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Media must NOT be Government-Controlled

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The Communications Minister, Timothy Masiu, has proposed a new policy that, if implemented, will affect the constitutional rights of freedom of speech through the media.

The draft policy named The National Media Development Policy 2023 (we perceive as the Media Control Policy) proposes changes which include the licensing of journalists and the re-establishment of the PNG Media Council as a government regulation agency.

In the media utopia proposed through the Masiu Policy, perceived as the Media Control Policy, and also known as The Media Development Policy 2023; the media will be transformed into a propaganda machine that serves a government development agenda.

Section 46 of the National Constitution under Part III stating the freedom of Expression.

The implementation of the proposed policy, will allow for Government to create laws that go against Section 46(1) subsections (a), (b) and (c) and Section 46(2) under Part III of the constitution which relate to the freedom of the press.

We at InsidePNG are not opposed to supporting a positive development agenda PROVIDED the government does its job! That means, making sure students are educated; making sure funding goes to where it is meant to go; making sure theft of public money is stopped; and that there is honesty in the manner in which the country is governed.

The absence of which requires the media to be the watchdog. It requires us to speak out and report on that which is wrong in society and wrong in the decisions that are being made.

In this government proposed utopia, journalists are licensed by the media council and any person not fulfilling the development agenda is penalized by having their licenses removed.

Yes. Maybe, this government won’t do it. But what if, in Sir Mekere’s words, “We have a rogue government? Or a rogue Prime Minister in future?” And he/she chooses to use this policy to impose total suppression?

One question to Minister Masiu pops up: Is the government going to license all the PNG content producers on Facebook, YouTube, Tiktok and other social media platforms? Journalists ARE content producers. Or should we all just call ourselves content producers to avoid paying for a journalist license?

The Media Control Policy, as it should be called, states that it is designed to strengthen media freedom.
We at InsidePNG think otherwise.

We, 24 journalists and content producers, previously worked at a GOVERNMENT OWNED television station called EMTV. We were sacked because we protested against political influence in the newsroom.

We do not believe an additional layer of control will guarantee our freedom of speech. We believe licensing will be expensive for a start up like ours; and that government control of the media council will not serve our interests in upholding an essential and crucial pillar of democracy.

There is a reason why our founding fathers insisted on having a free media. It is to hold those in power accountable on behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea.

We ask that Timothy Masiu step back and take a look at the real reasons behind pushing for a policy that promotes media control.

Be the government that promotes media freedom. Be the government that promotes debate in public forums instead of a government that creates an environment that suppresses freedom of expression.

Invest in the education of journalists and media practitioners if you are serious about improving the media. Invest policies that lower internet costs. Provide scholarships for media practitioners.

In short, be the minister who promotes constitutional freedoms.

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Hides PDL7 Projects

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Hides 4 PDL7 landowners in Hela Province have launched a subsidiary business arm, Kroton Laitepo Equities Limited and the Hides 4 Landowners Umbrella Association Inc.

Executive Chairman, Andy Hamaga says these entities will represent the interest of the landowners while managing benefits and initiating impact projects in the PDL7 area.

Chairman Hamaga described the occasion as a new chapter and direction for the Hides 4 landowner communities.

“You all have given the mandate to the six Directors to ensure your benefits are put to good use,” said Hamaga.

He told hundreds that gathered at the HGDC Para Camp who came to witness the occasion.
Hamaga said these establishments represent the 277 clans within the PDL7 area of the PNG LNG Project.

The Hides 4 PDL7 leaders were one of the first signatories of the UBSA and LBSA agreement of the PNG LNG Project. As signatories, an equity of K22million was paid for 2017 to 2021.

The Executive Chairman says 10% which is about K2.2million by law will go to churches within PDL7 area as agreed and signed in 2009.

“We agreed to pay 10% as tithe to God. We have now fullfilled our promise to God by giving back this one-tenth to God and all our churches in our communities will receive these funding, said Hamaga.

