SPEECH BY THE PRIME MINISTER ON THE OCCASION OF THE LAUNCHING OF THE NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY

Government launches national security policy. Photo: PNC

Speech by Prime Minister Peter O'niell

The Minister for Defence Hon Dr Fabian Pok, senior Ministers of Government, Heads of Missions and members of the Diplomatic Corps, Chief Secretary to Government Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc, Commander PNGDF and the Secretary for Defence, Commissioners for Police and Correctional Service, Departmental Heads and Heads of Statutory Bodies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen;

Thank you for being here to witness this historic occasion. For the first time in our Nation’s history, we have a National Security Policy that is home-grown by Papua New Guineans for Papua New Guinea interests.

It is fitting that the PNG Defence White Paper 2013 will also be launched today as both policies were developed concurrently and are closely linked.

Papua New Guinea is the ‘land of a thousand tribes’. There is great beauty and strength in our diversity. We acknowledge our forefathers who have gone before us and forged the path along which we travel. It is now the responsibility of our generation and those to come after us, to protect that which is so dear to us; our people, our land, our diverse cultures, our resources and our relationship with God.

Many nations around the world have gone to war to acquire and protect what is theirs. They understand the inextricable link between development and security.

We did not have to fight for Independence, as it was granted to us in good faith. We have, therefore, tended to focus on development at the expense of security, such that the security gaps of today are seriously undermining our development efforts. It is, therefore, time for us to tie development and security together and apportion them equal attention and resources.

Our national security has lacked cohesion and effective coordination since Independence. Our response to security issues have been largely disjointed as a result.

Our national security institutions have been neglected to the extent where they lack appropriate capabilities to provide effective public safety and protection of our natural resources and our international borders.

But we must not sit back and languish, and blame others for what we have not done. My Government is committed to addressing and improving our security. The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s Modernisation Program and the PNG Defence White Paper 2013 are examples of the work we are putting in improving this sector. 

The National Security Policy is designed to address this situation by co-ordinating and implementing national security on a whole-of-nation basis. It will not reduce or impede the key functions and responsibilities of individual agencies but rather provide the platform upon which national security can be co-ordinated across many fronts, and across the length and breadth of our nation.

The development of the National Security Policy is one of the three (3) priorities I agreed to in February this year with Chief Secretary and the Department of Prime Minister & NEC to delivery over the next three (3) years. I stand here pleased that we have achieved this objective in just 12 months.

I wish to thank all those who worked tirelessly to produce this historic policy. I acknowledge and commend the invaluable contributions to the development of this policy by stakeholders in the private and public sectors, international business and development partners, civil society organisations and other concerned individuals.

I also extend a special note of appreciation to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for providing technical assistance. National security is a key Government task; however, it is also every citizen’s responsibility. I therefore call upon every citizen to embrace this policy and help build a safe, secure and prosperous PNG.

In closing, I wish to thank the Commander and the men and women of the PNGDF for a wonderful parade. I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It is now my great honour to present the PNG National Security Policy. 

May God Bless Papua New Guinea.