INSIDE THIS ISSUE

July 2019

The Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, officially opened the first Catheterization Laboratory for a public health facility at the Port Moresby General Hospital recently.The Prime Minister said health is a right of all citizens and universal health care is the duty of all governments.“In modern contemporary PNG, our health services must be geared towards its present need and future trends,” Prime Minister Marape said.“Life style diseases are present and will

be present into the future.”The Prime Minister said prevention must be promoted in the first instance and investigation and cure and care facilities must also be available in the 2020s going into the future.“Availability of quality world best standard medical services is the dream of the Marape/Steven Government and whilst we pay respect to all contribution thus far

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Issue No. 11, July, 2019

We need data and statistics to plan way forward: PM

Only 9% of companies and State Agencies pay tax: PM

PM Marape congratulates Dika Toua

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PM Marape opens first Catheterization Laboratory at PMGH

From L-R: Cutting the Ribbon with the Minister for Health Elias Kapavore, former Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and Prime Minister James Marape

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Inside Sir Manasupe Haus 2

Welcome everyone to another edition of the Inside Sir Manasupe Haus fortnightly newsletter.I urge everyone to continue to work together to continue to deliver quality basic services to our people right across the country,Do not forget to adopt Christian values in your work ethics and your workplaces as well. Let us all work together with honesty, respect and tolerance to take back PNG.In this issue of the Inside Sir Manasupe Haus Newsletter, on page 1, Prime Minister James Marape

opens first public health facility catheterization laboratory at PMGH. On page 2, the Prime Minister is sworn in as a member of the Salaries and Remuneration CommissionOn page 3, Prime Minister Marape urges Think Tanks to provide data and statistics when submitting proposals to government for consideration.On pages 4 & 5, is a pictorial of events that concerns the Department and the Office of the Prime Minister. On page 6, the Prime Minister

meets the World Bank Country Manager. On page 7, the Prime Minister reveals that only 9% of companies operating in the country pay taxes to the Government after his visit to IRC. On page 8, the Prime Minister congratulates weight-lifter Dika Toua in her gold medal

Happy Reading!

Isaac B. Lupari, CBEChief Secretary

Inside Sir Manasupe Haus is published fortnightly by the Department of Prime Minister & National Executive Council.

Publisher: Dept of PM & NEC

Executive Editor: Chief Secretary

Dept of PM & NEC

Editor: Matrom John

Sub-Editor: Anasthesia Angoro

Reporter: Terry Mark

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Royden Geno

Anasthesia Angoro

Russell Saigomi

Photography: Media Branch

Layout & Design: Pius Eano

Printing: Media Branch

For editorial comments, please write to;

The EditorInside Sir Manasupe Haus NewsletterDepartment of Prime Minister & NECP.O. Box 639Waigani, NCDPapua New Guinea

Phone: +675 301 9251 | 9256Email: pmsmedia@pmnec.gov.pg

Message from the Chief Secretary to Government

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by past government, we will not stop,” Prime Minister Marape said.“Working within budget limitations, we want to ensure all required types of medical services are present in our country by 2030. “And we will start this journey by building on what we have here. By 2025 we want the journey towards all services to have taken shape.”Prime Minister Marape said level 7 hospital in Port Moresby is to have modern facilities to handle all specialist care in the country, be it heart, k idney, lung, cancer etc.“Our level 6 hospitals in our regions need to progress towards having their own facilities,” he said.“Each province must have a functional modern hospital taking shape; and our district hospitals and health centers in rural areas must be reconstructed or constructed to deliver quality reliable health care and with modern digital health referral system that either brings health care to our people or refers the patients to higher care.

“Health is our people’s right. Modern quality care to all people is incumbent on my government and all of us here going forward.“By 2030, I dream of a country where people are healthy and where quality care is available.“Health tourism is a market opening big time in the Asia Pacific region and we too can fill in that niche market where cost of health will increase in nations around us.“We have brilliant medical brains. We can build our health system and manpower to world quality and the health sector becomes an important component and fundamental foundation of our modern economy going forward.”Prime Minister Marape added that his Government, in proportion to the budget size, look forward to meet the requirements of the health sector target requirements, to ensure the national vision in Vision 2050 and his dream to make PNG the richest black Christian nation on earth is realized at the earliest.

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Inside Sir Manasupe Haus 3

PM Marape addressing National Intellectuals at he Think Tank Forum

PM Marape greeting the Australian counterparts at the airport

The Prime Minister, James Marape, attended a forum organised by the PNG Think Tank Inc., a group that started with only four people and now has 3000 professionals and intellectuals menders that discuss issues that affect the country and ways to assist the

The Prime Minister, James Marape, will be travelling to Australia for an official visit from July 21 – 26, the first since his election as the 8th Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea in May this year.

