Comments

Actually these SARV is believed to be a great trend in PNG. PNG still needs to be more concrete about legal protection about the perpetrators. I mention 98 percent are people in PNG are not sure of the legal process. There need to be more informed advocacy through various source of media to disembark and put to stop SARV in PNG. The Constitution on SARV must be enacted and enforced as most innocent victims are suffering on the hands of majority. SARV victim (Dept of Education).

I'm very much interested to join the Pacific Seasonal Workers Program. Can someone help me? Kind Regards

Thank you Mr Curtain and Mr Howes for your analysis of the Palm scheme. Sir, just enquiring,do you know how many PNG seasonal workers are currently in Australia, what is the number? Has the number reached 8000 or not yet? Thank you.

A great guy and a privilege to have known him. During my various times in the Solomons I considered him a constant beacon of commitment, objectivity and steadfastness.

Thanks, Terence. I would much prefer that all Ministers for Foreign Affairs actually highlight what is achieved through those various expenditures of our aid. Saying how much is up or down in the dollars of the aid budget is really only the beginning. We give aid for specific objectives in the recipient countries or programs. In my 48 years of involvement in government decisions around aid and its priorities, I have never seen or heard a Foreign Minister announce something like: "In the past X years, we have given $Y with the objective(s) of (e.g) reducing mortality in those children aged under five. Our priorities were in (named countries). We are proud to conclude over those "X" years that "Z" million children have been vaccinated against the six vaccine-preventable diseases, like measles and diphtheria. That means (Z) million children will be alive after five. That means they have an excellent chance of a healthy adult life. The healthy lives we take for granted for our Australian children are now possible for those millions of children in (named countries). That's what our overseas aid money achieves." So much of the aid debate has been sterile: "percentages of national budget", "annual Budgets up or down", "corruption in recipient countries". When real outcomes are identified by Government, that debate changes focus - where it belongs. On benefitting the lives of those in poverty around our world.

It is wonderful to see the pushback on destructive liberal policies that have torn the heart out of the traditional family and of time-honored laws that honour natural law. We already see society teetering on the abyss without your call for further liberation. I will oppose your agenda of destruction with all my might. Sincerely, Chris O'Brien

I'm interested for fruit picking and packing, so how can I apply?

Can you provide the total number of the ni-Vanuatu working in SWP programs in Australia and the amount of money they send back home?

A very interesting and timely analysis, Richard and Stephen. The rapid growth in Fiji's participation in the long-term PALM visa programme is not surprising given the consistently high participation (by comparison with other Pacific countries) of Fiji citizens in New Zealand's longer term temporary work programmes in the past as well as in the current AEWV programme. With a population that is almost three times the size of Vanuatu's, a well-developed tertiary training system, and a long history of engagement in labour migration in New Zealand and Australia, it is to be expected that Fiji will be a very prominent player in longer-term temporary migration programmes.

Thank you for this moving tribute to Helen's life. She was a wonderfully caring person who supported a huge number of worthy causes and benefitted the lives and careers of multiple people around the world. Thank you for including this photo of her with a Timor Pony. She was very worried that these wonderful animals (whose bloodlines contributed to the hardy Australia Waler horse) are dying out. How wonderful it would be if a conservation program could be established in Helen's name.

Please, when is a Resident Visa for Samoa open (Pacific Engagement Visa)?

Interesting work - I like the way authors have presented the information highlighting the business opportunity. Certainly, looking at the age distribution of trees, and the average yield of coffee that is in the lower end compared to other producers, there is a huge opportunity to invigorate the industry with new investment in the production system. As a under-storey forest plant in its natural setting, coffee is best grown as a component of a tree crop farming system. That could have additional benefits as it can extend income opportunities, spread risks and create a more conducive environment for smallholder farmers who need a regular income to stay connected with the farm and their community. A farming systems focus can also help spread new ideas on integrated pest management drawing on ways to improve crop hygiene, plant and soil nutrition and year round labour force utilisation to encourage more productive and sustainable farming. An earlier ACIAR research study - https://www.aciar.gov.au/project/asem-2008-036 - recommended that intercropping with vegetable as a an alternative that should be investigated. A farming systems based studies, for instance can investigate viable components of a multiple enterprise farming system and innovative , context relevant ways to build on this important work. There are many ways such a study can incorporate other pressing issues of adapting to climate change and rural development challenges in enhancing child nutrition and gender equality.