The first stage of an Australian program aimed at improving governance in Papua New Guinea, and building and strengthening partnerships between Australian and PNG institutions, has been completed.
As an initial step of the program, 27 senior public servants in PNG engaged in an executive course implemented by the University of Queensland and University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG).
Also involved in planning leadership courses and developing university, certificate and diploma-level qualifications, are:
- Australian National University,
- Australian Institute of Company Directors,
- the Australia and New Zealand School of Government,
- the Australian Public Service Commission and,
- Canberra Institute of Technology Solutions.
Australia’s Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop, said yesterday: “As a friend and partner of PNG, Australia recognises that an effective and ethical public sector is vital for PNG’s stability and prosperity.”
Ms Bishop had signed the MoU, to establish a Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct in Port Moresby’s public service and university hub of Waigani, two months ago. The precinct will include a School of Business and Public Policy at the University of PNG and the Institute of Public Administration.