‘Permanent' Administratton

End of Papua-NG ‘Provisional’ Set-up and New Plans for Public Service

From Our Own Correspondent

Port Moresby, July 5.

“TT is notified, for general information, 1 that the Papua and New Guinea Act, 1949 was proclaimed to come into operation on the first day of July, 1949.”

With the appearance of this notice in the local Government Gazette of July 1. the long-awaited Permanent Administra tion came into being.

In a broadcast speech, the Adminis trator (Col. J. K. Murray) said: “I hope the new Administration will bring happi ness and prosperity to the inhabitants of the Territory and promote the cause of international peace.”

The Executive Council, he said, would be functioning in a short time; but the Legislative Council would not be operat ing before August, 1950.

He mentioned the proposed appoint ment of a Public Service Commissioner, who, he said, would be outside all de partments and able to take a broad view of public service matters. At present, the Acting Government Secretary, Mr. S. A.

Lonergan, is the Acting Public Service Commissioner.

Briefly, the new Act provides for the administrative union of Papua and New Guinea: the formation of an Executive Council, consisting of not less than nine Government officers, to advise and assist the Administratior; and the formation of a Legislative Council of 29 members, com prising the Administrator, 16 Government officers, three non-official members to be elected by the public, three mission repre sentatives, three non-official native mem bers and: three other non-official members.

IT also provides for the continuance of the Australian School of Pacific Ad ministration and the appointment of a Chief Judge of the Supreme Court of Papua and New Guinea.

Mr. Justice Phillips took the oath of office as Chief Judge on July 1 and, to gether with Mrs. Phillips, he left Moresby the same day on the “Bulolo,” on leave.

Residents greeted the arrival of the permanent administration with satifac tion but of more immediate interest to most of them were the developments af fecting the public service.

The Public Service Ordinance, 1949, was proclaimed on June 22. It provides for the appointment of a Public Service Commissioner to control and administer the public service, and the formation of an Appeals Board to hear appeals against appointments, promotions and punish ments. The Board has not been set up yet.

(Continued on page 23.)

PUBLIC servants in Moresby had a clearer picture of the general posi tion after a meeting at which the President (Mr. Anthony) reported on the recent visit to Canberra by himself, the Secretary (Mr. J. H. Irvine) and Mr. E.

E. Washington. Here is a resume of Mr.

Anthony’s report under the various head ings:— Superannuation and pensions: The de putation convinced officers of the Depart ment of External Territories that the Superannuation Ordinance, 1949, was not giving fair treatment to a number of pub lic servants, particularly Papuan officers.

The Department agreed that superannua tion should be paid on present salaries, with pensions for old Papuan officers, at the old rate, up to a salary of £BO4 a year, and up to £1,250 a year for New Guinea officers. If the Treasurer ap proved, the ordinance would be amended along these lines.

Superannuation ordinance for new officers: Now being prepared. Will be on the unit system and retirement age will be 60; but it will be possible to retire at 55 on a smaller pension. Pensions and premiums not worked out yet.

Re-classification: Provides for increased salaries in most cases, and now being examined by heads of departments.

Cost of living: Any variation in the Commonwealth cost of living since Janu ary 1 last will be added to salaries in the classification. On May 5 the Com monwealth cost of living was increased by £l2 for men and £8 for women.

Price fixing: Copy of ordinance not available. The deputation asked what was going to be done about controlling the activities of the big firms and examin ing their profits, and was told the degree of control would depend on the ordi nance.

Inspection of freezer storage facilities: Deputation made “rather caustic com ments,” but was told this was a domestic matter.

Pay in lieu of furlough: No provision made for furloughs in new ordinance.

Was explained to deputation that this ordinance was made under the Provi sional Administration and actually fur lough would be on the same basis as in the New Guinea ordinance.

Separation allowance: External Terri tories officers said they could see no reason why this should not be granted again in the case of a wife who returned to Australia, but they added that it was the Administrator’s privilege to decide such matters.

Seniority List: Now becomes a matter for Public Service Commissioner.

Public service arbitration: Will be inde pendent of Australia, and a judge of the Supreme Court will be appointed part time Arbitration Judge.

Medical expenses where suitable treat ment not available in Territory: The Minister said the Administrator could make a recommendation for expenses in any particular case, but no provision would be made in the regulations.

Accommodation: Better accommodation was sought and reference made to the “unsatisfactory” housing committee: but the deputation was told that control of materials now rested with the States and not the Commonwealth.

Air travel insurance: The deputation was told that the treasurer would not in crease the £2,000 air insurance granted to officers travelling on duty.

Five day week: External Territories offi cers pointed out that present working hours were adopted as a result of medical opinion and they felt the association should be cautious in its claim for a five day week. The association has referred the matter to Dr. Gunther.

Fares and freight charges for new ap pointments: The Department agreed that the Commonwealth allowance should be paid. Mr. Anthony explained that a Com

monwealth officer pays £7/10/- for fares and £lO for freight and the Government pays the rest.

Education: The Director of Education <Mr. Groves) told the meeting that al though his department preferred a uni versal system of bursary grants, it had accepted an offer of six Commonwealth bursaries worth £5O a year each. Examina tions would be held among children in grades six, seven and eight and, with the fielp of teachers’ reports, the six bursary winners would be chosen. They could make use of their bursaries next vear at any approved secondary school in Aus tralia. Mr. Groves added that he was still awaiting approval of a proposal to build a secondary high school in the Ter ritory, probably in the Wau area.

Payment of leave fares: Mr. Anthony said nothing definite was agreed while the deputation was in Canberra, but it was likely that the administration would pay a bigger share of fares.

Married officers allowance: Minimum

salary for married officers was now £520 with a special allowance of £7O on top of their salaries, dating back to January 1 last. This special allowance would con tinue until it was overtaken by incre ments under the new classification. The special allowance for single officers was £45.

In conclusion, Mr. Anthony thanked the Administrator for making possible the deputation’s visit to Canberra.