The 2023 Supplementary Budget Speech delivered by the Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey, CMG, MP, on the 12th of October 2023 has to be met with scepticism by many citizens in Papua New Guinea. The daily reality experienced on the ground is too far from the claims in the speech. The speech outlines the government’s view of a strong and growing economy, but there are several indicators on the ground that appear to contradict this narrative.
1. Employment Opportunities:
The Treasurer points to economic growth but fails to address the critical issue of job opportunities. Economic growth should ideally lead to increased employment and a decrease in unemployment rates. However, the reality in PNG, as pointed out, is quite different. The closure of existing mines and the loss of over 5,000 jobs is a stark reminder of the challenges faced in providing employment opportunities. The government should focus on creating sustainable job growth to truly reflect economic progress.
2. Wage Increases:
Economic growth should result in improved wages and income for workers. Unfortunately, the minimum wage remains stagnant, and there’s little evidence of substantial wage increases. This disparity between claimed economic growth and the reality of wage stagnation raises concerns about the distribution of wealth and whether the benefits of growth are reaching the average citizens.
3. Standard of Living:
The government highlights improvements in healthcare, education, and public services as indicators of economic growth. However, many citizens experience a decline in these services. The shortage of medical drugs in hospitals is just one example. The government should prioritize transparency and efficient resource allocation to ensure that the standard of living for all citizens improves, not deteriorates.
4. Price Stability:
The claim of low inflation and stable prices doesn’t align with the increasing cost of living faced by citizens. Rising fuel prices, doubling prices of basic food items, and exorbitant house rentals create a stark contrast to the government’s narrative. Price stability is a key aspect of economic well-being, and the government should address these concerns first before sweet-talking the realities away in the honourable house.
5. Increased Investment:
The lack of new foreign investments, especially in the mining and petroleum sector since the stupid amendment to the Mining Act in 2020, is a matter of concern. Economic growth is often associated with increased investments, both domestic and foreign. The government should work on creating an environment conducive to investment and reevaluate policies to attract new investors.
6. Government Services:
While the government claims to be improving public services, the chronic shortage of essential medical drugs in hospitals is just one example of the gap between rhetoric and reality. Citizens expect to see tangible improvements in public transportation, public safety, and social welfare programs, and the government must deliver on these promises.
In conclusion, the citizens of Papua New Guinea deserve a government that provides accurate and honest information about the state of the economy. Transparency and accountability are essential in building public trust. The only MP in parliament who seem the understand the misnomer, as the speech was presentes is the Member for Chuave, Hon James Nomane, who debated with substance (Click here for the video of his debate ). The indicators on the ground suggest that there is a need for a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to economic development to ensure that the benefits of growth reach all citizens. It’s the duty of elected representatives to provide the truth to the citizens and work towards their betterment, even if it means acknowledging challenges and addressing them sincerely.
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Balcony Perspectives 