MEDIA RELEASE
27 February 2007
For immediate release
RESEARCH ON CORRUPTION IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Members and their colleagues on the National Research Institute (NRI) co-ordinating committee on corruption will meet in Port Moresby tomorrow to identify future directions and policy strategy.
“Our ultimate aim is to have more informed decision making by the Government, the private sector, civic society, and ordinary people, in areas such as cultural, economic, educational, environmental, political, and social concern,” said Dr Thomas Webster Director of the NRI.
Margaret Thomas, the head of AusAID in PNG says she welcomes this conference by the NRI as a contribution to public policy dialogue on good governance.
“Corruption diverts resources away from development and growth. Corruption at all levels, including the local level, impacts on everyone.”
The NRI was set up with a long term goal to being Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Island’s leading research authority concerning policy-oriented issues and development trends.
Current studies look at the impact of the replacement of traditional Melanesian ways with Western-style governmental, legal, political, and economic systems.
The NRI’s research focus is on social, political, criminal and legal frameworks, and includes investigation into internet, white-collar and rural crime and piracy, human smuggling, child abuse, drug trafficking, arms dealing and terrorism.
Draft Findings on the Audit Report of the Anti-Corruption Activities in PNG will be presented at the conference which be held tomorrow Wednesday 28th February, at the Lamana Hotel (conference room balcony) from 9.00AM - 4:15PM.
Filming opportunity: 9:00 – 10.00 welcoming address & conference overview.
Interview Opportunity: Morning Tea 10-10:30.
More information on the NRI can be found at the organisation’s website. www.nri.org.pg.
For further information on conference contact: Albert Ayius, Coordinator 326 0300
For information on the Australian Government’s contribution to NRI: Jacqueline Smart, AusAID Public Affairs, Ph: 325 9333 ext 216.