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From Jim Kire Dopo on Solid waste management in Papua New Guinea
This is truly a saddening stage where PNG Government neglecting a major policy implementation with CEPA, to reduce and mitigate the increasing soiled waste disposals in PNG.
From Michael on The Pacific Engagement Visa in PNG: a how-to guide
Thank you for the vital information, Natasha. I already registered for the ballot and put 3 dependants.
The question is, should I choose to leave them behind due to the high cost of moving, settling and living in Australia?? So later on I could arrange for their travel to Aussie to join me??
From Banabas M on Giving voice to First Nations foreign policy in Vanuatu
Ah, the sweet aroma of cultural preservation wafts through the halls of foreign policy. Australia, that well-meaning neighbor with a penchant for meddling, has decided to sprinkle some fairy dust on Melanesian systems. But beware, Melanesians, for this is no ordinary fairy tale—it’s a cinnamon-dusted, sugar-coated saga.
Picture this: A conference room adorned with woven mats, where diplomats sip coconut water and discuss global standards. “Gentlemen,” says the Australian envoy, “let’s integrate Indigenous customs into our justice procedures. It’s like adding pineapple to pizza—unconventional, but oh-so-exotic.”
Meanwhile, Melanesian leaders exchange knowing glances. They’ve seen this show before. Global standards, like clingy ex-lovers, have infiltrated every crevice of their governance. “Our ancestors,” they muse, “must be rolling in their yam gardens. HAHA”
But wait, there’s more! When all else fails, Australia suggests a cultural Hail Mary: “Let’s try their traditional customs!”
“Remember those sacred rituals and practices we dismissed as quaint? Well, dust off the kava bowls and fire up the bamboo flutes. It’s showtime!”
And so, the dance begins. Lawyers waltz with tribal chiefs, negotiating land disputes to the beat of ancient drums. “Your honor,” says the ni-Vanuatu attorney, “I propose a seashell currency for legal fees. It’s inflation-proof and biodegradable.”
Australia, bless her heart, wants to be respectful. “We’ll preserve your culture,” they promise, “like a jam-filled doughnut—sweet, messy, and occasionally indigestible.”
When foreign policy meets cultural integration, it’s like mixing Vegemite with taro paste. Some things just don’t blend. But fear not, dear Melanesia, for your traditions endure. And if all else fails, dunk them in coffee—because even global standards need a caffeine boost. But happy celebrations. Cheeeeeeuuuu!
From Nino Gomes L. Da Costa on Pacific Engagement Visa application factsheet 2024
Tank you for government Australia guiving opportunity
From Jason Mcilvena on Opposition is rising but most Australians still don’t want aid cut
Agreed Adrian.
Ive lived in the Pacific for 35 years. I don't see our AID spend making much difference.
Splitting into areas spent - would at least allow us to pose questions on why things still don't improve. The standard 3 year consultant who writes a 500 page report and leaves needs examination for starters.
From Jason Mcilvena on Opposition is rising but most Australians still don’t want aid cut
Terence
I don't call it Government spending I call it the spending of our taxes.
My research is not into spending percentage. My research is done by how much new AID they announce near every time they get off an international flight.
They have to make sure the budget gets spent I guess.
If AID is falling as a share of so called " Government spending" and as a share of GNI - excellent. Only 22% wont be happy. A clear minority.
Could ask that 22% next survey - how many of them pay income taxes.
From Terence Wood on Opposition is rising but most Australians still don’t want aid cut
Thanks Adrian, this would be a great idea for a survey experiment: emphasise different sectors that aid is focused on and see whether some were more likely to change attitudes. Some of our work has touched on this, but we haven't tested it directly.
See here for more: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4249482
From Terence Wood on Opposition is rising but most Australians still don’t want aid cut
Hi Jason,
You state: "if Albanese, Marles and Wong keep throwing our taxes around like its their own". And you emphasise that most Australians are not in favour of an aid increase. I'm not sure where your information on government spending comes from, but it is worth noting that the current government is not increasing aid in any meaningful way. The aid budget is staying static when inflation is taken into account. Aid is falling as a share of government spending. And aid is falling as a share of GNI.
Terence
From Jason Mcilvena on Opposition is rising but most Australians still don’t want aid cut
Terence
From your numbers you could add 22 and 29 and say a 51% majority ( barely) don't want aid cut. To me that's a long bow when up or down its really just 22% saying it should be more versus almost double that, 40% saying it should be less.
But surely as its taxpayers money - the far greater majority is the 40 and 29 - 69% clear majority that say current AID is enough or more than enough.
Given how tough people in Australia are doing it - Id say that 69% is pretty relevant come election time - if Albanese, Marles and Wong keep throwing our taxes around like its their own.
I wonder how many of the 22% who say "not enough" actually pay much income tax. Could make that a demographic question next survey.
From Elizabeth Komainde on The Pacific Engagement Visa in PNG: a how-to guide