PNG: Are You Earning the Minimum Wage - 2014?

New Minimum Wage (K3.20 per hour): Employers Must Comply Starting Now.

 Employers Federation of PNG (EFoPNG) has issued a NEW minimum wage to be complied with immediately. Every employer from Chinese kai bars to security companies and service stations must now increase their employers pay.
 
Reported on EMTV, 22 inspectors (in each province) from the department of labour and industrial relations will be out to ensure this takes effect.
 
This is a good call from the EFoPNG (Florence Willie). Many companies have FAILED before. For this to be effective, there are many unanswered questions:

¬What can an employee do if they a not paid the minimum wage?
¬How can they report non-compliant employers?
¬Who are they going to report to?
¬What is the proper channel to make a complaint?
¬What are the steps needed to reach an amicable solution?
¬How are complainant/employee protected from dismissal if they make a complaint?
¬ Who is the provincial inspector, where is the local provincial office for Department of Labour and Industrial Relations?
 
The EFoPNG and department of labour and industrial relations, CANNOT just slap employers with minimum wage and sit in comfortable offices in POM and expect miracles to happen. They cannot just expect employers to comply in a flick of a finger.
 
 Again, this is a good call. Please, come up with proper procedures and processes. Make sure employers start paying their workers the Minimum Wage.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~
 If you are earning minimum wage, take a look at this table. It might be helpful. For example, if you work 6 hour, 5 days week, you fortnight pay MUST not be LESS than K192.00.
 

COST: 4-week political ‘game of thrones’

So, how much does it cost to play a 4-week political ‘game of thrones’ at the expense of taxpayers?
Take a look at this calculation, *estimate figures based on Lawyers and Legal Services Australia :

QC rate = Aust $1000 per hour
Senior Solicitor Large Firm = Aust $500 per hour
----------------------
*these are estimate figures ONLY.

Take for instance the QC was hired by lawyers representing the police for two days taking into account the time he travelled back and forth. If he billed the police department for 8 hours work, that is AU$8000.000, give or take (PNG K18 286).

If the prime minister’s lawyer works a full 7 hours per day: 1 week would have been 35 hours (5 days x 7 hrs); 4 weeks = 140 hrs (35 hrs/week x 4 weeks)

Billing = $500 x 140 = $70 000 (PNG K160 000)

Again this is a calculation based on estimate figure online. More or less, the numbers gives readers an insight into how much the government spends within 4 weeks on lawyers.

4 Similarities: The World Cup 2014 Vs Peter O'Neill's Fight to the Last Breath

On Monday 16th of June I posted a blog post with opening line 'The Game Is ON’. This was in reference to two events (the World Cup 2014 Brazil and PO's political battle).

These two events have striking resembles from the beginning to the finals. Is it coincidence? I've highlighted the similarities and make reference to the political turn of events of late.

1. The ‘games’ begin at about the same time.

2. During the same week when Papua New Guinea police investigators issued a warrant of arrest on Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, FIFA’s (international football association) chief-ethics-investigator filed a report alleging corruption in… the ‘bidding process for the right to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups’. According to this report there was no evidence to support the case and no one was held accountable.

Going back to when the Warrant of Arrest (WoA) was issued, the allegation has strong supporting evidence.  Task Force Sweep (TFS) produced strong evidence (contained in lawyers Sam Koim and Miviri's Affidavits and Court Files) indicating involvement of the prime minister in Parakagate.

This does not only mean that Peter O’Neill’s signature on a letter was confirmed, but also there are series of alleged collaboration between parties (of which PO was a participant) to defraud the state.
This is true because why should 3 law enforcement divisions (the then police commissioner, senior fraud squad officers and District Court) see it fit to take out a Warrant of Arrest on the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill? Why did National Court and District Courts dismissed Peter O'Neill's attempt to strike out the WoA on him?

Even to this day, Peter O’Neill and his lawyer have not challenged the findings of TFS. They have simply fought TFS- the establishment.  It completely defeats the purpose of establishing corruption investigation body (TFS) at the first place, when instead of challenging the findings Peter O’Neill (was advised by his lawyers?) to dismantle it. Where is sanity?

3. Cost Of Hosting The World Cup:The cost was both social and financial: Brazil hit by widespread protests and the cost of hosting the game was estimated to be about US$900 million (2.2 billion PNG kina)

Likewise, there are civil actions including the call by University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) students. This calls are social indicators showing a rising tide against unpopular decisions. If you have hears, listen!

