State staff attend governance forum

 Twenty-seven senior officials in the public sector had completed a short course in governance and public policy in Port Moresby last wek.

The course was delivered by the University of Queensland in partnership with the University of Papua New Guinea, funded under Australia’s new Pacific Leadership and Government Precinct Initiative.

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop said that Australia recognised that an effective and ethical public sector was vital for Papua New Guinea’s stability and prosperity.

Bishop said that would enable more citizens to participate in the economy and enhance the public sector,  which would increase business confidence and promote a strong private sector.

High quality education and training in leadership would be provided by the precinct. 

She said the initiative would establish a stronger partnership between Australian and Papua New Guinean education institutions and training organisations.

Intensive leadership training courses will be delivered by the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australia and New Zealand School of Government in Papua New Guinea in the coming weeks.

Certificate and diploma level training for PNG public servants will be provided by a partnership between the Australian Public Service Commission, Canberra Institute of Technology and the PNG Institute of Public Administration. The programme will continue to boost the public sector.