Comments

From Wiliges Jack on Most UPNG students oppose Bougainville independence
The BPA as it was and as it is stands, no dubdt about it. Part of it or all part of it is being fullfilled. The peoples aspiration to Independence was a resounding YES. However, the simple things have not been adhered to. I see you pointed out in your rebutal that it was ANU/DFAT sponsored survey. Yes it was. Australian National University and the Department of Foreign Affairs have a big say in the giving of Independence. The local administrations challenges are too much. The little things like mismanagement of funds and resources given to the region has seen alot of misuse, and other things like the existence of Factions in Bougainville does not give the assurance that the Independence once given will be received smootly and lived with. The nation building elements and instutions of good governance are still not matured. The fact that there are still high powered riffles and guns in the hands of so called factions (still in existence). The Independence will be given once everything outlined above is addressed. The Australian Government, the New Zealand Government and those others including the GoPNG will not agree easily on giving Independence. It will come but things have to be set right. AUSTAID/ NZAID and other funds and resources pumped into ABG needs to be properlu accounted for , the high powered guns in the hands of people need to be returned and destroyed and the so called factions need to be desolved to make one Bougainville- True Bougainville and things will go right. If not adequately addressed- The Australian Government and the New Zealand Government will tell you that " We dont want to see a zone of instability in the region" (no hutsis and tutsis type civil war to break out)). Such will create conditions for external elements to get in and create more havoc... just my view.
From Rico on Most UPNG students oppose Bougainville independence
Stephen Howes and Anna Kapil, you both seem to be avoiding replying to my Comment below. Is there a reason for
From Stephen Pollard on The Year of Living Non-Verbally
You are an inspiration, Graham.
From ‘Alopi Latukefu on The Year of Living Non-Verbally
Graham, thank you for this thoughtful piece. You have raised a particularly pertinent issue for not only governance in the international development context but also for us as Australia following the failure to achieve a voice for our First Nations people through the 2023 referendum. Your article highlights the need for us to not simply accept the outcome of the referendum as a fait accomplishes - but rather as a first attempt at what should be a longer effort to ensure our governance systems match our ideal of ourselves as the ‘fair go’ country.
From Lisa Denney on The Year of Living Non-Verbally
It's nice to hear from you again Graham and thanks for this insight into a quieter year. And it's heartening to hear about the real world application of DFAT's disability equity policy!
From Cameron Hill on Better understanding local leaders and coalitions as drivers of change
Hi Lisa, Good blog on an interesting piece of work. It sparks a couple of thoughts: 1. A lot of the time donors like Australia seem to equate development with "stability" and "resilience". These concepts seem to run counter to (progressive) change, which I agree is what development is usually about (however one chooses to measure "progress"). In Western states, development was messy and, in most cases, anything but "stable". It also required overcoming systems that what had for many centuries "resilient" but exclusionary (e.g., institutionalised discrimination). 2. A related point is that external aid programs that support these kinds of coalitions are also, in many cases, also backing "coalitions for the status quo" (i.e., state elites who benefit from no change, or are actively resisting it). It would be interesting in your study to highlight how these tensions play out and how the trade-offs are managed. Look forward to hearing more about this work. Cheers, Cam
From Natasha on Pacific Engagement Visa in PNG: progress and challenges
Hi Eunice, we’re currently waiting on that visa data to provide an updated progress report. Keep following the DevPol social handles. You can also reach me on my email if you need to chat more. Persevere, remain optimistic and patient is the best advice I can offer at this time. Things are slow. Best, Natasha
From Stephen Howes on Most UPNG students oppose Bougainville independence
Hi Moses, The survey covered several issues, so unfortunately we didn't have the space to ask students for their reasons. Regards, Stephen
From Bal Kama on Most UPNG students oppose Bougainville independence
Interesting finding. Suggest amending the title to proper context i.e “Most students at the School of Business…” and not “UPNG” given the sample.
From Eunice on Pacific Engagement Visa in PNG: progress and challenges
Hi Natasha, Are there visa grants issued to PNG selectees/applicants from 2025 ballot so far? I'm one of the applicants awaiting DHA to assess.
From Simon Wap on Where is Mendi? How PNG’s electoral map broke: part 1
Is Upper Mendi LLG included in new Mendi Central Open?
From Donly Togel on Foreign aid to the Pacific: an overview
I'm a Papua New Guinea citizen. How can I get donor funding assistance for our Local Community School?
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