So, how much does it cost to play a 4-week political ‘game of thrones’ at the expense of taxpayers?
Take a look at this calculation, *estimate figures based on Lawyers and Legal Services Australia :

QC rate = Aust $1000 per hour
Senior Solicitor Large Firm = Aust $500 per hour
----------------------
*these are estimate figures ONLY.

Take for instance the QC was hired by lawyers representing the police for two days taking into account the time he travelled back and forth. If he billed the police department for 8 hours work, that is AU$8000.000, give or take (PNG K18 286).

If the prime minister’s lawyer works a full 7 hours per day: 1 week would have been 35 hours (5 days x 7 hrs); 4 weeks = 140 hrs (35 hrs/week x 4 weeks)

Billing = $500 x 140 = $70 000 (PNG K160 000)

Again this is a calculation based on estimate figure online. More or less, the numbers gives readers an insight into how much the government spends within 4 weeks on lawyers.

4. Brazil’s loss was bitter: Brazil lost against Germany, 7 - 1. Again they were defeated by Netherland 3 – 0. Every Brazilian blames everyone for its exit in the finals, from the officials to players. The game is over for them.  In the latest turn of events, one of Brazil’s strikers has handed in his resignation from international football.
 

END: Peter O’Neill’s fight to the last breath did not happen. He lost. Has the ‘game ended for Peter O’Neill? His fight was strategized, structured and deliberate.  Even though he lost his fight at judicial front, he never lost the whole game.  He has his backside covered by NEC and institutions like the offices of the Police Commissioner, Attorney General, Speaker of Parliament and Governor General.

Peter O'Neill Former Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea Arrest

Peter O’Neill staged the fight on 16th June 2014. He chose Waigani to be his battlefield. 

A tactician he is, he fought on two fronts: sent his lawyer to Court and dismantled the investigating team. He was brilliant – he knew the target, but his arsenal of weapons could not destroy it. 
He lost all his fights (and gracefully surrendered) at Waigani Court House.
 
Now, it’s time to move the battlefield to Konedobu. O’Neill’s greatest phobia is looking investigators in the eye and answering their questions.

A proper police interrogation is not what every person who has something to hide wants to face. They fear police investigators that some can wet their pants.

arrest peter oneill former prime minister of PNG


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Call By Leaders for Peter O’Neill to Own Up

 

CHRISTAIN LEADERS

We heard leaders from main-line churches appealing for O’Neill to submit to police request. Thank God and pioneer missionaries, PNG are blessed with established churches (Anglican, Lutheran, Catholic, SDA) with strong leaders who have wisdom to correct and suggest to political leaders what to do. Listen to words of men of God. Make no mistake, these leaders speak with wisdom. They represent mass of PNG’s population.
 

POLICE

Court has made it clear that policemen who are at the forefront of this political turmoil (caused by PM) are not rogue officers. Their reputations, experiences and dedication to the force are exemplary.  Their commitment to stand firm at this time is a testament to their courage and determination. These men are trained (at police institution/s) to be strong, commissioned (on oath) to serve and moulded (by experience) to be fearless.  They are discipline officers, for goodness sake, trust them to do the right thing.

Arrest Peter O’Neil

Police hierarchy had been thrown in disarray with by one man, Peter O’Neill.  Is it too late for Vaki to fix this vital institution? He was defeated at District Court but not late for Vaki to make the right call. Both National and District Courts have given Geoffrey Vaki’s no option but to arrest O’Neill. He MUST effect the WoA in haste to save face.
 
Vaki is rendered to nothing but USELESS in Peter O’Neill’s eyes if not for the policemen protecting the PM.  Section of police who took Vaki’s commands can be seen to be the last baton of hope for him to remain police commissioner. We also see Police Association giving strong signal to politicians (like PM and Housing Minister) who called police ‘rogue cops’ to shut up. There are strong views within the Constabulary for Vaki to perform his constitutional duties without siding with Peter O’Neill. This was evident from reports in mainstream media and social network.
 
Mr Geoffrey Vaki can restore pride and comradeship in police force by taking a step out of PO’s shadow and listen to what courts, church leaders, senior citizens, students and public are saying about PO’s actions.
 
There needs to be neutral and impartial stand taken by Vaki now.  This will not only save his reputation, but also protect the office of the Police Commissioner.
 

