Publish more news about good leadership

TWO notable events were reported in The National last week that I feel should be highlighted to the public as good examples of responsible leadership.
At a time in the country where stories of failing leadership mount, I should commend these two gentlemen for taking ownership of their organisations and making matured decisions for the good of the country.
The first report involves Met Supt of Lae Chief Insp Chris Kunyanban, who without fear or favour highlighted the breakdown in policing standards in Lae City – where senior officers within his command failed to uphold the Royal PNG Constabulary standards, subsequently resulting in further problems in policing standards among the rank and file.
For the constabulary, this call is long overdue, not only for Lae but right across the country.
It took a courageous officer to point out publicly, a serious problem within his command and rightly across an organisation in his best attempt to correct and bring back the pride to the once proud Royal PNG Constabulary.
This brave call by Chief Insp Kunyanban should now be supported by the constabulary to drive changes in attitude and operational standards to bring the organisation in line with current international policing practices.
The second was a report of the Treasury Department, where Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey, as a responsible minister, took control of a somewhat ill-run programme and incorporated some thoughtful changes to it to make it more beneficial to the country and its citizens.
The seasonal workers programme with Australia and New Zealand governments was previously overseen by the Department of Immigration.
Under Treasury, Ling-Stuckey has not only tried increasing the annual quota of workers from PNG, but put in conditions where PNG citizens currently working within the agriculture sector are screened and allocated places in appropriate farms in Australia and New Zealand – for example, a broccoli farmer in Mt Hagen will be selected to work in a similar farm in Queensland.
While working overseas, these seasonal workers not only remit much-needed foreign currencies back into PNG, but they also develop new farming skills where they can apply when they return to PNG.
These new skills will go a long way in improving local productivity and thus supply capacity – which is aligned with the Government’s import substitution policies.
That is killing two birds with one stone – and hats off to a smart thinking minister.
In both instances, the actions of these leaders show that they do not turn up just to get their perks and privileges – but they work hard within their responsibilities to seek improvements within the public service for the good of all.
That is the kind of leadership this country needs if we are to see positive developments.
I salute both leaders and wish that more of similar reports of responsible leadership are published for the public to appreciate.

Good Governance Advocate