the team and I am confident that the team that we have can get the job done for Papua New Guinea.

“Its always a proud moment when we put on the jersey and it will be the same this Sunday and we will be giving our best shot to get the win this Sunday,” Albert said.

Coach Tahnee Norris says the team has jelled well and after a few training sessions together they are looking well prepared for todays match. She said the Prime Minister XIII match will help in her selection for the Orchids side that will take part in the Pacific Championship.

She is eager to see how the women selected from the Santos Cup will perform on Sunday.

“We had a couple of training sessions and the girls have come together.

“There are a few girls that featured well in the Santos cup and have put their hands up for selection in the Prime Ministers 13 side.

“It has given them every opportunity to make that side for the Pacific Championships and I am very keen on seeing how they perform on Sunday,” Norris said.

The Australian Womens Coach Jess Skinner said they are anticipating a tough encounter with the PNG womens side.

She added that some of the women will also be looking to impress the coaches for their chance to make the Australian Jilaroos side for the Pacific Championship as well.

“The games going to be really tough and there is a lot of experience in the Papua New Guinea Prime Ministers 13 team as well. We are looking forward to the match on Sunday it will be really entertaining.

“We have the Pacific Championships and some of the other girls will be joining us then but we have a job to do this weekend,” Skinner said.

Read more: Prime Minister XIII Mens Side to Focus on Defense

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Rugby League

PNG Prime Ministers 13 Men to Focus on Defense

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The Prime Ministers 13 fixture for 2024 is set for Sunday the 13th of October, the teams from Australia arrived on Friday (11/10/24) in Port Moresby for Sundays matches.

Papua New Guinea still has about 20 spots to fill in the PNG LNG Kumuls Pacific Championships side and will be using the Prime Ministers 13 as the final showcase to decide a team for the National side that will take on the Fiji Bati in Suva on the 19th of October.

Australia has a relatively young side in this year’s PMs 13, but all their players are emerging future Kangaroos in the NRL competition.

Papua New Guinea on the other hand has a bulk of it’s players from the Queensland Cup Competition with additions from the Super League and the Digicel Exxon Mobil Cup.

Australia has always come out on top in the PMs 13 fixtures, always the winners over the past years. PNG has only a draw with Australia in a 24 all scoreline in 2007.

PNGs new Coach Jason Demetriou has shifted focus for the team on defense, adding that they need to work on stopping the Australians from scoring.

“There is a few things we have worked on in and around our defense we want to put some practice into that before we go to Fiji for the Pacific Test,” Demetriou said

Demetriou has picked a team that is dynamic and can score points, with a couple of breakout stars in the Queensland Cup such as try scoring sensation Dudley Dotoi of the Townsville Blackhawks.

“Like I told the boys we will get tested by a quality side from Australia, I know we can score points but we will have to work on our defense.” Demetriou added.

Australian PMs 13 Coach Brad Fittler says the opportunity to represent their country is the highlight for most of the players in his camp, most of the players are just starting out their careers in the NRL.

“The one thing I have noticed picking this teams is the immense talent and potential they have, It is a long process to pick a side and the NRL season is a long season, but the players show a lot of enthusiasm and they will be a great team to challenge the PNG Prime Ministers 13,” Fittler said.

He added that the players are excited for the match. Fittler has encouraged his team to take the match as a stepping stone towards a Kangaroos jersey.

“I think anytime these players get a chance to get selected and improve, they get the chance to wear the Australian Jersey and play along side some of their idols like Damian Cook. I think its very important to them.

“A lot of these players are at the start of their careers and let alone representative careers.
This is a stepping stone to hopefully be the team that are playing in the Pacific Championships in the future. It’s up to the players to see this as the challenge and stepping stone,” Fittler adds.

After the PMs 13 clash, the focus for Jason Demetriou will shift to the Kumuls side, in preparation for the Pacific Championships.

Only 10 players will leave early for Fiji while the rest of the team will be made up of players from the Prime Ministers 13.

“Every player that goes out on Sunday will have the opportunity to present themselves and put their name forward for the Pacific Championships.

“Its such a strong feeling to give the guys the opportunity to put on the jumper to represent their country. There is so much emotion from some of the guys that will be playing in this game on Sunday, it is a privilege to present that opportunity to them,” Demetriou said.

Read More: insidepng.com

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News

Pope Francis Encourages Closeness to Christ

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“We too can become cutoff from the communication and friendship with God and our brothers and sisters when instead of our ears and tongue, our hearts become blocked.”

Celebrating the Holy Mass in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on Sunday (8th September), Pope Francis shared two interpretations of the Gospel of Mark, chapter 7:31-37 where Jesus healed the deaf and mute person.

“In St Marks account there are two things that is emphasized, the distance of the deaf man and the nearness of Jesus.

“Let us reflect on these two features the distance of the deaf man, we see him in a geographical area that we would call in today’s language the periphery. The deaf man was distant, the Pope said, in that he hailed from the Decapolis, a land inhabited by pagans far from the religious centre of Jerusalem.

He was “cut off from the world, isolated, a prisoner of his deaf and mute condition.

