PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill meets Tony Abbott
Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said the meeting with his Australian counterpart went very well and covered a range of subjects of mutual interest. “We spoke about the continued issues on Manus Island,” Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said. “The Papua New Guinea Government and the officials have exerted control over the processing centre and as a result normalcy has returned.”
Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said processes are underway to enable refugees to move to the transit centre for final documentation to be completed so they can be resettled in Papua New Guinea.
“This is a good initiative of both the Australian Government and the Papua New Guinea Government, and as a result we can see a genuine desire for resettlement in PNG. “Those who are deemed not to be a genuine refugee will be sent back to their respective countries. “Our PNG Government Officials have already started talking to the governments of the countries of origin.”
The Prime Minister said discussions were also held on other development programs including the rebuilding of the Angau hospital in Lae, he said progress so far has been excellent. “Our officials, Angau Hospital Administration and Australian officials are working together to commence construction at the hospital that will serve not only Momase, but also the highlands region and other parts of Papua New Guinea.
“This will be a hospital of world class standing, and will have the highest standard of medical care available for our people in the coming years. “We thank the Australian Government for their support.”
Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said a further issue that was discussed is the new National Youth Service initiative of the Government that will train young men and women who have been displaced by the education system over past years.
“We are trying to get these young women and men to be supported through education and training. This will also be skill-based training so that young Papua New Guineans can acquire skills that will improve their own lives. “The Australian Government has advised that they will be able to assist by providing trainers and other support that might be required.”
The Prime Minister said that the youth program will utilize facilities and assets that are no longer needed as part of the construction phase of the LNG project and are now vacant. This includes accommodation facilities, offices and other administration assets.
“The program will start first in Port Moresby accommodating up to 4,000 young men and women, and will expand around the country,” the Prime Minister said
Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said the meeting also discussed the Australian Federal Police program in Papua New Guinea and how this might be improved. “We are willing to engage on the expansion of the AFP program “We will be looking at further development of the training at Bomana, and to get the AFP engaged as line officers in the Papua New Guinea Police.
“At the same time we want to increase the number of Papua New Guinea police officers coming to train in Australia. This could be on a twining arrangement that will enable our people to get exposure and further training in how to manage a more demanding police force that is required in our country.”
The Prime Minister said he also discussed sporting engagement between the tow countries with his counterpart, in particular the progress of the Hunters in the Queensland Rugby League competition and plans for expansion. “Prime Minister Abbott and I are keen followers of rugby league and sport generally through both Australia and Papua New Guinea.
“Hopefully one day with improved facilities in Port Moresby we might host an NRL game or even a State of Origin game. That will be memorable for Papua New Guinea. “We will look to convince rugby league officials that Papua New Guinea is a destination to host such an event.”
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