The Papua New Guinea Teachers Association (PNGTA) is taking the Education Minister, Secretary and Teachers Service Commission to court following non-compliance with a four-month court order that’s not being complied.

PNGTA National President Aita Sanangkepe said the court had ordered their inclusion in the discussions of the National Education Board, National Capital District Education Board and Provincial Education Boards.

“I’ve directed my lawyer this morning to take contempt proceedings against these people named because there is a court in place,” Mr Sanangkepe said.

He continued, “There’s a national court order in place to allow us PNTGA to represent teachers in Papua New Guinea (in) all education boards”.

The Union representative for the Teachers said for unknown reasons the court order of May 27, 2022, wasn’t implemented and it was frustrating.

“Court order is Court order, no one is above the law,” Mr Sanangkepe said.

The union is also crying foul over the National Education Department and Teaching Services Commission for its failure to publish the Education Gazette for the third consecutive year.

The Education Gazette is important for teachers when it comes to:

• Applying for a position within the school they are teaching in,
• Applying for a teaching position in another school,
• Applying for a position in another district or:
• Applying for a position in another province.

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra in response said it is now incumbent on the PNGTA to appoint their representatives and submit them to the Education Minister’s office.

“The Minister appoints the NEB after each rep of stipulated organizations submits names with CVs. The CVs are assessed to determine a nominee’s fit and proper status by the department,” said Dr Kombra.   

Furthermore, the Minister has recently resumed duties and the matter will be addressed if the Union has made its submission.