FRANCIS HUALUPMOMI
IT is well known that Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia without bloodshed –something we must be proud of and thank God for.
Uniting a country with such diverse cultures and ethnic identities was a big challenge and that this has been achieved so far is very much due to our founding fathers.
We have had political mishaps along the way but our Constitution has held strong and we have been able to manage some testing issues.
Within the span of 40 years we have also made significant headway in a changing and challenging political and economic landscape.
That said, governance issues remain a fundamental challenge. Attempt by the government to combat corruption is still a work in progress.
The bureaucracy has been reformed to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. The rural service delivery policy introduced by the O’Neill government is working. And more reforms are on the way to improve public service management.
On the economic front, our economy experienced a decade of solid growth until a decline in 2015 due to external forces beyond our control. This is a huge challenge that the O’Neill regime is managing. The economy is expected to pick up again in 2016 with sales of LNG and other mineral commodities.
On average, our economic growth since 1975 has been about 3%, which is sound. The current government has done well to invest in infrastructure. PNG has been able to manage itself economically since 1975, and we have proven critics wrong on several occasions.
Since 1975 health and education indicators have shown signs of improvement. We have seen a slight improvement in child mortality and in the literacy rate. The introduction of free education and free health care have been major interventions. There also has been more investment in law and order.
PNG’s prominence in the region is growing as a result of its economic transformation over the last decade. The hosting of APEC meetings and other events such as the Pacific Games and Women’s FIFA under-20 World Cup demonstrate international recognition.
The bilateral relationship with Australia is a challenge and needs thoughtful diplomacy.
But PNG remains a vulnerable nation-state. National security is a concern despite improvements in defence and security. Intrusions by Indonesian soldiers, illegal drugs and guns, human trafficking and illegal fishing are serious issues we must manage.
Some of the new approaches we need to consider include:
Radical political and bureaucratic reforms by strengthening the Executive Branch of government
Introduce business management approaches in Executive Branch of government
Strengthen and modernise Defence Force and National Intelligence Organisation.
Develop a relevant Foreign Policy and Trade Policy in Asian Century
Improve Police Force condition and modernise its capacity and capability
Establish a National Security and International Studies Center to provide quality and up-to-date policy advice on national security and international relations.
Improve higher and technical education institutions comparable to international standards and invest more research science and technology
Diversify economic base and move away from import dependence. Support informal economy and agriculture through SME
Allow a more pragmatic and incremental competition in energy, telecommunication and aviation industries
Move away from relying on foreign consultants as advisors and utilise our elites or academics in policy advisory role where necessary.
Our future prospects are promising. We must not be disturbed by external forces or criticisms - we can only take what is best for us.
Francis Hualupmomi is a PhD student at the School of Government, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. He is a political scientist and policy analyst in the area of geopolitics of resources, security/strategic studies, and public policy and strategic management in public sector reforms. francishualupmomi270@gmail.com