Appendix E – Delegation media clippings and article

PNG Post Courier

Thursday 8 October 2009, “Aussies to see health issues” (enclosed)

Friday 9 October 2009, “Australians urge ties to continue” (enclosed)

Tuesday 20 October 2009, “Australians to address health issues” (enclosed)

Sunday Chronicle

Sunday 11 October 2009, “Aussie MPs here to discuss health issues” (enclosed)

The National

Thursday 8 October 2009, “Australian MPs to discuss health issues” (enclosed)

About the House

December 2009, “Health beyond borders” (enclosed)

PNG Post-Courier
Edition 1FRI 09 OCT 2009, Page 014
Australians urge ties to continue
By Jonathan Tannos

VISITING Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Affairs Duncan Kerr said PNG’s relationship with his country will consolidate even further following the hectic seven-day official visit.
To emphasise the point, during an early media conference yesterday, Mr Kerr introduced Federal Member Steven Georganas, who also arrived with a Parliamentary delegation on another official visit to PNG.
He said this further enhanced the partnership advising, that Mr Georganas was head of the independent parliamentary Health and Aging Committee.
Mr Kerr, who is no stranger to PNG, having been the dean of the Law faculty at the University of PNG (1983-85) held talks with senior Cabinet Ministers including Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, and his deputy Sir Puka Temu.
Mr Kerr is also the co-author of “The Annotated Constitution of PNG” with Dr Brian Brunton and was once counsel for the Ombudsman Commission as well as being involved with high profile cases in both the National and Supreme Courts.
Mr Kerr expressed delight at having achieved a fruitful visit, mainly discussing current bilateral treaty arrangements and development assistance between the two countries.
He said the major review of the Australia/PNG Treaty on Development Co-operation was yet to take place and indications from PNG were that no final position had been finalised yet.
Mr Kerr said under Australia’s sectoral approach in development assistance, two main areas include HIV/AIDS and law and justice will be promptly taken on board for budgetary considerations.
On his visit to Western Province, Mr Kerr said the revenue earnings of Ok Tedi mine was declining position because of its declining 3-4 years lifespan and its proposed seven-year extension and its border crossing status.
He said this posed both development and service delivery challenges which the Government was examining. They also visited Milne Bay.

Section:  HOME NEWS

PNG Post-Courier
Edition 1TUE 20 OCT 2009, Page 019
Australians to address health issues

AN Australian parliamentary delegation recently visited villages in Western Province covered by the Australia/PNG border treaty.
Members of the Australian Parliamentary Committee on health and Ageing led by team leader Steve Georganas visited villages in the Torres Strait including Mabudawan, Sigabaduru and Buzi.
The committee heard views of the villagers and saw for themselves what the real situation was like on health services along the border.
They looked at health centres, aid posts, water supplies and the general health of the people.
Villagers have been crossing the border to seek medical services on the Australian side, Western Governor Dr Bob Danaya said.
Dr Danaya and South Fly MP Sali Subam accompanied the visitors on the visit.
Mr Georganas said they were grateful to visit the villages and hear the people speak about their hardships. He said the issues and the needs identified would be raised at the highest government to government level between PNG and Australia.
A workable plan would be drawn up to with adequate funding to improve health services along the South Fly coast and minimise border crossing in future.
Dr Danaya said the delegation agreed to ensure health care in the treaty villages were given priority. Mr Subam commended Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd for showing interest in the welfare of the people of PNG.

Section:  SOUTHERN POST