Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2023, published 112nd ILC session (2024)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2022, published 111st ILC session (2023)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2021, published 110th ILC session (2022)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2020, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2018, published 108th ILC session (2019)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2017, published 107th ILC session (2018)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2016, published 106th ILC session (2017)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Active employment policy and poverty reduction strategy. The Committee notes the replies by the Government in April 2009 to its 2007 direct request. The Government indicates that an employment focused policy has been identified as an important part of the development agenda under the Government’s long-term plan from October 2009, entitled the “Government’s Vision 2050”. The Government also states acceptance of the ILO’s Decent Work Agenda and the development of a national decent work policy. The Committee notes that the November 2008 Decent Work Country Programme for Papua New Guinea offers several initiatives for employment creation. The Committee invites the Government to supply further information on the “Government’s Vision 2050” and the Decent Work Country Programme with respect to an explicit formal pronouncement for an active employment policy and poverty reduction strategy in line with the Convention.

The Government indicates that the bulk of the population is engaged in the informal economy and subsistence agriculture and that the low level of formal sector employment is attributed to, among other things, the insufficient development of human resources and a widespread lack of adequate and relevant employment skills. It attributes this result to unmet educational instruction in technical and vocational skills as well as the need for an employment policy and strategy. The Committee would welcome in the Government’s next report details on efforts to create growth and employment in the rural sector, informal economy as well as the promotion of self-employment, entrepreneurship, export promotion and tourism. The Committee also requests the Government to provide up-to-date information on trends in the labour market, particularly regarding the general situation, and levels and trends relating to employment, underemployment and unemployment throughout the country.

Youth employment. The Committee notes the Government response regarding job creation results and the integration of young people and women in the labour market through technical assistance from the ILO and other international donors in creating the Decent Work Country Programme. The Decent Work Country Programme indicates Papua New Guinea’s highly youthful population with 39 per cent under 15 years of age. In 2004, there were 2,234 million young Papua New Guineans under 15 years of age, including 1,162 million males (52 per cent) and 1,072 million females (48 per cent). The Decent Work Country Programme describes this “youth bulge” as one of the most profound challenges facing politicians, planners and policy-makers with unemployment rates among young men and women about three times higher than the general population. In addition to youth employment, gender equality challenges are indicated for females in both education and employment opportunities. The Decent Work Country Programme indicates youth employment issues will be mainstreamed into at least two national policies and programmes such as educational sector plans and strategies, poverty reduction programmes, health policy and programmes and rural development schemes by 2012. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on measures taken and their impact in assisting vulnerable categories of workers including women, young workers, older workers and workers with disabilities to find lasting employment.

Labour market measures and training. The Government has indicated progress in labour market policy measures and training through the National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board which has modernized legislation through the review of the new Occupational Skills Standards Certification Board Act from February, 2010. The National Training Council is progressing the National Standards and Qualification Framework. The Government indicates that the “Government Vision 2050” offers a long-term vision which calls for a robust national workforce that is equipped with the necessary skills and trades for nation building. The Committee welcomes further information on the intention of the National Training Council, the advancement of the National Standards and Qualification Framework and the implications for education and training policies with prospective employment opportunities based on labour market needs.

Article 3. Consultation of the representatives for persons affected. The Committee notes that the industry-based National Tripartite Consultative Council (NTCC) does not permit representation of rural or informal sector workers but, rather, gives consideration to matters of national interest which subsequently affect rural and informal sector workers. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report information on the inclusion of representatives of workers in the rural sector and the informal economy in consultations for the preparation and implementation of an active employment policy. Please also include how greater participation of workers from both the rural sector and the informal economy can be secured within the formal consultative process in formulating and enlisting support for employment policies.

