“PNG’s future relies on achieving both our economic independence and our political independence. This is why I have been so active in re-engaging with the international community on the basis of honesty and transparency. The international community has been very willing to step forward, to listen, to share and to support us in specific ways.This was most apparent during the global COVID-19 pandemic.It continues with growing geo-political uncertainty, as well as pressing global issues such as climate change and the risk of future global pandemics. We must make sure we give our full support to the front-line of this international engagement, our Department of Foreign Affairs” stated the Treasurer, Ian Ling-Stuckey.
“As I have travelled the world as Treasurer over the last 3 years, I have frequently been embarrassed by the lack of support given to our Diplomats. There are constant stories of shameful unpaid United Nations subscriptions, of evictions, of not paying our local staff, the lack of maintenance on properties and the aging vehicle fleet. Our Foreign Affairs officials have been striving to do their best for PNG, but I fear we have not been doing our best for them.
“In my recent discussions with Australia’s new Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister, Penny Wong, we talked across these pressing international issues. While these are challenging times, it was highlighted that PNG has been missing out on many opportunities for win-win international engagement options. We are working to correct this missed opportunity on labour mobility. Other Ministers are working to build up our trade linkages and forge partnerships across our new agricultural ministries. We have been more active on climate change. There are many more productive opportunities for PNG.
“As we continue our preparations for our 2023 Budget, and we remain on target for a fully funded 2023 budget delivered on 22 November, there will be many competing priorities. We must stay on our path of budget repair as that is the only way to maintain debt sustainability. There will be many calls for tax cuts – when we need more revenue. There will be many calls for expenditure increases – when the size of the pie is not enough for all. In amongst all these competing demands, the need to support an improvement in our ability to engage with the rest of the world is a vital priority” stated the Treasurer.
