Comments

Thanks Cameron. It is quite encouraging to see in the new International Development Policy at least 7 nicely phrased references to "monitoring"; 17 references to "learning";and 18 references to "evaluation". There are also several references to "enhanced accountability and transparency". Good. However, you can't help but wonder how much traction that will get in practice when there is still no longer an independent office of development effectiveness, or any clear reference to re-establishing one in the new policy. And I wonder if our standing and credibility as a "partner of choice" would have been strengthened further among partner countries, and with partner UN and other organisations, had the new policy committed to having a genuinely independent office of development effectiveness, together with the tracking of the extent to which lessons were subsequently learned. Or not.

I appreciate you taking the time to write this blog post. It was very insightful.

Good observation, Michael!

Thanks again Cameron - quite a reflective article, especially on establishing the real impacts and "effectiveness" of our aid. Eventually. Though DFAT is like all APS Departments, required to produce an Annual Performance Report under the PGPA Act. I am aware that DFAT has a "Development Effectiveness Division" https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/dfat-org-chart-executive.pdf. But that means its activities are very much subject to the alternative priorities and decisions of senior DFAT management. At any time. The evaluation functions do not sit to the side of the Department and be able to operate independently. Fortunately DFAT and the entire APS is now being subject to demonstrating the effectiveness of their programs, through the Australian Centre for Evaluation being established in Treasury - https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/andrew-leigh-2022/media-releases/australian-centre-evaluation-measure-what-works

Thanks so much Stephen - appreciate your time with the updates!

An insightful article written by my classmates from DWU and my former lecturer Ms McKenna. It captures 'Fail State' narrative from a PNG perspective. In my reflection, this term is negative and it ignites a sense of negative nationalism whenever it is used. To use and express a negative term publicly will spark of many comments and narratives. As the article mentioned, there is a historical root of how this 'fail state' terminology developed. Politicians, journalists and academics using it must be mindful of the terminology used to convey a political message to the public as it may be sensitive enough to raise negative emotions. What an insightful article. Please continue writing more.

Good evening, i would like to Visit this city, i am an anthropologist and PNG is kind of a temple for me, having a few days in the area i would like to experience at least the city, in the next few days. I found your words particularly appropriated for the complexity of the issue of giving an evaluation on the safety of a place, and in consideration of the reasonability and realness of your approach i m here writing you in case you have some suggestions for staying at PM, so far it’s just a wish, not even applied for eVisa… Thank you anyway for your text, it’s been very helpfull.

So true, corruption is a demon with many faces. You cut off one, the other pops out from nowhere. Despite of all the good efforts, it will adapt to new rules and technology.

Any factors of planning success and planning failures in porgera gold mine?

Local leaders only work when fighting subsides. They cannot prevent tribal fights from starting. Your idea that local leaders can prevent fights from starting is wrong. Warriors do not adhere to directions or suggestions local leaders.

Fantastic to see EMIIF's expansion. Great article and clear explanation of the model. A real field building initiative which could be replicated locally as well.

I am in Saigon at the moment and went on a day tour to the Mekong delta on Kim tours. We went to a animal park for lunch, the conditions were very bad, the horses attached to carriages where in the hot sun, panting heat stress I told them to move them to the shade they laughed at me. Huge white python in a cage with no water. Porcupines in cement cages nothing else. Horrific if Australia is supporting this. Please let me know who I can contact in Australia regarding this. Angela