Government of the day change the current status-quo.The Prime Minister heard from the team about issues, possible solutions and way forward around the inclusion of local content in businesses and public service, Small to Medium Enterprises and

On July 21 – 22, the Prime Minister will be visiting Canberra, he will be in Perth and Karratha, Western Australia on July 23 - 24 and, then in Sydney on July 25 before returning to Papua New Guinea on July 26, 2019.During his visit, he will be meeting with the Prime Minister of Australia, Hon. Scott Morrison, the Leader of the Opposition Hon Anthony Albanese, and call on His Excellency Governor General Hon. David Hurley, AC DSC (retired) and Mrs Linda Hurley, and he will also be meeting with the Premier of Western Australia Hon. Mark McGowan when he visits Perth, Western Australia Hon. Kim Beazley AC, Governor of Western Australia..Places and events that the Prime Minister

will be visiting/attending are;

m The Australian Parliament Housem Laying of wreath at the Australian War

Memorial m Tree planting at the National

Arboretum ‘Magnolia grandiflora’m Maritime Border Command 2m Commemorate PNG National

Remembrance Day on July 23 by laying of wreath at the State War Memorial, Kings Park

m Tour of Austral Ship Building Facilities; m Attend a Cronulla Sharks vs North

Queensland Cowboys Game with Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Agriculture.The Prime Minister welcomed the discussions and committed the National Government’s support and willingness to consider the PNG Think Tank’s proposals in their decision making processes.He said the group of people who can make the greatest impact in the nation are those who are in Government.However, the Prime Minister said; “those of us in Government need informed data, statistics as well as conversations.“Everyone can utter words but we want data and statistics to substantiate the uttered word,’” Prime Minister Marape said.“I want to put forward a new chapter for the next 44 years of the life of our nation going forward.“For a nation that is endowed with natural resources, find the right formula for me that is echoed in numbers and not just words because numbers do not lie.“Therefore, the opportunity has arrived for you to shape Government‘s policy and Government’s modus operandi going forward in the next 44 years.“We want a clear blue print that is deliverable and achievable to ensure that our nation truly progress.“The entre public policy must be conducive to growth and citizen empowerment.”Prime Minister Marape reiterated that he will be announcing his Government’s Plans in September and urged everyone at the forum to send in their ideas even after he announces his Government’s strategy.

We need data and statistics to plan way forward for the people and country PM Marape

Prime Minister Marape to go on a five day State Visit to Australia

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Inside Sir Manasupe Haus 4

Win Daki, MP: Tambul-NebilyerVice Minister for Treasury

Koni Iguan, MP: MarkhamVice Minister for Agriculture & Livestock LIVESTOCK

Joe Kuli, MP: Anglimp South WaghiVice Minister for Works & Implementation

Sekie Agisa, MP: South FlyVice Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade

Kobby Bomareo, MP: Tewae-SiassiVice Minister for National Planning

Jimmy Ugoro, MP: Usino-BundiVice Minister for Mining

Pogio Ghate, MP: DauloVice Minister for Agriculture & Livestock AGRICULTURE

Johnson Wapunai, MP: Ambunti DrekikirVice Minister for Public Service

Henry Amuli, MP: SoheVice Minister for Agriculture & Livestock

Wesley Raminai, MP: Kagua EraveVice Minister Assisting PM in Sports

Manasseh Makibar, MP: Komo MagarimaVice Minister Assisting PM on State Owned Enterprises

Joe Sungi, MP: NukuVice Minister for Finance & Rural Development.

THE VICE MINISTERS

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Inside Sir Manasupe Haus 5

PM Marape launches National Alcohol Policy

PM Marape tours OK Tedi Mine

PM Marape addressing women and youths of TabubilPM Marape meets OK Tedi Development Foundation CEO, Ian Middleton

PM’s ENGAGEMENTS

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Inside Sir Manasupe Haus 6

PM Marape meets World Bank Country Manager, Patricia Veevers-Carter

PM Marape thanks World Bank its support over the years

The World Bank Country Manager, based in Port Moresby, Patricia Veevers-Carter paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister, James Marape to discuss opportunities for cooperation in the areas of agriculture, fisheries, forest, macroeconomics and electricity amongst othersPM Marape thanked Veevers-Carter for taking time in visiting all the provinces of PNG and World Bank’s support over the years.He said there are many areas in which PNG

and World Bank can engage in, especially on how PNG can harvest resources in a sustainable manner and its Development Plans.PM Marape also mentioned that PNG is a nation of diversity in terms of culture and biodiversity and PNG has the potential to have world heritage sites and this will be the basis of his speech when he gives his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).The World Bank Country Manager informed PM of the work World Bank has done in PNG

over the years such as the US$150 million Budget Support for this year as well as another US$70 million budget support for next year.Given the current cash flow issues in terms of the budget, MS Veevers-Carter said that there World Bank officials are working closely with Secretary Vele’s team to see how it can best support PNG in terms of funding and this depends on the Macroeconomic Framework being adequate.She also said another areas World Bank is focusing on which are:

m improving the Counter Partnership Framework

m Working closely with PNG Power Limited to make electricity more efficient.

m Assist the Government on the Southern Highlands Gulf Project.

m Supporting Agriculture such as cocoa and coffee farmers all across PNG and they hope to expand this program to the livestock area as well.

m Development and improvement of Human Capital.

m Urban Youth Employmentm She also highlighted that there is

potential for PNG to set up a 5000 megawatts Hydro power station which is sustainable.