Part V of the report form. ILO technical assistance. The Committee notes that the process of putting together realistic activities as a result of ILO technical assistance is still being deliberated on. The Government indicates a focus to mainstream the ILO–Youth Employment Project tools including the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) and the Community-based Training for Economic Empowerment (CB–TREE) into core functions of the Department and the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations. The Committee invites the Government to provide in its next report further information on the results of job creation and the integration of young people and women in the labour market as a result of ILO technical assistance and the Decent Work Country Programme (2009–12).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2007 direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in January 2007 in response to its 2004 direct request.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes that the Government is in the process of formalizing a national employment policy. Additionally, the Committee notes that the Medium-Term Development Strategy (2005–10) aims at creating growth and employment primarily within rural areas in the agricultural sector and other rural‑based industries. Following the National Employment and Training Conference in 2003, strategies have been implemented to promote self-employment; encourage small and medium-sized enterprises; and extend legal protection to the informal sector through the Informal Sector Development and Control Act 2004. The Committee would appreciate receiving information in the Government’s next report on the progress made towards the adoption and implementation of a national employment policy. It would also appreciate receiving details on specific employment policy measures implemented pursuant to the Medium-Term Development Strategy to create growth and employment within the rural sector and the informal economy as well as on the promotion of self-employment, entrepreneurship, export promotion and strengthening tourism. Please supply information on the measures taken and their impact in assisting vulnerable categories of workers, including women, young people, older workers and workers with disabilities in finding lasting employment.

2. Labour market policy measures and training. The Committee notes that according to the Government’s report, substantial progress has been made in the development of the labour market information system as well as in modifying the national employment services. In the context of vocational training, the Committee notes that there has been an increase in the number of vocational training schools and centres. The Committee also notes that the Papua New Guinea Occupational Skills Certification Board, successor to the National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board, covers all occupations. The Government’s report indicates that the National Training Council provides training opportunities with increased access for disadvantaged groups through scholarships. This has translated into increased access to the formal economy and self-employment. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information on the progress made in establishing the labour market information system. It would also appreciate receiving more information on specific measures undertaken by the Papua New Guinea Occupational Skills Certification Board as well as the National Training Council to coordinate education and training policies with prospective employment opportunities based on the needs of the labour market.

3. Article 3. Consultation of the representatives of the persons affected. The Committee notes that the National Tripartite Consultative Council includes members from the Rural Industries Council; however, there is no general membership of workers from the rural sector and the informal sector. The Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report further information on the social partners’ involvement in, and contribution to, the preparation and implementation of the employment policy. Please also include information on how greater participation of workers from both the rural sector and the informal economy can be secured within the formal consultative process in formulating and enlisting support for employment policies.

4. Part V of the report form. ILO technical assistance. The Committee notes with interest that with ILO technical assistance a National Decent Work Country Programme has been developed. Under this programme, projects have been implemented in the areas of employability, education and decent work; the elimination of child labour as well as the youth project. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results in terms of job creation and the integration of young people and women in the labour market that have been achieved as a consequence of the advice and technical assistance from the ILO and other international donors.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in January 2007 in response to its 2004 direct request.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes that the Government is in the process of formalizing a national employment policy. Additionally, the Committee notes that the Medium-Term Development Strategy (2005–10) aims at creating growth and employment primarily within rural areas in the agricultural sector and other rural-based industries. Following the National Employment and Training Conference in 2003, strategies have been implemented to promote self-employment; encourage small and medium-sized enterprises; and extend legal protection to the informal sector through the Informal Sector Development and Control Act 2004. The Committee would appreciate receiving information in the Government’s next report on the progress made towards the adoption and implementation of a national employment policy. It would also appreciate receiving details on specific employment policy measures implemented pursuant to the Medium-Term Development Strategy to create growth and employment within the rural sector and the informal economy as well as on the promotion of self-employment, entrepreneurship, export promotion and strengthening tourism. Please supply information on the measures taken and their impact in assisting vulnerable categories of workers, including women, young people, older workers and workers with disabilities in finding lasting employment.

2. Labour market policy measures and training. The Committee notes that according to the Government’s report, substantial progress has been made in the development of the labour market information system as well as in modifying the national employment services. In the context of vocational training, the Committee notes that there has been an increase in the number of vocational training schools and centres. The Committee also notes that the Papua New Guinea Occupational Skills Certification Board, successor to the National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board, covers all occupations. The Government’s report indicates that the National Training Council provides training opportunities with increased access for disadvantaged groups through scholarships. This has translated into increased access to the formal economy and self-employment. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information on the progress made in establishing the labour market information system. It would also appreciate receiving more information on specific measures undertaken by the Papua New Guinea Occupational Skills Certification Board as well as the National Training Council to coordinate education and training policies with prospective employment opportunities based on the needs of the labour market.