Also included in the program, was the announcement of impact projects. These include Hides water supply project, electricity, Andira hospital and roads for Kabote, Yarima, Tombete and Well-pad A and a ring road in and around the Hides area.

Mr. Hamaga says the six Directors have also decided to invest 30% of the benefits.

“We are looking at investing in commercial banks and many other businesses for our future generations to benefit, ” said Hamaga.

Meanwhile, the General Manager for Kroton Laitepo Equities, Lufai Wari says the subsidiary is guided by operational procedures and financial laws to ensure benefits are managed well for landowners.

He added that the board and management will be operating using a trust deed.

“This will ensure your money is not abused or invested in wrong places, but will be beneficial to all you impacted communities in the Hides 4 PDL 7 area,” Wari said.

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Violation of Safety Standards force indefinite closure of King Kakaruk

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King Kakaruk, a popular fast-food outlet in the heart of Boroko, has been closed for an indefinite period of time.

The decision was actioned by local authorities after a joint inspection of the fast food outlet was undertaken by the National Capital District Commission’s compliance officers.

The inspection exposed a number of violations by the fast food place which included several vital provision of the Food Sanitation Regulation 2007 of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea and Public Health Act Chapter 226, posing a public health threat on its customers and the public commuting through and around the outlet.

Severe health defects were identified on the building’s structures, kitchen area, plumbing and sanitary facilities during the inspection.

King Kakaruk Kaibar, located opposite the Boroko Police Station.

The entire building is in poor condition with detached ceiling materials, no proper ventilation, lighting, and exposed of electrical wiring, and unsafe top floors prone to collapse.

It was also found that its small congested cooking area had old and hazardous cooking appliances.

Defects were also found in the materials, fittings and fixtures in the buildings residential area on the top floor.

As the municipal authority, NCDC’s Compliance Directorate enforced its laws and served the Indefinite Closure of business notice until the business operators meet the recommendations.

Prior to the closure of King Kakaruk, another favorite fast-food place, Big Rooster at Boroko, was also closed by the team on Tuesday (February 7); BR will remain closed until recommendations in the closure notice are adhered to.

The joint compliance inspection is part of a pilot campaign called “Transforming Boroko Precinct” to rid surrounding business areas of betelnut, crime, pollution and graffiti, and to promote NCDC’s priority goal to modernize and transform Boroko into a clean, safe, healthy and better planned public space.

The inspection team is made up of NCDC-Building, Physical Planning, Engineering, Licensing, Revenue, Urban Safety and Health.

These officers will continue the inspection of all other business houses and building structures, including car parks, drainage, footpaths, bus terminals, beautification, and landscaping.

Boroko residents and business owners are urged to take precaution.

Meanwhile, the public is being encouraged to contact the NCDC team and report business owners who’re in violation of these acts.

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Penalization warning for companies paying below average

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by Harlyne Joku

Papua New Guinea companies that pay their workers below the standard minimum wage of the K3.50 per hour rate will be penalized.

PNG’s Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Labour and Industrial Relations, John Rosso  gave this warning last Friday (10th of February).

“Our main focus is enforcing there is compliance. We know that certain companies are not complying with decent work conditions and paying their workers below the minimum wage.  We will be coming down heavily on them,” Minister Rosso said.

He made the remarks at a press conference last Friday to announce the ratification of three international treaties relating to International Labour Standards. The Treaties were the Violence and Harassment Convention no 190, Labour Inspection Convention 81 and Tripartite Consultation (international Labour Standards) Convention No 144.

DPM Rosso commended the Secretary for Labour and Employment George Taunakekei and his labour team for working hard to review and amend labour laws and draft the laws for parliament to ratify.

Mr Rosso said on the 18th of January 2023, the national parliament of Papua New Guinea passed a resolution by an absolute majority for the ratification of the Labour Inspection Convention 1947, (No 41) and the Tripartite (International Labour Standards) Consultation Convention, 1997 (no 144).

“In an evolving world of work, it is essential that the international labour standards cannot be overlooked.

