MEDIA RELEASE
21 August 2007
For immediate release
Australia supports training for PNG Defence staff
A special program between the governments of Australia and PNG to train staff from the Papua New Guinea Department of Defence has expanded to include study at sub-degree, degree and post-graduate level for the first time, it was announced today.
A total of 18 staff members have been selected to undertake the advanced training, which is being funded by the Australian Government under the bilateral Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) with PNG.
The Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis, congratulated the staff involved during a reception at the High Commission in Port Moresby and encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity.
“We are committed to helping the PNG Defence Organisation achieve its own goals for improved financial management and good governance,” he said.
“This investment in your education and your professional development is an acknowledgment of the important role you have to play, collectively and individually, in achieving the goals the PNG Government has set for the Organisation.”
Department of Defence Secretary, Mr Frederick Punangi, and Commander PNGDF, Commodore Peter Ilau, DMS CBE, thanked the Australian Government.
Mr Punangi said: “Through our own renewed efforts, and with the support of the Australian Government through the DCP, we are making progress towards being a smarter and more cost-effective organisation."
Since 2004, more than 120 staff members from the Department – around 75% of the total – have undertaken DCP-sponsored administrative and clerical training.
Now, for the first time, up to 18 Department of Defence staff will take on sub-degree, degree and post-graduate training each year in fields such as accounting, information technology and business studies, either at PNG institutions or from Australian institutions via correspondence.
Training for the more advanced programs will cost up to K70,000 per year. A further K55,000 will be spent over the next twelve months supporting the ongoing program of administrative and clerical training for other Department of Defence staff.
Media Inquiries: Raymond Palangat, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 454