10 December, 2013

Graduates strengthen law and justice sector management

A graduation ceremony has boosted efforts to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s law and justice sector management.

Twenty one public servants completed a new five month Diploma of Government Management course at the International Education Agency (IEA) College of TAFE at Ela Beach in Port Moresby.

Supported by the Australian Government, the course aims to build mid-level management skills among young officers in the growing sector. Course participants were from the Department of Justice and Attorney General, the Office of Public Prosecutor, Correctional Services, Magisterial Services, National Judicial Staff Services and the Ombudsman Commission.

The 13 women and eight men studied ethics and diversity, communication, workplace safety, performance management and leadership during the five month course while also working full time.

Minister Counsellor, Development Cooperation, at the Australian High Commission PNG, Mr James Hall, said strong managers will help to build an efficient public service that is responsive to PNG’s needs.

“An efficient public service will assist the law and justice sector to achieve its goal of a just, safe and secure society for all,” Mr Hall said at the graduation on Friday, 6 December.

The 13 women graduates are part of a rising proportion of female middle managers, lawyers and judiciary staff in the sector.

“A recent Australian government funded evaluation found that women are more likely to approach law and justice services, especially at the front line, if the staff working at the facility are also women,” he said.

“This highlights that if we want equal opportunity for all beneficiaries, it is essential that we have women in the workplace.”

Secretary of Department of Justice and Attorney General, Dr Lawrence Kalinoe said: “You will be the future leaders of your agencies and departments. Seize this opportunity to build your skills. Take what you learn and practice it in your workplace. We need to make the Public Service stronger.”

In his valedictory address, Mr Sam Koim, Head of Task Force Sweep, encouraged the graduates to be managers of integrity in both their public office and personal lives.

Mr Hall acknowledged the IEA College of TAFE for its important role in providing the internationally recognized course at its Ela Beach Campus.

The course included guest presenters talking about their real life work place experiences or specialist topics such as organisational change management, the impact of family and sexual violence on the workplace and performance management.