In concluding the meeting the PM proposed to have a meeting with the World Bank officials on the margins of UNGA when he attends in New York this September.

PM Marape meeting MSG representatives

The Prime Minister, James Marape, met with the Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG)

Secretariat, Ambassador Amena Yauvoli to discuss the importance of convening the MSG Special Leaders’ Summit and

the issues that will be deliberated on during the Summit.It was the first meeting between PM Marape and the Director General to update PM on the strategic priorities and status of the Secretariat.The PM who is also the Chair of MSG has confirmed that the MSG Special Leaders’ Summit will convene in Port Vila, Vanuatu after the Pacific Islands Forum, which will be held from the 12-16 August 2019 in Tuvalu.The Leaders’ Summit in August will deliberate on key strategic priorities such as the MSG Climate Finance Strategy, Regional Security Strategy, MSG Trade Free Agreement and the extension of allowing Labor Mobility, MSG Political issues, Governance issues and strategic partnerships.There will also be a discussion surrounding the MSG Arts and Culture Program and MSG Sports Program, which includes the revival of the Melanesian Football Cup.

PM Marape begin talk on MSG Special Leaders’ Summit

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Inside Sir Manasupe Haus 7

PM Marape visits Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) office recently

PM Marape visits National Housing Corporation (NHC), supported by Housing Minister, Justin Tkatchenko

The Prime Minister, James Marape, visit to the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) on July 10, revealed that only 9 percent of private owned companies

and state owned agencies pay their taxes.The Prime Minister said, in real numbers, of the 157, 403 companies that operate in the

New Guinea.He made these remarks while visiting the National Housing Corporation head office, in Port Moresby recently.“Firstly, my visit is to motivate the NHC staff

The Prime Minister, James Marape says the Government aims to make the National Housing Corporation (NHC) and the National Housing Estate Limited (NHEL) the biggest real estate in Papua

to lift their performances and secondly to set key targets for NHC to be the answer to all the housing issues in this great country.He said National Housing Corporation is a very important organization that has been decaying and eroding in its performance over a long period of time and we will now detach from undue political influences that has really derailed this organization from living up to its core intentions of how this organization should function. “What has happened in the past has happened and we will take stalk of any corrupt deals and those involved will face the consequences of their actions.“If there is evident level of corruption, there will be interventions to address them,” PM Marape said. He said from now on, there will be no political influence in NHC but we expect this organization to be the best performing institution in this country.

country, only 13, 718 have complied in their tax returns in 2018.“This means that the revenue we earned last year was from the 9 percent who filed,” Prime Minister Marape said.He said the IRC also reported to him that they (IRC) have an outstanding of K2 billion in tax revenue to be collected.“This shows that there is a lot of tax evasion in our country and I have asked IRC to step upon its work.“May I say they are working but organizational capacities and complacencies have hampered this key agency that collects revenue for the State.“Our Government will now modernize revenue collection, including paying and housing IRC and Customs officers, but we expect IRC leadership to step up their game.“Going forward, we are starting to do forensic audits and big companies will face stiff penalties when they are found to be evading paying of taxes,” Prime Minister Marape said.The Prime Minister said he is looking forward to a time when all big companies share the load in paying taxes so that the burden of paying huge taxes carried by the small people through their salaries can be eased.Accompanying Prime Minister Marape on the visit was the Treasurer, Sam Basil.

Internal Revenue Commission to step up on its compliance work PM Marape

PM Marape: We aim to make NHC better

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Inside Sir Manasupe Haus 8

The Prime Minister, James Marape, has congratulated Papua New Guinea’s top female weight-lifter on her gold medal wins at the 16th Pacific Games in Apia Samoa.The Prime Minister said the veteran weight lifter is an inspirations, showing Papua New Guineans the resilience of mothers, daughter and sisters in the country. “Whilst some destroy mothers and daughter and sisters, they (women) continue to work faithfully for our country,” Prime Minister Marape said.“Well done and I am proud of you.”PM Marape also thanked the veteran’s parents, spouse, children, and the people of her village, coach and sponsors for their continued support.

PM Marape congratulates PNG Weight-lifter Dika Toua on Gold Medal win

Department Vision and Mission StatementOur vision is to provide strategic leadership in supporting the Government of PNG in the Development, Coordination and Implementation of sound policies, programs and effective governance that works

for the benefit of the people.

Our mission is to provide coherent, hight quality and timely advise and support to the Prime Minister, the National Executive Council and the Chief Secretary to Government.