New chief for defence force

DEFENCE Minister Solan Mirisim has confirmed a recommendation by the Defence Council for the promotion of Colonel Mark Goina to brigadier-general and then major-general, and Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.
Mirisim also announced that Chief of Defence Force Maj-Gen Gilbert Toropo will no longer serve as the commander as he nears his retirement age of 60 in April and his contract expires in June.
He has been recommended by the Defence Council to be the next PNG High Commissioner to New Zealand for four years.
The Department of Personnel Management, as required under the Public Service Management Act, gave notice last Monday of Toropo’s contract cessation.
The Defence Council also recommended to the National Executive Council to approve and appoint Col Siale Diro as Defence Attaché to Australia.
Toropo was announced as the commander on Jan 9, 2014, replacing Brigadier General Francis Agwi.