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The only agenda that does not have support from the other PIF is the DSM with calls to establish PPADSM for wider consultation, which Cook Island openly disapproved the moratorium. Apparently, it is a desperate move for resources less island state to venture into this investment portfolio because they are feeling the pinch of economic inflation. The impact of COVID-19 and other global economic crises are putting them on the crossroad so they are outstretching their capacity to exploit whatever mineral resources they have within their exclusive zone to mine it to float their economy. A blind or little attention to the impact it might have in their ocean is not considered seriously. Essentially, it is call for increase support from bigger economies to step in and help.

Thanks Terence. Good to know that Australians do support our aid programs. It would equally be much better if the various Ministers for Foreign Affairs had done the same. Or the various junior Ministers for International Development (etc). It's a long time since I've heard any Minister say something like: "Australia gives aid to help develop countries without the wealth of Australia. In support of our international obligations to assist in implementing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. We also pass on some of Australia's wealth to the 700 million people globally living on less than (US) $2.15 a day - living in extreme poverty. Australia continues to have successes with our aid too. Welcome examples have included ..." The last is what I always look forward to, where our Ministers tell Australians how effective our progams have been. The money in the aid budget is important, but it's what those expenditures demonstrably achieve is far more important. If DFAT can demonstrate its aid performance and final outcomes. By applying the Finance Department's Resource Management Guide 130 https://www.finance.gov.au/government/managing-commonwealth-resources/planning-and-reporting/commonwealth-performance-framework/evaluation-commonwealth-rmg-130

Very true Alyssa. We have never met but l like and appreciate your words. If you get the chance next time you are in PNG try to get outside of Port Moresby ... thats where the real PNG steps in with more colour, beauty, amazing people and culture. I am an Aussie expat of almost 10 years married to an amazing PNG meri, based in Lae. The dichotomy of the love and respect countered by the passion that can turn quickly to violence also astounds and hurts my upbringing but notwithstanding that PNG is my home, and l love every aspect of the people the community and this Land of the Unexpected (and opportunity). As you state the inequity between the living conditions of the middle and upper class (two titles l don't like) and 85% of the nation who have no job is the biggest challenge of Govt, the community and business. Enjoy your next venture in this delightful journey called life, it can all be gone in a heartbeat. JB

Unfortunately it seems we have continued down this path of elections marred with violence and fraud in 2022. PNG continues to regress at the hands of leaders interested in lining their pockets. What can we do to turn the tide?

I believe the root cause is how we perceive ourselves to be better more in relation to others. If we can be able to see ourselves equal to others regardless of our pride then I believe we can have respect for one another. In this way we can live in peace and harmony.

Thank you Wadun and Nikunj for your comments. Among the PACER Plus shortcomings is the absence of an investor/state dispute settlement (ISDS) process. I have previously commented on this absence and the concomitant need for an investor to rely on diplomatic espousal when things go wrong. PACER Plus could have been improved by including within the agreement arrangements similar to those adopted by the Singapore Convention on Mediation (SCM). ‘Mediation’ and ‘conciliation’ are near inter-changeable terms in this context. The SCM process and rules lack the quasi-juridical character of an ICSID arbitration. Inclusion of an SCM type process would likely have overcome Aus MFAT hesitancy to include ISDS within the investment chapter and would, I think, have been regarded as more culturally acceptable within the PIF context. Fiji was the second country after Singapore to sign the SCM. Fiji ratified the SCM on 12 September 2020. Australia, Palau and Samoa have signed but have yet to ratify the SCM. NZ and other PIF countries have not yet signed. If a revised PACER Plus were to include such arrangements and/or the PIF countries were to sign and ratify the SCM there would then be no need to plumb the depths of Export Finance Australia in order to determine their policy on subrogation. And rank and file members of political parties in Aus and NZ and elsewhere who view ISDS arbitrations as a trespass on their and any nation’s sovereignty might also be pacified. Vailala

Frederick, I have yet to read your Report. However, comments from your readers summarizes it up. I just have three points to make which you may have already mentioned in your Report. 1. It shall be noted and mentioned that only few MPs and Council Presidents make wise use for the intended purpose thus serving their communities. 2. It shall be noted and mentioned that majority of MPs are stuck in-between; spend some and keep some for their pockets stating miscellaneous expenses. 3. The Office of DIRD who is responsible for its execution in facilitation, monitoring, evaluation and acquittal is nothing but in a total farce. It can be noted also that becoming an MP or a Council President is the passage to being an overnight millionaire so it can be taught of as a do or die (tit-for-tat) during campaign rallies. I, in my honest opinion see that these funds be not scraped but be scrutinized right to the very brim that they have a one hundred percent accuracy and definitely we can do that with the belief of serving our motherland.

Glad to hear the information was useful Alice. All the best for the important work you are doing to support survivors at the community level.

Indeed you did Wadan! So many of us argued for PACER to include services and investment components and to be fair the New Zealanders were on board and so were many Australian technocrats. But alas the Australian MFAT only wanted a goods agreement which is almost utterly pointless and certainly not worth the political and financial capital they put in. Although to be fair - Fiji also went against many elements of labour mobility arguing for only unskilled labour access which caused a degree of division. A whole book could be written about why PACER was a textbook exercise in how not to conduct trade negotiations in the Pacific - but nobody would read it anyway 🙂

Only Australia and NZ can assist the South Pacific countries in saving the USP. I taught rule of law there and anti-corruption.

Politics in PNG is recognition of wealth, leadership, unity, courage and strength and participate in it over time. This things are not for exchange neigther bought and sold. PNG culture of politics be carved into constitution. Certain criteria be met to be eligible. Democracy does not provide every need of all societies. Some branches of total democracy be pruned. Politics related violence will be minimised for most will know who is eligible, who are contesting and who is winning. Thank you.

I now have some clear points as to how best I will assist my clients and those fellow women folks who are surviving domestic violence in my community.