WARNING: 3 things the Police Commissioner should take note:

 
1. Task Force Sweep was reinstated. The investigation, its finding (Sam Koim and Miviri’s affidavits) and Warrant of Arrest of Peter O’Neill are valid and current. He does not have an option. He must commission the right officers to arrest and question Peter O’Neill.
 
2. Police have what’s called the ‘Institution Muscle’. When commenting on political plots and strategies to protect one man the Police Association general secretary used the word ‘muscle’ – such word must not be taken lightly by the Police Commissioner, especially when it comes from the Police Association, made by senior police representative.  Here, he is implying that the police commissioner has to do what is best to protect the integrity of the Police Force. Anything seems contrary can result in the police union taking a tough stand against it.
 
3. Politicians do flip sides on impulse. PO said he will ‘fight to the last breath’. He was on the back foot again the other day withdrawing all court proceedings.  He didn’t fight, did he? Coward will always be coward. Vaki, has to put his thinking hat on. He is a learnt person. He will not want to be PO’s toilet tissue (to wipe his stinky poo and flush it down the toilet).
 

Peter O’Neill had his chance to fight the WoA

He has made his case.  He waved his rights about. He chose Waigani to be his battle field and lost (and surrendered). All along he created factions within the police, he disbanded TSF, he dismissed Sam Koim, he (through Vaki) suspended Lawyer Miviri and senior officers Eluh and Kauba.
 
Vaki’s Right Call: Now it is time to move the battle field to Konedobu.  Vaki must lift the suspension on Miviri, Kauba and Eluh. Let these men, including Koim and TFS, carry on from where they left: Arrest Peter O’Neill and bring him in for questioning. LET THE LAW TAKE ITS COURSE

  What Senior Citizens Say About Peter Oneill

1. HEAD OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH

"If the Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill had submitted to the rule of law, his innocence would have been proven three weeks ago. But instead he had engaged his lawyers – to stay the warrant of arrest,’’[Archbishop Clyde Igara]
 
2. POLICE ASSOCIATION GENERAL SECRETARY

 "It is politicians that have created this unnecessary misdemeanour. They are cherry pickers who are here today and gone tomorrow. The police force is here to stay and police officers will give a lifetime upholding the rule of law and the constitution." [Clemence Kanau]
 
3. POLICE ASSOCIATION GENERAL SECRETARY

"He should shut his mouth and swallow his temporary pride," Mr Kanau said of Mr Isikiel when he referred to officers investigating O’Neill as ‘rogue cops’.
 
4. SACKED ATTORNEY GENERAL

Police Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki now has no legal discretion but to arrest Prime Minister Peter O’Neill. [Kerenga Kua]
 
5. NATIONAL COURT JUDGE

"I find this submission to be speculative and without proper evidentiary basis,” Judge Ere Kariko said when refusing submissions by the prime minister’s lawyer regarding a "rift" in the ranks of the police force.
 
6. CHIEF MAGISTRATE  - DISTRICT COURT

"Courts can only interfere when there is a clear case of abuse," [Nerrie Eliakim explanation on Vaki’s application to discontinue warrant of arrest on Peter O’Neill]

7.  CHAIRMAN – TASK FORCE SWEEP

 "When our leaders raised wild allegations and branded us as politically compromised, I did not respond because that would be seen as self preservation. I waited for the competent authority to vindicate us which the court had done." [Sam Koim ]

Geoffery Vaki Should Not Compromise the Integrity of Papua New Guinea Constabulary

CHRISTAINS: We heard leaders of main line churches appealing for O’Neill to submit to police request. Thank God and pioneer missionaries, PNG have established churches and strong leaders who have the wisdom to correct and suggest to political leaders what to do. Listen to the words of men of God.

POLICE: The police hierarchy had been thrown in disarray with by one man, Peter O’Neill.  Is it not too late for Vaki to fix this vital institution? He may be defeated at the District Court but he it is not late for Vaki to make the right call. Both National and District Courts have given Geoffrey Vaki’s no option but to arrest O’Neill. This must be done urgently.

Vaki is rendered to nothing but useless in Peter O’Neill’s eyes if not for the policemen protecting the PM.  Section of police who took Vaki’s commands are his last baton of hope. We hear the Police Association giving strong signal to politicians (like PO and the Housing Minister) who called police ‘rogue cops’ to shut up.

Court has made it clear that the men who are at the forefront of this political turmoil caused by the PM are not rogue officers. Their reputations, experiences and dedication to the force are exemplary.  

