As part of the Australian Government’s ongoing community and business consultations on the Regional Resettlement Arrangement, a series of open forums will be held in Manus and Lae on January 21.
This decision followed a threat issued by the people of Manus to close the Manus Asylum Processing Centre if their demands are not met.
A peaceful protest march today was to express their frustrations for missing out on economic and social benefits from the regional processing Centre.
In a statement today, the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby said they will talk with presidents of PNG peak business bodies in Port Moresby on 22 January followed by Manus and Lae.
The Commission said the Manus and Lae open forums will highlight the opportunities for local and national business involvement in the implementation of the Processing Center Agreement.
The Australian Government said it strongly supports the national government and the Manus Provincial Government’s aim to maximize opportunities for locals in employment and subcontracting activities.
