Polye welcomes K1.2 billion Australian Aid to PNG

PORT MORESBY: Opposition Leader Don Pomb Polye has rolled out a red-carpet treatment to the Australian government for providing K1.2 billion aid package to PNG for economic growth and poverty alleviation.

Commenting on the new aid package between PNG and Australia in 2015-2016, Mr Polye said despite Australia has its own challenges, its people are always ‘generous and kind to help their fellow Papua New Guineans achieve their development aspirations.’

“The new aid package is a continuous vote of confidence in PNG and its people.

“However, our alternative government’s position on the funds is that the Australian government should help PNG to strength its institutions, address law and order problems, and use the funds on other priority areas,” he said.

Polye said the country’s integrity in economic management has dropped due to the government’s lack of fiscal discipline in its budgets and other ‘ill-decisions like the K3 billion UBS loan.’

“The Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has been spending public funds recklessly on economically unjustifiable areas.

“We urge the Australian government to place stringent procurement on the funds so that our people can reap tangible benefits from projects which are worth value for money,” he said.

The Opposition Leader said when he was the Works, Transport and Civil Aviation minister in the past government, the people of Australia always financially supported PNG so that ‘our people can have better road networks and transport system in the country.’