by Bethanie Harriman – EM TV News, Lae
Papua New Guinea’s Police Minister, Robert Atiyafa, said the Papua New Guinea-Australian Policing Partnership would continue, whilst speaking at the opening of the new Lae Metropolitan Command.
Minister Atiyafa said the continued partnership has brought many developments.
“They’ve done quite a lot, they’ve put in a lot of effort, they’ve put in a lot of money into projects such as the new building,” he said.
Minister Atiyafa also said the future of the partnership will involve improving the Bomana Police Training College into a ‘School of Excellence’.
During his speech, Minister Atiyafa told those in attendance that the 5.5 million kina building shows the level of support coming from PNG’s closet friend and ally.
The reasons for Australia’s continuous support toward PNG was outlined by newly appointed High Commissioner, Bronte Moules in her speech.
“I think we all know that a stable and secured environment is essential if individuals and communities are to develop and reach their full potential.”
“It’s also important for economic development and that’s one of those reason why we want to help to,” said High Commissioner Moules.
Australia has maintained a presence in Papua New Guinea since independence and the partnership continuous to flourish with the AFP presence in the North.
Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner, Allan Scott, said the Lae Police must look after the facility funded by the Australian people.
Whilst his counterpart Papua New Guinea Royal Constabulary Commissioner, Gary Baki said his administration will be seeking support from members of Parliament to maintain and build Police .
Other dignitaries at the opening were Morobe Governor, Kelly Naru, and Lae Resident Judge Don Sawong.
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