Comments

Make an example of an outdated statute or specify a particular law that deems obsolete today. Remember changing, altering amending laws are not like opening windows with an hope to see what you want to see. We have to go through changes that will prompt law changes. Law changes can not change you.

Thanks for this story. I think we need a global scan of the situation for working mom's (and dad's) with children, and the extent to which they are supported by development organizations/agencies. I think many organizations that claim to be rights-based, maternal-and-child-health advocates do a poor job of supporting their own employees.

Awesome read. Totally enjoyed reading this historic and unifying story of a solidly United and beloved Papua New Guinea on her 41st independence anniversary. Thank you Tumat Sogolik. Thank you Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc and Felicity Herbert

Great story: thanks Manusupe and Felicity! Also a very happy birthday to 'the land of the unexpected’ that just turned 41. It is really hard to not fall in love with PNG. This nation of colour, contrasts, and conflicts is never a dull place to visit or work. The vast majority of its people are law abiding, hardworking, and generous people. The regret is that at 41 years PNG is still struggling to unite its people. One distant boxing match some 44 years ago had a significant contribution to uniting the people during the formative stages of nationhood. The Olympic Gold in Rugby 7s won in Rio similarly united Fijians as never before, and it also brought many Pacific peoples together - my acquaintances from Australia, New Zealand, PNG, Solomon Islands, Tonga, etc. celebrated with us as if this was their win too! Why not a PNG national rugby team in the NRL - win or lose on the field, it will unite our people.

I still love this article even after re-reading it.

Thanks Sara! You are living proof that being an engaged parent and doing meaningful development work doesn't have to be mutually exclusive.

Thanks for sharing your story, Lindy. I love hearing how other women have negotiated the liminal space of motherhood & involvement in the development ‘industry’. I was actively discouraged from continuing my job with a large INGO when I started my family. I am now at the other end with 17, 14 & 11 year olds, and have returned to full time study to curate a re-entry into the profession because it never left me.

Hi Anthony, I am more than happy to do so. Best. Bruce

Dear Camila, I sincerely appreciate your feedback and aprroval of my brief comment on the Rice Policy. I will look at the guidlines and would draft somehting and forward to you for your consideration. Thanks. Bruce

Yes, it's a difficult issue. I criticized the <a href="https://devpolicy.org/parliamentary-inquiry-swp-two-passes-gesture-important-recommendation-20160617/">Parliamentary inquiry on the SWP</a> for not being clear on this ie only saying that the two programs should have consistent requirements, but not saying whether the testing should be expanded or abolished. But it is not easy to resolve. In my submission, I assume that the government won't give up labour market testing, and then I think it should also be applied to backpackers. But I agree with you, the best course of action would be just to give up on labour market testing, at least in horticulture.

Hi Garth, Certainly much more policy coherence than Australia. First, NZ introduced its SWP (the RSE) before reforming its backpacker visa. Second, if a backpacker works on a farm in NZ for three months, they can get another visa, but only for another three months not another year. Some 20% of backpackers coming to Australia end up staying on permanently. For them, the second-year visa is a crucial part of their migration strategy and so a very powerful incentive. A 3-month extension is nothing compared to this. I don’t have the exact numbers on backpackers in horticulture in NZ, but there are far fewer total backpackers in NZ than Australia (about a quarter), and far more seasonal workers in New Zealand (about twice as many). Stephen

The uneven application of labour market testing seems completely absurd. Surely it should just go.