3. Article 3. Consultation of the representatives of the persons affected. The Committee notes that the National Tripartite Consultative Council includes members from the Rural Industries Council; however, there is no general membership of workers from the rural sector and the informal sector. The Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report further information on the social partners’ involvement in, and contribution to, the preparation and implementation of the employment policy. Please also include information on how greater participation of workers from both the rural sector and the informal economy can be secured within the formal consultative process in formulating and enlisting support for employment policies.

4. Part V of the report form. ILO technical assistance. The Committee notes with interest that with ILO technical assistance a National Decent Work Country Programme has been developed. Under this programme, projects have been implemented in the areas of employability, education and decent work; the elimination of child labour as well as the youth project. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results in terms of job creation and the integration of young people and women in the labour market that have been achieved as a consequence of the advice and technical assistance from the ILO and other international donors.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

The Committee notes the Government’s report received in January 2007 in response to its 2004 direct request.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Implementation of an active employment policy. The Committee notes that the Government is in the process of formalizing a national employment policy. Additionally, the Committee notes that the Medium-Term Development Strategy (2005–10) aims at creating growth and employment primarily within rural areas in the agricultural sector and other rural-based industries. Following the National Employment and Training Conference in 2003, strategies have been implemented to promote self-employment; encourage small and medium-sized enterprises; and extend legal protection to the informal sector through the Informal Sector Development and Control Act 2004. The Committee would appreciate receiving information in the Government’s next report on the progress made towards the adoption and implementation of a national employment policy. It would also appreciate receiving details on specific employment policy measures implemented pursuant to the Medium-Term Development Strategy to create growth and employment within the rural sector and the informal economy as well as on the promotion of self-employment, entrepreneurship, export promotion and strengthening tourism. Please supply information on the measures taken and their impact in assisting vulnerable categories of workers, including women, young people, older workers and workers with disabilities in finding lasting employment.

2. Labour market policy measures and training. The Committee notes that according to the Government’s report, substantial progress has been made in the development of the labour market information system as well as in modifying the national employment services. In the context of vocational training, the Committee notes that there has been an increase in the number of vocational training schools and centres. The Committee also notes that the Papua New Guinea Occupational Skills Certification Board, successor to the National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board, covers all occupations. The Government’s report indicates that the National Training Council provides training opportunities with increased access for disadvantaged groups through scholarships. This has translated into increased access to the formal economy and self-employment. The Committee would appreciate continuing to receive information on the progress made in establishing the labour market information system. It would also appreciate receiving more information on specific measures undertaken by the Papua New Guinea Occupational Skills Certification Board as well as the National Training Council to coordinate education and training policies with prospective employment opportunities based on the needs of the labour market.

3. Article 3. Consultation of the representatives of the persons affected. The Committee notes that the National Tripartite Consultative Council includes members from the Rural Industries Council; however, there is no general membership of workers from the rural sector and the informal sector. The Committee requests the Government to provide in its next report further information on the social partners’ involvement in, and contribution to, the preparation and implementation of the employment policy. Please also include information on how greater participation of workers from both the rural sector and the informal economy can be secured within the formal consultative process in formulating and enlisting support for employment policies.

4. Part V of the report form. ILO technical assistance. The Committee notes with interest that with ILO technical assistance a National Decent Work Country Programme has been developed. Under this programme, projects have been implemented in the areas of employability, education and decent work; the elimination of child labour as well as the youth project. The Committee requests the Government to provide information on the results in terms of job creation and the integration of young people and women in the labour market that have been achieved as a consequence of the advice and technical assistance from the ILO and other international donors.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2006, published 96th ILC session (2007)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2004 direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes the Government’s reports received in October 2003 and October 2004 and the information they contain in reply to its previous direct request. The Committee asks the Government to provide more detailed information in its next report on the measures actually implemented to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, particularly in the following areas.

1. General and sectoral economic policies. The Committee notes that the Government’s employment policy is part of its strategy for economic recovery, which aims to promote growth and employment through strong fiscal and monetary policies. Please describe the results obtained or expected from the implementation of these employment policies. Please describe the measures taken in the context of the strategy to promote agricultural and non-agricultural rural activity. Please also indicate the measures taken or envisaged in the various fields covered by the National Employment and Training Conference of 2003, such as the promotion of self-employment, the creation of enterprises, export promotion, the encouragement of foreign investment and the strengthening of tourism (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

2. Labour market policy measures and training. Please indicate the progress made in implementing a labour market information system and strengthening the National Employment Service. Please describe measures taken to develop vocational training and apprenticeship, and the activities conducted to this end by the National Training Council and the National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board.

