12 March 2013

Australia welcomes review of autonomy arrangements in BPA

Acting Australian High Commissioner, Margaret Adamson, has congratulated the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) on the launch of the review of autonomy arrangements in the Bougainville Peace Agreement. The launch was held in Buka on 9 March.

“As a witness to the Bougainville Peace Agreement, Australia is committed to seeing its provisions fully implemented. The review is another very important step in this regard and another example of the excellent cooperation between the National Government and ABG”, Ms Adamson said.

“Both governments have expressed their commitment to ensuring the panel of experts consult widely throughout Bougainville to listen to the views of all stakeholders. This will ensure that the review outcomes are representative of the people of Bougainville” she said.

AusAID’s work in Bougainville is focused on health, education, transport and law and justice, with a focus on governance and public sector capacity to improve service delivery.

“As a key development partner of Bougainville and Papua New Guinea, Australia very much welcomes the review and looks forward to learning of its outcomes. As outlined in the Bougainville Peace Agreement, the review is expected to improve, clarify and strengthen the autonomy arrangements. It will be extremely timely given the five-year window for the referendum will open in 2015”, Ms Adamson said.