Mr Geoffrey Vaki can restore pride and comradeship in the police force. He needs to take a step out of PO’s shadow and listen to what courts, church leaders, senior citizens, students and public are saying about PO’s actions.

REASSURANCE: Two things the Police Commissioner, Geoffrey Vaki, should take note.

1.      Police have what’s called the ‘Institution Muscle’. When commenting on this Political plots and strategies to protect one man the Police Association general secretary used this phrase -  it seems  police can use avenues to addressing administrative matters within the force if/when it is necessary. Here, he is implying that the police commissioner has to do what is best to protect the integrity of the Police Force. Anything seems contrary can result in the police union taking a tough stand against it!

 

2.      Task Force Sweep was reinstated. The investigation, its finding (Sam Koim and Miviri’s affidavits) and Warrant of Arrest of Peter O’Neill is valid and current.

PO had his chance to fight the WoA. He has made his case. It took 3 weeks.  All along he created factions within the police police, he disbanded TSF, he dismissed Sam Koim, he (through Vaki) suspended Eluh and Kauba.

Vaki’s right call: Now that TSF is reinstated, Vaki must lift the suspension on Koim, Miviri, Kauba and Eluh. His hands are already dirty. Let these men carry on from where they left: Arrest Peter O’Neill and bring him in for questioning.

LET THE LAW TAKES ITS COURSE

What Prominient Papua New Guineans Say About Peter O'Neill's

These are 7 Quotations by Senior Citizens about Peter O'Neill former Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea during the 2014 legal debuckle that cost the state and taxpayers millions of Kina.
Peter O'Neill former Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea


1.      HEAD OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH

"If the Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill had submitted to the rule of law, his innocence would have been proven three weeks ago. But instead, he had engaged his lawyers – to stay the warrant of arrest,’’ he said. [Archbishop Clyde Igara]

2.      POLICE ASSOCIATION GENERAL SECRETARY

 "It is politicians that have created this unnecessary misdemeanour. They are cherry pickers who are here today and gone tomorrow. The police force is here to stay and police officers will give a lifetime upholding the rule of law and the constitution." [Clemence Kanau]

3.      POLICE ASSOCIATION GENERAL SECRETARY

"He should shut his mouth and swallow his temporary pride," Mr Kanau said of Mr Isikiel.

4.      SACKED ATTORNEY GENERAL

Police Commissioner Geoffrey Vaki now has no legal discretion but to arrest Prime Minister Peter O’Neill. [Kerenga Kua]

5.      NATIONAL COURT JUDGE

"I find this submission to be speculative and without proper evidentiary basis,” Judge Ere Kariko said when refusing submissions by the prime minister’s lawyer regarding a "rift" in the ranks of the police force.

6.      CHIEF MAGISTRATE  - DISTRICT COURT

"Courts can only interfere when there is a clear case of abuse," [Nerrie Eliakim explanation on Vaki’s application to discontinue the warrant of arrest on Peter O’Neill]

7.       CHAIRMAN – TASK FORCE SWEEP

"When our leaders raised wild allegations and branded us as politically compromised, I did not respond because that would be seen as self-preservation. I waited for the competent authority to vindicate us which the court had done." [Sam Koim ]

The Hunter Hunted

A Story From Hausman....

A hunter on his hunting trip went straight into a trap. It wasn’t an ordinary trap. A large snake ‘the Moran’ - hoping to catch Wild Pigs in their tracks - caught the hunter.

 REACTION: any wild pig would have squealed, oinked and wrestled with the snake until it can fight no more. But the expert hunter did the opposite. He didn’t make a noise or move one bit. He held his breath and played dead.

The Moran’s strong muscles contracted and with every tight grip the hunter’s bones snapped. In fact, it was NOT the hunter’s bones that broke but his bow and arrows.

Satisfied that the hunter was dead, the Moran went to the nearest creek to wet his mouth before swallowing his catch only to reappear and realise it was gone.

 Here are the characters: Moran (The System- Law and Justice), Wild Pigs (Those protesting their innocence and waving their rights about), Hunter (Men & Women who are sacked, suspended...for earning honest living)

MORAL: The harder one fights the evidence (& Public Opinion) the harder it fastens around him. It suffocates him and it defeats him.

New police commissioner is fast losing trust, a dangerous trend within the force.