3. Consultation of the representatives of the persons affected. The Committee notes that consultation of the persons affected on employment policy is carried out through the National Tripartite Consultative Council (NTCC), and that in addressing the rural sector and the informal sector and their role in the country’s development, the Government called on the NTCC to associate representatives of these sectors with its work. It requests the Government to indicate in its next report whether such representatives do participate in the work of the NTCC or are consulted in some other way on employment policies (Article 3).

4. ILO technical assistance. The Committee notes with interest the information on the technical assistance received by the Government with regard to the drafting of the national employment policy and measures for women in the informal economy. It requests the Government to continue to keep it informed of the results in terms of job creation and the integration of young people and women in the labour market that have been achieved as a consequence of the advice and technical assistance received from the Office (Part V of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

The Committee notes the Government’s reports received in October 2003 and October 2004 and the information they contain in reply to its previous direct request. The Committee asks the Government to provide more detailed information in its next report on the measures actually implemented to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment, particularly in the following areas.

1. General and sectoral economic policies. The Committee notes that the Government’s employment policy is part of its strategy for economic recovery, which aims to promote growth and employment through strong fiscal and monetary policies. Please describe the results obtained or expected from the implementation of these employment policies. Please describe the measures taken in the context of the strategy to promote agricultural and non-agricultural rural activity. Please also indicate the measures taken or envisaged in the various fields covered by the National Employment and Training Conference of 2003, such as the promotion of self-employment, the creation of enterprises, export promotion, the encouragement of foreign investment and the strengthening of tourism (Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention).

2. Labour market policy measures and training. Please indicate the progress made in implementing a labour market information system and strengthening the National Employment Service. Please describe measures taken to develop vocational training and apprenticeship, and the activities conducted to this end by the National Training Council and the National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board.

3. Consultation of the representatives of the persons affected. The Committee notes that consultation of the persons affected on employment policy is carried out through the National Tripartite Consultative Council (NTCC), and that in addressing the rural sector and the informal sector and their role in the country’s development, the Government called on the NTCC to associate representatives of these sectors with its work. It requests the Government to indicate in its next report whether such representatives do participate in the work of the NTCC or are consulted in some other way on employment policies (Article 3).

4. ILO technical assistance. The Committee notes with interest the information on the technical assistance received by the Government with regard to the drafting of the national employment policy and measures for women in the informal economy. It requests the Government to continue to keep it informed of the results in terms of job creation and the integration of young people and women in the labour market that have been achieved as a consequence of the advice and technical assistance received from the Office (Part V of the report form).

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its 2001 direct request which read as follows:

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s detailed report for the period from 31 May 1999 to 31 May 2000, as well as the appended paper on Employment Policy of the Department of Industrial Relations.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that it now has a full-time statistician for labour market data, and that a comprehensive approach to data collection and analysis is a key element of its employment strategy. The employment policy focuses on promoting both quantity and quality of employment, without discrimination, and in both urban and rural areas. The Government aims to improve services to jobseekers and the self-employed, including skills development. The Government also identifies the importance of giving equal priority to the needs of employers with respect to public placement services, to encourage them to register vacancies. More generally, the Government intends to encourage decentralized placement services, including non-governmental placement services, which it will monitor. The Government also states that a report was prepared with ILO assistance concerning Structural Adjustment on Minimum Social Costs. The project is still ongoing for 2000-01. The Government held a National Tripartite Workshop on Equality and Protection for Women Workers in the Formal Sector, and the Government has a project on Employment-Oriented Skills Development currently in progress to improve income-earning opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate receiving further details on how the employment policy is given effect through specific programmes and their impact on employment promotion. Please provide the information required in the report form on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment.

Article 2. Please specify the employment objectives set out in development plans and programmes and describe the manner in which it is ensured that their effects on employment are taken into consideration when adopting macroeconomic measures.

