Papua New Guinea: A longer term perspective is needed

Abstract

Jenny Hayward-Jones's departure from the Lowy Institute will leave a real gap in the public debate over development issues concerning Papua New Guinea and Australia's role. This also includes her invaluable role in helping establish the Australia-Papua New Guinea Emerging Leaders Dialogue. Her valedictory research paper, The Future of Papua New Guinea: Old Challenges for New Leaders, is a very good scan of the development issues facing Papua New Guinea and has prompted a number of reflections from us.

It's hard to take issue with Jenny's analysis of the various challenges facing Papua New Guinea; in particular we think it's great that she draws attention to the risks posed by the steep growth in expenditure on the District Services Improvement Program (DSIP), i.e funds effectively controlled by Papua New Guinean MPs. Show more