Comments

The recent political analysis by PNG scholars are a very welcome development. I do think however that different questions can be asked that come closer to the essence of PNG politics. Party affiliation as well as electoral behaviour have proven to be whimsical. The crux of PNG politics is coalition formation that takes place after the elections. At first sight such coalitions seem to be made merely on the basis of personal opportunism, but there are important policy issues involved. The management of natural resources and the financial position of PNG. In that respect Julius and Byron Chan are quite significant. Julius Chan pleaded for autonomy of Eastern Britain when the Nautilus deep sea project near the island was on the cards. This interest has disappeared since the demise of Nautilus. Julius Chan declared recently that he not changed his mind on the Bougainville crisis, He is still behind the Sandline affair to regain control over the Panguna mine. He appears to move easily from a defence of decentralisation to backing a move to regain central control by force. Byron Chan proposed a new mining act when he was minister of mines that assumed total control of PNG and trea incoming companies as guests without rights. That is a position close to Kua’s, the present minister of mines. Peter O’Neill is a crucial actor in possible coalition building. The minister for the treasury, Ling Stuckey has been particularly critical of O’Neill. He blamed the difficult financial position of PNG for example on a sovereign loan contracted by the O’Neill/ Able government. O’Neill has in turn been harshly critical of Ling Stuckey. Watching PNG politics could benefit from more attention to issues and policies involved. Words have consequences and one needs to listen to what politicians say.

There are more unskilled Samoans and other Polynesian people coming to Australia than those of Melanesians because Australians are still racist and would rather have polynesians amongst their people than Melanesians. Its harder for a Melanesian to get a Visa to enter Australia than a polynesian.

Capex increase is good, however, foreign exchange shortage may hinder improvement to equipment and drugs: https://www.abc.net.au/radio-australia/programs/pacificbeat/pngmedicalfx/13835536 Also, from a brief political economy context of health study we did for DFAT: "Over the last 15 years, actual budget disbursements to the health sector have often been late and below the amounts committed. This has affected both government and Church service delivery but arguably has had a greater impact on Church service delivery as staff salary payments and function grants (for operation cost) have both been affected whereas only function grants have been affected for Church service delivery."

Congrats devpolicy team, this is the first time I've ever seen an out of office message posted to a blog!

I'm so interested in this program

This could be the best way to address the issue: "break traditional rules and structures, especially those that encourage violence and gender inequality; and inform people about the rule of law and that crimes are punishable by sanctions."

And there is another cost for sponsorship from the employer with amount of 420 Aussie dollar. So the total cost will be 1050 Aussie dollar exclude flights tickets.

Great analysis, Grant and Husnia. Your work continues to improve and inspire my present research project. Cheers, Teddy

Firstly, I think the there's no short cut in elections for women in Papua New Guinea. I believe that the idea that legacy candidates have a chance of winning in an election doesn't quite sound appealing because the ordinary voter is more concerned about over-coming the challenges poised to him or her in terms of a lack of basic service deliveries such as access to clean drinking water, access to reliable power supply, etc. Secondly, the dynamics of politics and how it is conducted in East Sepik Province is an issue too given the tendency for East Sepik to be a Patrilineal society in which the man own the land. Not the women. Hence, men would have more say in any election for public office compared to women. Thirdly, my views is that although there is advantages or disadvantages of being a legacy candidate, it still does not guarantee an absolute certainty that Dulciana Somare Brash would win in the 2022 National General Elections. I think my view is that if she doesn't underestimate any candidate and that she does more awareness and focuses more on her strengths in focusing on basic service delivery for all the people rather than only just a few support bases where a vote came from. I think the chances of her winning the open seat would be enhanced a great deal more.

Cronyism and patron-clientism seemed to be definitional features of Niu Ailan politics.

Thanks Ross for this wonderful reflection on Sir Mekere. He was a visionary leader, very strategy. He was a philosopher King.

The Voice Inc is a great platform to advocate for youth empowerment and make them as valuable partners in the development of our country. It is great to see it evolve as a student group back at UPNG and has now developed into an institution that can create and influence policy changes for our developing nation. Thumps up to the leadership of Voice Inc, you guys have shown the right leadership skills in nurturing it from its initial stage to what it is mow to be reckon with in Australia and the Pacific policy arena. Its a great networking avenue and platform to collaborate and raise policy issues that affects us all. I think some more of such platforms to be created to give policy voice to the voiceless.