“Labour Inspection is a vital public function. It is at the core of promoting and enforcing decent working conditions and ensures the respect for the fundamental principles of rights at work.

“ON the same note, the tripartite consultation convention is important. It sets forth an enabling platform for employers and workers to have effective consultation with government on matters relating to the application of international labour standards,’’ Mr R0sso said.

However, PNG’s National Tripartite Consultative Council (NTCC) has not held a meeting for more than two years according to the labour laws.

When asked when and why, Secretary of Labour and Employment Mr Taunakekei said the Covid 19 pandemic was the main cause of the delay plus having the members available to convene.

Mr Rosso also condemned all forms of violence and harassment including gender based violence the workplace.

“Violence and Harassment including Gender based Violence (GBV) in the world of work remains pervasive. In recent times reports and statistics on different forms of violence occurring has become alarming as we continue to read and hear about it not to mention the cases that go unreported each day. There should be no room for acts of violence and harassment in our workplaces.

“I take this stand to condemn all forms of violence and harassment and this includes gender based violence,” the concerned Deputy Prime Minister said.

The ILO International Labour Organisation Director for the Pacific Island Countries Matin Karimli who was present said the ILO will support the government on enforcement.

The PNG Trade Union Congress Vice President Mr Raphael Waiyalaka representing PNG workers said they support the review and new laws and will work closely with the government and employers to ensure the new laws are enforced.

The PNG Employers Federation Representative Winston Yuka also said the same.

Photo Courtesy: Nelson Thom

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Crime

Justice Secretary Arrested and Charged

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The Secretary for the Department of Justice and Attorney General, Dr Eric Kwa was charged this afternoon at the Boroko Police Station for Dangerous Driving causing Death.

National Capital District’s Metropolitan Commander, Silva Sika said the charges fall under section 328, subsection 2 and subsection 5 of the Criminal Code Act.

  • DANGEROUS DRIVING OF A MOTOR VEHICLE.

(2) A person who drives a motor vehicle on a road or in a public place dangerously is guilty of a misdemeanour.

(5) If the offender causes the death of or grievous bodily harm to another person he is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years.

Sika explained that this is usual process for arresting a person alleged to have committed a crime.

“He is still innocent until proven guilty. Everything will be determined by the court but it’s just a due process that we have to follow. Every one of us is subject to the law regardless of our status in the community.”

Bail has also been refused for PNG’s top lawyer.

“Because of the severity of the offence he has committed under the Criminal Code Act, bail has been refused.”

Bail will now be determined by the National Court.

In a press conference hosted by the NCD police boss following the arrest, police acknowledged Dr Kwa’s understanding of the legal process.

Dr Kwa will appear at the Waigani Traffic Court for his court hearings.

If found guilty,  Section 328, subsection 2 of the Criminal Code Act also states that the penalty will include;

On summary conviction–a fine not exceeding K200.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both.

On conviction on indictment–a fine not exceeding K1,000.00 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.

On the 17th of October 2022, Dr Kwa and some of his staff were involved in a car accident along the Hiritano Highway.

They were enroute to Bereina Station for official work with Constitutional and Law Reform Commission.

Kwa had alleged that the accident was planned and that they were attacked by another vehicle.

While Dr Kwa and his other officers recovered from their injuries, they lost a female colleague.

Dr Kwa was (allegedly) driving the vehicle.

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Karamui Special Economic Zone

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Simbu Governor, Noah Kool said, commercial economic activities in Karimui-Nomane district of the province can turn its provincial revenue numbers ten-fold as well as making it a food basket of the country.

The political head of the province wants to use the large fertile valley to stimulate growth in large scale agriculture, create jobs and business, unlocking its potential as an economic hub.

Karamui in particular is year marked as “A Special Economic Zone (SEZ)” in Simbu.

“Currently its K5 million (provincial revenue), we want to increase it to K50 million SEZ,” Kool said.

According to the Governor, Simbu has been relying heavily on Waigani and hasn’t been generating the internal revenue to run its local affairs.

