Australian High Commission
Papua New Guinea

MR 080227 Defence

MEDIA RELEASE

27 February 2008

For immediate release

Australia supports training for PNG Defence staff

 

Papua New Guinea Department of Defence staff will receive training in report writing as part of the Australian Government’s ongoing assistance to the department.

A total of 30 staff will undertake the training, which is funded by the Australian Government under the bilateral Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) with PNG.

The training is designed to improve writing skills needed by the department, including in the areas of strategic policy, management services, corporate affairs, finance and audit.

An Australian Defence Force spokesperson at the Australian High Commission said Australia was pleased to be able to continue providing training support to the PNG Department of Defence.

“Australia is committed to helping the PNG Department of Defence train its staff. This course is one more example of our assistance, which also includes funding sub-degree, degree and masters studies for Department of Defence managers,” he said.

Department of Defence Secretary, Mr Frederick Punangi, thanked the Australian Government for its ongoing support.

“Through our own training program and with Australian DCP support we are working to improve the skills of our staff to make our organisation smarter and more effective,” he said.

Since 2004, more than 75% of staff members from the PNG Department of Defence have undertaken DCP sponsored administrative and clerical training.

Department of Defence staff members have also had the opportunity to take on sub-degree, degree and post-graduate training each year in fields such as accounting, information technology and business studies, either at PNG institutions or from Australian institutions via correspondence. Currently 18 staff members are participating in the program with more places to be offered in the future.

 

Media Inquiries: Francina Thomson, Public Diplomacy Officer, T: 325 9333 ext 276