MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Kevin Rudd and Ano Pala
Foreign Minister, Kevin Rudd, and Papua New Guinea Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Ano Pala, today agreed on a major reform agenda for Papua New Guinea's University Education system.
In advance of the Australia – PNG Ministerial Forum today, the Governments jointly released the findings of a review of the PNG university system that was led by Sir Rabbie Namaliu and Professor Ross Garnaut. The Review provides the blueprint for reform and investment in universities across PNG.
"The Review sets out an ambitious reform agenda to addresses issues such as the funding of universities in Papua New Guinea, the need for improved governance, and weaknesses in supporting infrastructure," Mr Rudd said.
"Implementing this agenda will require sustained commitment from both governments over a number of years. Australia and PNG both believe that quality education is one of the most effective means of promoting economic and social development."
The PNG Government has committed to increase their funding to the universities sector to address some of the core recommendations of the Universities Review.
The Australian Government has committed to supporting the rehabilitation of PNG national high schools to improve the quality of university entrants, as recommended by the Review.
Australia will also provide support to PNG's Commission for Higher Education to take the reforms forward and building formal relationships between Australian and PNG Universities.
Supporting the reforms in Higher Education, Australia also welcomed the Papua New Guinea Government's new policy of free education for all students to year 10 by next year.This means more children will enjoy their right to education, particularly young girls.
Education is one of four priority sectors of Australia and Papua New Guinea's Partnership for Development. The joint commitments under the Partnership will deliver improved educational outcomes from basic education through to vocational and higher education for Papua New Guinea's people.
CANBERRA
12 OCTOBER 2011
Minister Rudd's Office: 02 6277 7500
AusAID Media: 0417 680 590