“After 47 years, we must stop being beggars! Freeing Karamui, unlocking its potential, liberating its people and successfully developing Karamui SEZ will achieve economic independence for Simbu,” he said.

Minister for International Trade and Investments, Richard Maru said the province will become the first in PNG to begin to take the ambitious road of establishing a Special Economic Zone in one of its districts.

“I want to assure the people of Simbu and the Governor, I want to get the tender out by this Friday,” Maru said.

The tender is for Karamui’s own Feasibility study, apart from the nationwide study to establish a comprehensive report on areas that can be used for the SEZ and what’s needed in terms of enabling infrastructure, services, agriculture and business opportunities.

The Japanese through the Japanese Development Institute will help provide the insight into the establishment of the SEZ in Simbu.

Governor Kool said that enabling infrastructure like water, power and roads have to be in place to ensure the SEZ thrives in a business-friendly environment and trusts the Karamui SEZ will be a success because of the political and people drive.

“We believe the Karimui SEZ will be the first successful (one) in the country as all seven members of parliament are on board,” Governor Kool said.

A total of K1m was presented from the Simbu Provincial Government as counterpart funding to the International Trade Investment Ministry.

The Ministry also confirms through Minister Maru that Government has also put forward a K1.3m to begin the preliminary works.

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PM Marape urges Public Servants to Distribute District Funds Equally

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Prime Minister, James Marape says elected leaders in the country must be honest in distributing funds allocated by the National Government to their constituencies to benefit the people.

He said funds must be equally distributed to education, health, law and order, agriculture, infrastructural developments, and other vital sectors.

The Prime Minister made these remarks at the Bats oval in Madang town yesterday during an unofficial visit to Madang.

Marape also tasked public servants in the electorates to be dedicated and serve the people with honesty and integrity.

He stated that public servants are the drivers of development, thus, it is important that they ensure an equal distribution of the allocated funds into the districts.

“People must benefit from agriculture, schools, roads, bridges, and other infrastructural developments in all the districts,” stated Marape.

The Prime Minister said his visit is also good for the Government to work with Madang elected leaders in making sure Madang issues are addressed.

Adding, that funding will also be made available to restore beautiful Madang.

Meanwhile, the Government has projected that for the next five years, all districts will receive K20million.

Thus, Madang would receive K120 million in total for the districts, this does not include funding allocation for the Provincial Government.

“So for the next five years, we will be giving about K100 million to each of the districts and Madang would receive over K600million.”

The Prime Minister made a commitment to look into addressing Madang roads, the airport, PMIZ project, the provincial hospital, law, and order, and a number of issues raised by Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa.

 “You have a job, I have a job, we all have work to do”.

Picture: Prime Minister, James Marape walking alongside Madang Governor, Ramsey Pariwa at the Bats Oval in Madang.
Picture: Prime Minister, James Marape walking alongside Madang Governor, Ramsey Pariwa at the Bats Oval in Madang.

An official date will be set for Madang elected leaders to meet with the Prime Minister and address concerns raised by Governor Pariwa.

The Prime Minister said his four-day road trip from Gulf to Madang to inspect the roads was part of the Government’s connect PNG project.

The road trip was also to convey a message of United Papua New Guinea whilst encouraging Papua New Guineans to till the land.

The government is also subsidizing the price of cash crops like copra, cocoa, and coffee so that farmers can benefit.

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Free Trees For Guests

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The Port Moresby Nature Park is giving away free sapling trees to all its guests who visit during the festive season holidays.

This is part of their Tree for Life Campaign.

” Our vision is to be PNG’s leading recreational space inspiring through education the guardianship of PNG’s unique natural environment. And trees make up a large number of plants that give us air, and food and protect wildlife, the soil from eroding, and rivers. This campaign is supported by One Tree Planted. A non-profit organization that strives to have one tree planted by at least one person living on earth. And Pom Nature Park is proud to have been a partner of OTP for a number of years,” said Dr. Adrian Fowler – CEO of the Port Moresby Nature Park.