TACTICIAN AT WORK AGAIN: In a matter of few hours after the Court handed down its decision Garry Vaki is confirmed new Police Commissioner – not acting anymore. Every policeman and woman regardless of who they are or how long they serve in police force must now comply with his instruction. He is THE Police Commissioner appointed by O’Neill/NEC to serve the government.
Post Courier puts it nicely: What suspended assistant police commissioner Thomas Eluh and Simon Kauba have investigated including disbanded Taskforce Sweep is under threat of being swept under the carpet. […]. If this happens (which is unlikely) those who want to see Rule of Law takes its course are shunned.
Refraining from submitting to police request for questioning is a clear example of ‘when you fight corruption, it fights back. The prime minister has every government resource at his disposal (including money) to ‘fight to the last breath’ - no doubt. As long as he remains in PM’s seat he can tactfully fight the system and for as long as he wants.
Peter O’Neill knew that the only way to get him is through the office of Police Commissioner. So, is O’Neill putting Vaki in this strategic position to squash the WoA on him? No, not yet. Is the Rule of Law politically compromised? Yes. Vaki’s appointment came at a desperate time.
Peter O’Neill said he will go for questioning if the police ask him AGAIN as reported in the Post Courier. He will go in, but (if he does) this time with his main man on the inside. What happened in Court is happening again where we see all parties (PO Lawyer, QC Police Lawyer), Paraka Lawyer) ALL fought for one man, O’Neill. This is a blatant use of resource against the system by very people who are supposed to protect and nourish it.
O’Neill’s team lost and justice is once again delayed. The same tactic is applied within the police force. Like the Court, sections/divisions within the police force are impartial. Will Gari Vaki dismiss, enforce or shelf the WoA? Every eye on the land is anticipating his move, including his peers’.
GARRY VAKI WILL NOT DISMISS THE WoA: He has to differentiate between his duty to the Constabulary and those to the government. Unlike every ordinary citizen Vaki is a policeman, vowed to uphold and ENFORCE the Law without fear or favour. To uphold the Law means protecting it from external or political interference. Enforcing the law is to execute police commissioner’s roles diligently. Garry Vaki has to protect the integrity of police commissioner and the police force – that’s his number one duty. Serving the prime minister – in this case - is second.
In fact, Vaki’s reasonings are far weaker against strong evidence presented by TFS and suspended officers Sam Koim, Thomas Eluh and Simon Kauba. Any attempt to counter-argue or find fault in issuance of warrant of arrest on O’Neill will not hold water.
Mr Eluh was right when he said the rule of law is at stake. Cancelling the warrant will set a bad precedence as far enforcing the ‘Rule of Law’ is concerned.
In retrospect if Mr Vaki wishes to refrain from arresting Peter O’Neill and charge him, he MUST state why. Failure to do so will undermine judgment of the 3 law enforcing bodies (TFS, Police and Chief Magistrate); and, if he states his reasons convincingly he may restore some integrity and loyalty within the police hierarchy.  
Having said that if 3 separate bodies within the Law Enforcers saw strong evidence to call the prime minister in for questioning, who is Garry Vaki to dispute it and how convening can he be?
EARN LOYALTY or DEMAND LOYALTY: His deputy police commissioners and high ranking officers are not going to take his decision at face value as demonstrated by the suspended Assistant Police Commissioner Thomas Eluh. There are questions about his appointment not only from within, but also from the Ombudsmen Commission. He cannot demand that every police personal are loyal to his commands. He has to earn by doing the right thing.
Every action and decision at this stage will not go unnoticed. The Wheels of Justice has Turned [Sam Koim]. Who in his protest of innocence can stop it?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOK PIKSA: How a Moran Choked Wild Pigs
A hunter on his hunting trip went straight into a trap. It wasn’t an ordinary trap. A large snake ‘the Moran’ - hoping to catch Wild Pigs in their tracks - caught the hunter.
REACTION: any wild pig would have squealed, oinked and wrestled with the snake until it can fight no more. But the expert hunter did the opposite. He didn’t make a noise or move one bit. He held his breath and played dead.
The Moran’s strong muscles contracted and with every tight grip the hunter’s bones snapped. In fact, it was NOT the hunter’s bones that broke but his bow and arrows.
Satisfied that the hunter was dead, the Moran went to the nearest creek to wet his mouth only to reappear and realise his prized catch was gone.
Here are the characters: Moran, Wild Pigs, Hunter
MORAL: The harder one fights the evidence the harder it fastens around him. It suffocates him and it defeats him.

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