“Because of their pagan customs it was considered an impure territory far from God, what is more, this deaf man also experienced another kind of distance, he is far from God and from others because he cannot communicate; he is deaf and unable to hear and he is also mute he cannot speak, he is cutoff from the world, a prisoner in his deaf and mute condition a prisoner that cannot communicate,” Pope Francis added.

Pope Francis said there could also be another interpretation of the deaf man’s situation.

“Indeed, there is a kind of inner deafness and muteness of heart that occurs when we close in on ourselves or shut ourselves from God and others through selfishness, indifference, fear of taking risks or putting ourselves on the line, resentment hatred and the list could go on.

All these, distances us from God, from our brothers and sisters and ourselves and from the Joy of living,” Pope Francis concluded.

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Sport

SP PNG Hunters Ready for Round Six

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SP PNG Hunters

After five rounds the SP PNG Hunters are two from two and a bye, this puts them at 10th spot on the Hotplus Cup Ladder.

The Hunters have only two wins at home, with two loses away in Queensland Australia, they have the opportunity to keep the wining streak going at home, but it wont be easy this weekend in round 6 of the Hotplus Cup.

The Hunters face the Redcliff Dolphins at the Santos National Football Stadium on Saturday the 20th of March 2024.

The Dolphins have been on a roll with a four from one record placing them on 2nd place after 5 rounds.

The Hunters poor defense and discipline has been a concern, but Coach Paul Aiton says the team is looking to keep a clean record at home.

The Hunters were hard at training this week perfecting their techniques in defense, Aiton said it was all about mindset for the team to get themselves in order.

“We have a good tackling technique we worked on it at preseason, we haven’t been disciplined on our technique.

“We have reduced our penalty count every week, the technique is alright I think it is all about mindset, As Coach Enock Maki says defense is about effort I think it is all about our effort,” Aiton said.

Saturday will also see the return of Jamie Mavoko who replaces Sakias Komati, Mavoko has been nursing an injury and as an experienced half-back is a welcome addition to the team, Valentine Richard and Robert Mathias both make their return to the side also.

For the Hunters that are not in the team this week, those that are signed to Digicel ExxonMobil Cup teams will play for their respective clubs.

But Paul Aiton says there are a couple of injuries that players are nursing and not all players are expected to play in the Digicel Cup, he added that priority should be the Hunters and not all players will be allowed to play in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup.

“We are very selective and cant let everyone play, even though we want them to get match fitness, because its the best fitness you can get, we got to be very selective on who gets to play.

“We would like for them all to go back and play to get match fitness on timing and defense but its quite risky, we have to hold back on some players,” Aiton said

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Rugby League

Hunters Win in Round 3

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Hunters Round 3

Robert Mathias and Valentine Richard stood out for the SP PNG Hunters, in the team’s 22 to 10 victory over the Sunshine Coast Falcons at the Santos National Football Stadium.

The Duo scored a try each in the round three fixture of the 2024 Hotplus Cup season. Robert Mathias even helped to set up a try to Clent Lama after he made the initial break that led to the try. The Hunters didn’t have the services of Valentine and Robert last week. The two are still having issues with their Visas and are not able to travel to Australia. Possibly miss more away games before the issues are sorted.

Hunters Coach Paul Aiton did admit that the duo was missed during the second-round loss to the Capras in Central Queensland last weekend. But added that there are players who are capable of filling the spots of the two players.

“Valentine Richard is a Kumul and Robert Mathias is impressive. It was a very big loss for us last week without them in the team. But their not being in the team allows us to put in other players that can fill in their spots, and them missing the away games is going to happen again because of their Visas not being granted,” Aiton said.

Paul Aiton did not specify what the reason was for the duo’s visa troubles. Adding that it was not serious but it was a matter of the two players sorting themselves out. Confirming it was a personal issue and would be sorted out eventually.

The match against the Falcons started off slow for both teams. The Hunters suffering a sin bin in the 6th minute to winger Solo Wane.

The Hunters and Falcons played in overcast conditions. It was suitable for a great day of rugby league, but the crowds were kept disappointed by the home side. Countless errors especially poor ball security plagued the Hunters. The Falcons were also victims of poor ball handling, causing a meager flow in the opening exchanges of the half.

The Falcons had an opportunity to get an early two-point lead but were left disappointed when half-back Cody Hunter failed to convert the penalty conversion.

Hunters were camped in the Falcon’s half and finally cracked their defense in the 25th minute. A simply set play leading to a string of passes found fullback Sonny Wabo on the sidelines. Wabo giving an inside ball to Winger Brendon Nima to crash over for the Hunters first try.

A successful conversion by Clent Lama took the Hunters to a 6-0 lead. The Falcons responded with a try 4 minutes later. A cross-field bomb by halfback Cody Hunter from the left side of the field to the right, was caught in mid-air by the Falcons second rower Thallon Peters, who then scored the Falcons opening try.

Falcons Zacariah Miles missed the Conversion to trail 6-4 in favor of the Hunters, the scores remained 6-4 at halftime.

The Falcons scored first in the second half. A converted try to Falcons Kane Jackson pushing the visitors to a 10-6 lead.

