Canberra, Wednesday 24 April 2002

Power to the people: insights into Papua New Guinea

Sir Anthony Siaguru has been Papua New Guinea's most senior international public servant, the principal organiser of the Pangu Party in the 1982 election campaign and was one of the famous 'Gang of Four' who made the wheels of official life turn for Papua New Guinea's first national government.

Sir Anthony Siaguru believes the Papua New Guinea system of governance including political parties, elections, bureaucracy must be totally accountable and transparent if it is to have the confidence of the people in its delivery capacity and relevance.

"I don't think I can claim the credit for the important constitutional and legislative reform brought in by the Motauta Government in my country but I can claim to have argued for something like them for over fifteen years.

"That is why I am delighted that my friend Sir Mekere has brought in the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Law as well as the important Laws to change the system of voting in PNG.

"Both of these major reforms to the political and electoral system will have far reaching consequences," Sir Anthony Siaguru said.

Sir Anthony will officially launch "In-House: In Papua New Guinea with Anthony Siaguru", a collection of his speeches and 'In-House' essays from the 'Post-Courier', at the Papua New Guinea High Commission today.

As Professor Ross Garnaut, from the Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, ANU believes, Sir Anthony Siaguru has been a decathlon gold medallist in PNG's national life since independence, earning points in each of many events.

When: Friday 26 April at 4pm
Where Haus Tambarun at the PNG High Commission

For more information contact:
Wendy Lown, Asia Pacific Press, ANU 0402 705 698
Genevieve Turville, ANU Public Affairs, 02 6125 6125 or 0416 249 245

No 49/2002

© 2000 Marketing & Communications Division,
The Australian National University.
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Last Modified Tue, July 16, 2002