Message from the President

Transcription

1 July, 2014 Volume 1 - Issue 6 Events Calendar: Message from the President Our Annual General Meeting was held on Wednesday 25th June I would like to thank all who attended and who nominated as Office Bearers and congratulate the following elected Executive Committee Members:- President: Phil Franklin (BNG Trading); Secretary: Jonathan Seeto (PWC); Executive Committee: Vice President: Richard Flynn (Ashurst) Treasurer: David Guinn (Guinn PKF) Peter Deizmann (InterOil), Mark Baker (ANZ), Andrew Cooper (Cardno), James Kruse (Deloittes), 25 July 2014 Discussion Evening Women in Legal Practice in PNG at Banco Court of Supreme Court of Qld, Brisbane, Australia 25 July 2014 PNG Networking Forum, Level 3/400 George Street, Brisbane 22 August th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum & Trade Expo at Rydges Southbank Hotel, Brisbane Geoff Toone (Westpac), Peter Graham (Exxon Mobil) Ex Officio: HE Deborah Stokes (Australian High Commissioner), David Knapton (Austrade) Prior to the AGM, Brendan Jacomb, Group Manager Legal, Security & Procurement from Austrade presented an Anti-Bribery Outreach Program. A big thank you to Brendan for his presentation, details of which will be available on our website shortly at The Bilateral and Business Officials Working Group Meeting was held in Cairns prior to the forum. The Manus Processing Centre was discussed with briefings given from the 2 contractors, Decmil and Transfield. All contracts are subcontracted through them. Lorengau east project 70% of contracts have been awarded and Transfield side at Longbrum 30% awarded. An APEC Card is strongly recommended for regular business travelers. From Australia entering PNG, a letter of recommendation is required from CEO of company for employees. If for CEO then from the Board. Situation remains same when entering Australia letter of recommendation from a peak body (PNG Chamber). There has been no movement with Visas on arrival. A reminder to registered delegates who attended the business forum in Cairns who haven t received an directing you to the forum website, please contact Helena Wilson at the Secretariat for Speaker Presentation details. Photos from the business forum can be found within this Newsletter. Phil Franklin President 2014 Staff relaxing after the successful 30th Australia Papua New Guinea Business Forum and Trade Expo in Cairns Media Summary (June 2014) Manus Island Regional Processing Centre Economy, Tax Reform Infrastructure and Aviation Bilateral Affairs, Trade & Immigration Your logo can be displayed here permanently a well as our new website with a link to your website contact Helena Wilson at apngbc@global.net.pg to find out more.

2 vestment Media Summary June 2014 Page 2 Volume 1 - Issue 6 (information sourced for and on behalf of APNGBC by IMPS Research & Consulting) Each month the APNGBC provides a summary of local media and issues that we consider relevant news to our members. The PNG Government commissioned investigation report into the death of an asylum seeker in Manus has been completed. PNG s weakening currency was also strengthened by Bank of PNG adjusting the foreign currency exchange rate, to the dismay of some investors and Agricultural Commodity Exporters. The Australian Government also continues to support the development of major infrastructure such as the rehabilitation of Angau Hospital. Australian safety officials also continue to provide support to PNG Government authorities such as the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Various bilateral meetings have also taken place this month covering issues such as security and the opportunities and challenges of the current economic boom. Manus Island Regional Processing Centre Despite numerous problems and incidents related to the Manus centre, the Australian policy is proving to be successful, in that no new illegal boats have arrived in Australia for the last six months. The Government-commissioned investigation report into the death of an asylum seeker at the Manus processing centre will be released soon, along with the refugee settlement policy. An Australian inquiry into the February incident heard conflicting evidence from the Immigration Department and the company running the centre. One report states he was assaulted by a PNG Salvation Army worker and later joined by others. In response, PNG police challenge some of the review s findings and said there might be a major cover up. In further Manus related court cases: the Supreme Court granted a stay order on the inquiry into the welfare of asylum seekers at Manus, pending the results of an appeal by the State; and the High Court of Australia declared the processing centre on Manus legal. On top of the AUD26 million, support currently provided to Manus, the Australian Government will provide further support to Manus by rebuilding the police station, at an estimated cost of AUD2.5 million. In addition, an open international tender has been issued for a project that will rehabilitate roads and bridges, in Lorengau. Economy, Tax Reform A taxation review will take place aiming to ensure the fiscal regime remains relevant, efficient and effective and reflects the current medium term socio-economic growth trend. The Bank of Papua New Guinea s (BPNG) recent actions to support a weakening currency were of concern to then Treasurer Don Polye. The BPNG issued an instruction to instantly raise the value of the kina against the US dollar by around 20 per cent. No explanation was given and it resulted in a shortage of foreign currency. Polye however claimed that the 2014 budget is the best strategy to prevent any negative impact on PNG currency exchange rate stability to ensure a sustainable economy. This budget sets vital principals of PNG socio-economic management and aims to spread the economy of PNG giving gains from the extractive industries to the non-extractive industries sector. Infrastructure and Aviation Australia continues to support various PNG projects in infrastructure and aviation. Embedding Australian aviation safety and security professionals within the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) PNG; continuing to deploy Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) senior investigators in the country; and upgrading the passenger baggage screening capabilities at airports will support PNG s aviation sector to improve aircraft safety, security and accident investigations. In terms of other infrastructure, Angau Memorial Hospital is being rebuilt, with new infrastructure and facilities. The Australian government is meeting 50 per cent of the work s cost and has already set aside AUD200 million for its share. The first phase involved the installation of broadband internet to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the administration areas. It is hoped that the improvement of the hospital communication network will improve the basic patient care services at the hospital.

