Comments

From ROKSANA KHAN on What’s missing in the facilities debate
David I think the rubric you have constructed does go part of the way to "define a change" in your case example "the change" the Australian government agency and their counterpart agency achieves. A number of nuances and more tangible measures are possible by taking a longer-term perspective instead of a 4-year funding and M&E cycle. I am not sure about the right term but "partnership" does not fully capture what is really going on. Partnership assumes there is some equitable exchange of "expertise" or "skills" may be it is actually about "building Government to Government relationships" beyond one that is by DFAT and the emphasis is on 'relationship or friendship'. Many elements of which are evident if one returns 10 years later ! Like the 'good will', "long-term relationships", "respect for the Australian partner agency" and the "value-add" that was provided. These are not easy to measure in time limited evaluations. Please note the views expressed are my personal, I have worked in government and non-government sector in Australia over 20 years and in international development over the last 10 years.
From John Cowan on Solid waste management in Papua New Guinea
Waste management in our homes, communities, Provinces and PNG as a whole needs collective effort. First of all, it has to start from home...
From Terence Wood on Three questions about Australia’s infrastructure promise to Solomon Islands
Thanks Redley, I hope all's good with you. Terence
From Redley Raramo on Three questions about Australia’s infrastructure promise to Solomon Islands
Valuable readings
From Alwyn Chilver on Market systems and social protection approaches to sustained exits from poverty: can we combine the best of both?
Thanks for the kind words. Obviously, the 'good work' to travel down this path is a credit to the many people involved - consultants, DFAT staff, and broader-minded people from both camps... Cheers.
From Gabriel on Through the lens of a seasonal worker
Your story is incredible, my friend! I wish all the best for you, and may God bless you always so that you can conquer all your dreams!
From Terence Wood on Australia and New Zealand, a tale of two aid budgets
Thanks Croz, I hope all's well with you. Terence
From Ngasmal Lengkubang on Solid waste management in Papua New Guinea
Waste is an ongoing issue in the city and our towns. There is a need for a specific waste management law. The government needs to support the Local Level Governments through annual funds for Waste Management. All towns depends on revenue to keep waste collection services going which is not enough. That's why we see garbage not collected and piled or scattered along roadside, streets etc. The government has to prioritize this to save our future.
From Crosbie Walsh on Australia and New Zealand, a tale of two aid budgets
Hi Terence, Great blog. I'll be using some of your posts on mine, acknowledging the source, of course. Best wishes, Croz Walsh
From Dilip Dutta on Launch of the Development Studies Association of Australia
Congratulation to both Philippa & Kearrin! Dilip
From Moses on Changing prime ministers in PNG: does party size matter?
informative
From David Vorst on What’s missing in the facilities debate
David Facilities rarely challenge the narrative - in fact more often than not they support or strengthen it. If you want to know whether a facility such as HHISP is successful (apart from making handsome profits for ABT) measure things like maternal mortality, paediatric case mortality not how many certificates were handed out and whether the morning tea Iced VoVo biscuits were fresh. Spend the money at the pointy end, insist on accountability and stop supporting the central narrative.
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