Article 3. Please provide further information on the manner in which consultations are held with representatives of employers, workers and other groups, such as rural and informal sector workers, and on the outcome of these consultations.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s detailed report for the period from 31 May 1999 to 31 May 2000, as well as the appended paper on Employment Policy of the Department of Industrial Relations.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that it now has a full time statistician for labour market data, and that a comprehensive approach to data collection and analysis is a key element of its employment strategy. The employment policy focuses on promoting both quantity and quality of employment, without discrimination, and in both urban and rural areas. The Government aims to improve services to jobseekers and the self-employed, including skills development. The Government also identifies the importance of giving equal priority to the needs of employers with respect to public placement services, to encourage them to register vacancies. More generally, the Government intends to encourage decentralized placement services, including non-governmental placement services, which it will monitor. The Government also states that a report was prepared with ILO assistance concerning Structural Adjustment on Minimum Social Costs. The project is still ongoing for 2000-01. The Government held a National Tripartite Workshop on Equality and Protection for Women Workers in the Formal Sector, and the Government has a project on Employment-Oriented Skills Development currently in progress to improve income-earning opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate receiving further details on how the employment policy is given effect through specific programmes and their impact on employment promotion. Please provide the information required in the report form on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment.

Article 2. Please specify the employment objectives set out in development plans and programmes and describe the manner in which it is ensured that their effects on employment are taken into consideration when adopting macroeconomic measures.

Article 3. Please provide further information on the manner in which consultations are held with representatives of employers, workers and other groups, such as rural and informal sector workers, and on the outcome of these consultations.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2000, published 89th ILC session (2001)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which reads as follows:

1.  The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government’s detailed and informative report. It notes that the last population census (1980-90) indicated that the labour force participation rate was 57 per cent, employment in the formal sector was around 9.6 per cent of the total labour force, and unemployment stood at about 30 per cent. The population is very young and the most vulnerable groups are women, older workers, and the disabled.

2.  The Committee notes the objectives set out in the employment policy, the Social and Economic Development Plan and the Medium Term Development Strategy (1997-2000). The Committee requests further information on the strategies adopted for involving the provincial governments in the Employment Policy, as it appeared to still be in progress at the time of reporting. It also would appreciate continuing to receive information on whether specific difficulties have been encountered by the projects developed to attain the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment and how far these difficulties have been overcome, as requested in the report form under Article 1 of the Convention.

3.  The Committee notes with interest the Government’s statement that the Statistical Unit of the Policy and Research Division is cooperating with the National Statistics Office. It looks forward to receiving in future reports the statistics and analysis to be used as a basis for deciding on measures for employment policy, as requested in thereport form under Article 2.

4.  The Government states that consultations occur at the national level through meetings and seminars at both the planning and implementation stages. The National Tripartite Consultative Council (NTCC) is composed of employers’ and workers’ representatives from all sectors of the economy, and government officials. The Committee notes this information and asks the Government to clarify how representatives of the informal sector workers are consulted, as requested in the report form under Article 3.

5.  Lastly, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate in its next report any follow-up taken relating to the reports prepared with ILO assistance concerning minimizing the social costs of structural adjustment, equality of women workers in the formal sector, and women in the informal sector. It would also be interested to know about follow-up taken with respect to the labour, employment and skills development policy agenda project sponsored by the Asian Development Bank.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

1. The Committee notes the information supplied in the Government's detailed and informative report. It notes that the last population census (1980-90) indicated that the labour force participation rate was 57 per cent, employment in the formal sector was around 9.6 per cent of the total labour force, and unemployment stood at about 30 per cent. The population is very young and the most vulnerable groups are women, older workers, and the disabled.

2. The Committee notes the objectives set out in the employment policy, the Social and Economic Development Plan and the Medium Term Development Strategy (1997-2000). The Committee requests further information on the strategies adopted for involving the provincial governments in the Employment Policy, as it appeared to still be in progress at the time of reporting. It also would appreciate continuing to receive information on whether specific difficulties have been encountered by the projects developed to attain the objectives of full, productive and freely chosen employment and how far these difficulties have been overcome, as requested in the report form under Article 1 of the Convention.

3. The Committee notes with interest the Government's statement that the Statistical Unit of the Policy and Research Division is cooperating with the National Statistics Office. It looks forward to receiving in future reports the statistics and analysis to be used as a basis for deciding on measures for employment policy, as requested in the report form under Article 2.