3 Page 3 Media Summary June 2014 (information sourced for and on behalf of APNGBC by IMPS Research & Consulting) Volume 1 - Issue 6 Bilateral Affairs, Trade & Immigration During the inaugural PNG-Australia Strategic Security Dialogue meeting, held in Port Moresby, PNG and Australian officials met to discuss shared security interests and arrangements for major events, and in particular how Australia could support PNG as it prepares for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in In further PNG-Australia collaboration, after a six-year absence, the 2014 PNG Update Meeting discussed the current economic boom, and its opportunities and challenges. The PNG Update Meeting is a joint initiative of the University of PNG and The Australian National University. TAFE Queensland North has amalgamated its Cairns, Mt Isa, and Townsville campuses, and the improved institute can now offer more courses to students in Australia and PNG. Training can be delivered in automotive, engineering, plumbing, electro-technology, air-conditioning, construction, commercial cookery, business studies and IT for PNG students. The Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) will receive K2 million of support from Australia and New Zealand through the Governance Implementation Fund. People living in AROB miss out on a lot of government information due to their limited access to mainstream media. The funding will provide a mobile community radio station that will travel the region; a monthly newspaper; and strengthen the information and communication division with new staff. New Ireland Province rural health workers will also receive support of K20,000 from the Government to continue the annual in service training run by the Government and Australian Doctors International. With a focus on women s issues in PNG, the Australian Government funded a series of six documentary films featuring women leaders in PNG. The films portray strong female role models and challenge existing stereotypes, inspiring women to become leaders. Sam Koim, ousted head of anti-corruption investigation squad Taskforce Sweep, met Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in Canberra to discuss the risks the rule of law in PNG was facing in light of the recent political events and actions of Prime Minister Peter O Neill. O Neill was served with an arrest warrant relating to long running corruption allegations. He then dismissed numerous government and law enforcement figures, including the Attorney General Kerenga Kua, and disbanded Taskforce Sweep, accusing it of being compromised by government and media connections. The corruption investigation includes, but is not limited to the alleged payments of approximately K71.8 million from the PNG Government to Paul Paraka lawyers, initiated by O Neill in Trade developments can be seen through Australian firm Yamba Welders signing an AUD2 million contract to build two new barges for a PNG operation. Further to this, the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) is working with PNG Customs Services to address issues related to trade and border protection of counterfeit goods, especially of those entering the PNG market. In terms of immigration issues, the number of recruited workers to Australia under the PNG Seasonal Workers Programme has increased from last season. Seasonal work runs for six months and covers fruit and vegetable picking and pruning in farms in Australia.

4 Page 4 Volume 1 - Issue 6 3 0th Aus tra lia P NG Bus iness Forum & Tra de E xpo P hotos Tra de E xpo

5 Page 5 Volume 1 - Issue 6 3 0th Aus tra lia P NG Bus iness Forum & Tra de E xpo P hotos Forum

6 WH AT IS TH E AUS TR ALI A P AP U A NE W G U I N E A B US I NE S S COUNC I L? Established in 1980 the Council is a non-profit association of Australia-based businesses with interests in Papua New Guinea. The management of the Council is vested under the constitution in an Executive Committee, headed by a President and three Vice-Presidents, elected at an Annual General Meeting of members. Australia Papua New Guinea Business Council The Council s goals are to advance the interest of Australia business in Papua New Guinea by: 1. increasing trade and investment between Australia and Papua New Guinea; 2. encouraging the further development and expansion of the Papua New Guinea economy; 3. representing Australian business interests to the Australian and Papua New Guinea governments; 4. providing a network of business people with shared interests in Papua New Guinea. H O W D OE S THE C O U NC I L AC H IE VE I TS G O ALS? The Council advances Australian business interests in Papua New Guinea through: the holding of trade, investment and information seminars on Papua New Guinea: participation in regular bilateral Ministerial talks to discuss major policy issues of concern to Australian business; PNG PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FOR 2014 Remembrance Day - Wed JUL 23 Repentance Day - Tue AUG 26 Independence Day - Tue SEP 16 Christmas Day - Thu DEC 25 Boxing Day - Fri DEC 26 submissions to government on policy matters affecting Australian business interests in Papua New Guinea: the receiving and sending of trade and investment delegations between Australia and Papua New Guinea: dissemination to members of information on current economic, political and social developments in Papua New Guinea: providing access to a network of Australian businesses with long experience in Papua New Guinea with whom members can seek and share information. PNG Cons ulate Cairns Jessy Rumb Immigration Officer Suite 4, Conservatory Building Lake Street Cairns Qld jessyrumb@immigration.gov.pg Phone: (07) Your logo can be displayed here permanently a well as our new website with a link to your website contact Helena Wilson at apngbc@global.net.pg to find out more. We are now officially up and running on the web at PO Box 1621, Port Moresby NCD Level 2, IPA Haus, Lawes Road, Konedobu PNG Phone: / Mobile: Fax: apngbc@global.net.pg Website: