Departments urged to set policies

STATE departments must set policies in consultation with key stakeholders in order to be implemented by agencies, Prime Minister James Marape says.
Speaking at the launching of the Integrated District Community Development Policy in Parliament yesterday, Marape said this was where the district development authorities (DDA) came in to play an anchoring role.
“Our Government is about setting policies at the macro level but the departments working effectively with provinces are needed to deliver at the micro level,” Marape said.
“Our Government intends to operationalise the intention to allow provincial governments to be fully functional, autonomous and decide for their own people.”
Marape said departments across the board were the planners and needed to work in consultation with provincial governments, local level governments and DDAs on implementing the state’s initiatives and plans.
Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis said his government was keen to work with local communities through the direction of the Government in developing the country.
“There’s been lots of work between Australia and PNG in recent times which will lead to the development of the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership” he said.
“Part of that agenda will include improved local governance and service delivery and this is an practical manifestation.
“If we can work together to see good implementation of this new policy, that will certainly have a significant role in improve local governance and service delivery.”