The National Online

Poll spending trend a worry GOVERNMENT spending in Papua New Guinea rises by around 48% in the third quarter before a national election and by 17% in the final quarter, according to a study published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The study showed that in the quarter after the election, government expenditure dropped by around 46%, with development expenditure plummeting 68% in the third quarter after an election.

Pall bearers standing in sombre silence beside the caskets of the late aviators after deliering them to the St Josephs Catholic Parish at East Boroko for a memorial service. — Nationalpic by WILLIAM WILLIANDO Enlarge image
TOP STORIES:	BUSINESS:
Robbery foiled - QUICK action by the Goroka police foiled an attempted armed robbery at the Best Buy Supermarket in the centre.... Tribute to pilots - A MEMORIAL service was held yesterday for two pilots at the St Joseph Parish Church, in Port Moresby. PNG goes to aid of SI - THE Government has responded positively to an urgent request from the Solomon Islands government.... Read more of THENATIONAL....	Oil Search aims to make new find -MAJOR oil company, Oil Search Limited, will continue its aggressive programme of gas exploration and appraisal.... POSF constructs 31 apartments - PUBLIC Officers Superannuation Fund (POSF) has commenced construction of 31 apartments on Touguba Hill.... EDITORIAL Dame Carol and the archbishop - IT is remarkable that two of the strongest voices for honour and principle in our community should be Papua New Guinean citizens born in other countries.
SPORTS Drummed up support -MOROBE Kundus will market its players to Asian markets through a website it plans to set up as part of a major drive that the new franchise owner Mathew Minape is embarking on while committing K300,000 to Morobe Kundus for the next three years. Few changes to PNG side to meet Tonga Lahanis set to take on Cup rivals Solomons prepare to take on NZ