3 Oct 2003

PNG appeals to Australia for one off assistance to reform police force

11:09 am on 3 October 2003

Papua New Guinea is appealing to Australia for a one off payment to help reform its police force.

The Minister for Internal Security, Bire Kimisopa says the force has been neglected for years.

The appeal comes just weeks after an agreement was reached in principle between Papua New Guinea and Australia to send more police to PNG.

Mr Kimisopa said that offer is not enough and the force now needs a complete overhaul.

"Discipline, morale, accomodation, police pay, weapons, the effectiveness of auxiliary community and reservist policy and a number of other issues. The possibility of introducing the Highway Patrol again so we can secure the roading system so that commerce can start to go again."

Mr Kimisopa says representatives from the Australian government will be meeting with their counterparts in PNG to discuss the issue next week.