But the Hunters managed to get themselves back in the game. A late surge in the final 20 minutes set in motion three tries for the classy win. Clent Lama crossed over in the 65th minute, followed by Robert Mathias in the 75th minute. Finally the win was sealed by Valentine Richard who muscled his way onto the try line in the 78th minute, ending the match 22 points to 10 for a Hunters second win on home soil.

Coach Aiton was happy with the result. Despite a slow start the team managed to turn things around in the final 20 minutes to surge home for the big win.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/glare-talin-and-kai-to-debut-for-hunters/

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Glare, Talin and Kai to Debut for Hunters

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Three to Debut

Three players will make their SP PNG Hunters debut on Saturday. This is after a thrilling win on home soil last weekend. The Hunters will travel to Browne Park, Rockhampton for round two of the 2024 Hotplus Cup, where they will take on the Central Queensland Capras on Saturday the 16th of March.

The PNG Hunters off the field share a bond with the Capras. But friendships aside, Paul Aitons men are determined to secure the valuable 2 points on offer.

“I got a good relationship with the Coach down at the Capras. We get on really well. We also had our video sessions and kind of predicted what they would do. I think for us we just play how we want to play. I’m comfortable with the team we have. The boys, they can score anywhere.” Aiton said.

The Hunters beat the Wynnum Manly Seagulls 36 Points to 22 in round one last weekend. But despite the win, Coach Aiton sees that there is more room for improvement.

It was a 14 point win but the Hunters were scrappy in patches of the match. With a total of 23 missed tackles and 12 errors, the team also gave away 13 penalties, to the Seagulls who gave the Hunters only 5.

Aiton said consistency is important. He added that despite the team being gifted with try scorers they still needed to get the little things right, and discipline was important.

“There was a high completion rate between the two teams. It’s not always good for us despite the win. We gave away a lot of penalties. First half of the season we focus on completing our sets and discipline,” Aiton said.

The Hunters are forced to drop two players due to Visa issues. Robert Mathias and Valentine Richard, will have to stay back in PNG while their Visa issues get sorted out before they are able to travel to Australia.

“Valentine Richard and Robert Mathias are unable to fly. So Junior Talin will step in for Robert and we have Manase Kai takes over Valentines spot. Tapia Solu was charged with a crusher tackle but we took an early plea so he will be out for a week only. So Finlay Glare will also make his debut. So in all three players will make their debut in tomorrows match,” Aiton said.

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SP PNG Hunters Ready for Season Opener

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Hunters Season Opener

Its crunch time again for the SP PNG Hunters, the 2024 Hotplus Cup season opener for the Hunters is on Saturday the 9th of March at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby against the Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

The Hunters with Head Coach Paul Aiton said they had a grueling and eventful preseason, the team named their final 30 men squad last week, the team had two trial matches against the Ipswitch Jets and the Central Queensland Capras, this ensured the team had ample time to work on possible combinations and structures for their season opener.

Ila Alu remains the captain of the team as he looks forward for his 7th season with the club since joining in 2018.

Coach Paul Aiton said Ila Alu continues to prove his leadership prowess on and off the field.

“Ila is the most consistent player in training and a leader outside of the game as well,” Aiton remarked

Hunters finished 10th in 2023 wining just nine and losing 10 matches, the team hasn’t been in the finals since 2017 the year of their maiden premiership win.

Captain Ila Alu says since joining the team in 2018 the level of football in the Hotplus Cup has greatly evolved, and with the addition of Paul Aiton as Head Coach their focus is on consistency in defense and attack.

“The finals are a long stretch away, Coach has bought in a lot of new ideas that fit into our game style, we know we can tackle hard and run hard, but there are some components that we have worked on especially for efficiency for longer periods in attack and defense.

“The game has evolved, especially the speed and technicality, if we can implement what we worked hard for in preseason, we can start off well in our hunt, the finals are a long way away, and we take each game as it comes and work towards the best outcome,” Alu said

Coach Paul Aiton started off with 50 plus players during preseason, among those players were promising talent from the Junior Kumuls that proved their worth against the Australian School Boys side during the Prime Ministers 13 weekend, three players from that side made the final cut for the 2024 Hunters side, Bruce Bawase, Finlay Glare and Gairo Voro, the three were standouts during preseason and Aiton at first didn’t think he would select these players for the final side but, they impressed him and wholeheartedly earned their spot in the team.

“I know these three are talented, they share similar qualities that the current players have and this can push these players as well to improve, I didn’t think I would select these players at the start of preseason but their efforts and humility was impressive and overall they are just great people”, Aiton said

Ila Alu was also impressed with the three young players, he said it was a tough competition among players during preseason, and it really pushed all the current contracted players to fight for their place in the side as well.

“Its good to have the young players coming in at preseason, they push us hard during preseason, its great to have competition amongst us players, these young players are talented and eager to learn, they have earned the trust of the majority,” Alu said

The Hunters have also involved former players in the side, with Wartovo Puara Junior and Enock Maki as assistant Coaches and Butler Morris as a trainer in the team as well.

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