Australian High Commissioner joins PM on official visit to Hela Province

Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Ewen McDonald, joined Prime Minister James Marape on a joint official visit to Hela Province on Friday.

The delegation inspected several key infrastructure and development sites across the province, including a tour of the PNG LNG Project facility at Nogoli.

The visit concluded with a summit between the leaders and public servants from the Hela Provincial Administration and the Tari-Pori District Administration.

Hela Provincial Administrator Ronny Angu formally welcomed High Commissioner McDonald and briefed the delegation on the province’s development progress, achievements, and challenges since gaining administrative autonomy in 2012.

Mr. Angu highlighted major reforms within the public service, noting that issues such as absenteeism, poor dress standards, and lack of punctuality have been addressed. He said a new culture of accountability, discipline, and professionalism is now in place.

Drawing on his own experience in public service, High Commissioner McDonald commended the reforms and stressed the responsibility of government workers.

“As a public servant myself, I deeply understand the weight of responsibility we carry,” Mr. McDonald said.
“Together, we must live up to our calling as servants of the people. Our priority is to ensure essential services reach those who need them most.

Mr. McDonald also congratulated public servants and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to partnering with PNG on service delivery and development.

Prime Minister Marape said progress in Hela and across PNG depends on strong collaboration.

“Sustainable development requires partnership between the National Government, our international development partners, and provincial administrations,” Marape said.

“That is how we will deliver real change for the people of Hela and for all of Papua New Guinea.”