In PNG, the Port Moresby Nature Park is a planting partner of One Tree Planted where seedlings are raised in its nurseries.

Currently, the nursery has raised over 10,000 saplings ready to be planted.

 ” Our approach is two-fold. There is an education process for the visitor and then there is the planting process where we ask the Park visitor if they would like to take home the tree to plant or to donate to a community project such as schools, churches, and organizations, such as the NCDC, who have land space to plant hundreds and thousands of these vital earth-saving life-forms that are trees,” said Junior Muli.

The broad categories of trees that will be given away for free are fruit and nut trees, rainforest trees, shade trees, timber trees, and landscaping trees.

The Park has been partnering with numerous communities and institutions for several years to plant trees and has seen the city and outlying communities greened by the initiative.

The Park attracts over 100,000 visitors per year and focuses on three areas of education, conservation, and, recreation.

It relies on the generous support of the public, business community, NCDC, Government, and, development agencies that visit, host events, and financially support programs that promote the protection of PNG’s unique plants and animals.

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Challenge On Provincial Governments To Deliver

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The government-tabled 2023 money plan has come as welcomed news for the rural majority and individual households.

22 of the country’s second-tier government will benefit from a K5 billion appropriation and households to benefit from a K590 million relief bundle known as the “Household Assistance Package”.

Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey in his ever-flamboyant accent in parliament remarked that the government understands the needs of the people.

“The Marape Government understands that families have been doing it tough with the prices of some key goods rising faster than the overall inflation rate,” Minister Ling-Stuckey said.

Minister for Finance and National Planning Rainbo Paita meanwhile said the big slice of the pie to provinces is part of the government’s efforts to decentralize financial powers.

“We are strengthening provincial and District governments to work with us, unlike before when we’ve held most of the budget at National Planning or Department of Works,” he said.

The money year-marked for next year is the single biggest sector allocation making up for more than a quarter of the budget.

The real test now will be on provincial governments to deliver on projects that will directly benefit the people.

According to the National Research Institute in a recent media release, “The Auditor General has not been able to conduct Financial audits of provincial and District Development Authorities since 2016”.

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2023 National Budget Breakdown

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Logging companies and banks will be paying more taxes in 2023 as the government sets its sights on increasing tax revenue.

Treasurer Minister, Ian Ling-Stuckey has announced an additional 20 percent increase in log export taxes as well as an increase in a tax on the banking sector from 30 percent to 45 percent.

He made the announcement in parliament when he tabled the K24 billion 2023 budget.

The tax on loggers builds on existing efforts to stop log exports by 2025 and encourage downstream processing in the country.

In 2020, the government imposed a 50 percent tax on round log exports. In 2023, an additional 20 percent will be added on, bringing the total to 70 percent. The Treasurer said the K30 million generated from this tax will be used to support the UN-backed trust fund.

Banks, meanwhile, have been hit with a 45 percent tax – a 15 percent increase expected to generate K240 million for the government purse.

While the banking sector is yet to respond to the announcements from a profits standpoint, the most obvious long-term impact will be on superfunds whose members’ contributions will be affected.

Superfunds that own shares in banks like BSP will likely see a dip in dividend payments in the next financial year.

Household Support

In January, the minimum tax-free threshold will be increased from K13,000 to K20,000 and the fuel excise suspended for six months until June. This means minimum wage earners earning a maximum of K20,000 will not pay income tax.

Police and Justice Sector

The law and justice sector will see funding increases in 2023. The government has allocated K401 million for the police, the judiciary, and other related sectors. The funding will support the increase in police numbers from 5000 to 7000 in 2026.

Infrastructure

More than K4 billion has been earmarked for infrastructure development with K960 million primarily for district infrastructure alone.

Health and Education

Health and education will also see increases next year with the treasurer indicating more support for frontline workers.

Agriculture and Economic

With the creation of new ministries, the National Government will increase funding for the economic sector from K71.8 million to K983.9 million.

This will see additional funding given to the commodity boards as well as a K2.61 million funding for the new Livestock and Development Corporation.

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