4. The Government states that consultations occur at the national level through meetings and seminars at both the planning and implementation stages. The National Tripartite Consultative Council (NTCC) is composed of employers' and workers' representatives from all sectors of the economy, and government officials. The Committee notes this information and asks the Government to clarify how representatives of the informal sector workers are consulted, as requested in the report form under Article 3.

5. Lastly, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would indicate in its next report any follow-up taken relating to the reports prepared with ILO assistance concerning minimizing the social costs of structural adjustment, equality of women workers in the formal sector, and women in the informal sector. It would also be interested to know about follow-up taken with respect to the labour, employment and skills development policy agenda project sponsored by the Asian Development Bank.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

With reference to its previous comments, the Committee notes with interest the Government's report for the period ending May 1996. In order to be in a better position to determine the effect given to the provisions of the Convention, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide, in its next report, detailed replies to each of the questions on the report form, particularly as concerns the following points.

1. The Committee notes that research into the characteristics and evolution of the workforce was undertaken by the competent branch of the National Planning Office. It hopes that this work will be completed and that the Government will soon be able to communicate statistical data concerning the situation and trends of the labour force, employment, unemployment and underemployment. The Government is requested to continue to provide information on the measures taken or envisaged for the collection and analysis of data necessary to the formulation and adaptation of an employment policy.

2. The Committee notes that the overall coordination of economic and social policy implementation lies with the Ministry of National Planning. It requests the Government to indicate whether, within this institutional framework, there has been the formulation of an active employment policy "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", in conformity with Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Please transmit the texts which define this policy.

3. The Committee notes that in order to combat underemployment in rural areas and urban drift, measures for the development of agricultural, forestry and mining activities are being implemented in order to create employment in the rural sector. It notes that the creation of employment opportunities in the urban areas is assured by the maintenance of a favourable investment climate. The Committee hopes to find more detailed information, in the next report, on the nature and scope of the measures mentioned by the Government, as well as on the results expected in terms of employment creation. Please continue to provide as detailed information as possible on the activities of the National Employment Service.

4. The Committee has also been informed that the work of an ILO mission in May 1997 has resulted, in consultation with the Government and trade unions and employers' organizations, in the elaboration of a programme aimed at minimizing the social costs of structural adjustment. Noting that the promotion of employment is one of the essential components of this programme, the Committee considers that such advisory activities and technical cooperation are likely to facilitate a better application of the Convention. The Committee invites the Government to remain in contact with the ILO in order to obtain the necessary support for the formulation and application of its employment policy. The Committee requests the Government to indicate, in its next report, the action taken as a result of the technical cooperation or advice received from the ILO (Part V of the report form).

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

Further to its previous observations and direct requests over the past ten years, the Committee notes with interest that, following the receipt by the Government of advice from the Office, a report was received just before its present session. The Committee intends to examine this report at its next session. Meanwhile, it hopes the Government will remain in contact with the responsible multidisciplinary team of the ILO as regards the design and implementation of the range of policies and measures called for under the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

The Committee refers to its observation. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee has noted with interest the publications of the National Employment Service giving course and job information for school-leavers and the Ministry of Education's document concerning non-formal education. As regards unemployment and underemployment, the Committee notes the prediction of the 1985-88 National Public Expenditure Plan (NPEP) that the labour force will increase rapidly over the next few years and that each year about 40,000 additional young people will be searching for gainful employment and self-employment opportunities; however, it continues, the record in creating formal sector jobs in the past few years has been poor. In this light, the NPEP is calling for the productive involvement of youth in their communities and in the economic, social, political, cultural and religious life of the nation, and establishing a National Youth Development Fund to assist further in providing training advice and necessary supervision to youth groups engaged in project development, together with a National Youth Employment Strategy aimed at harnessing skills and energies and creating employment opportunities for the majority of unemployed youth in the country. The Committee welcomes the importance attached by the Government to this problem and the steps taken to promote employment creation as well as suitable qualifications for young workseekers in particular. It hopes these matters will be pursued further in the framework of the proposed first National Development Plan, 1987-91, and that the Government will provide details on the integration of employment and other development policies with economic development planning, together with information on the following points:

1. The Committee notes the indications in the NPEP that real wages were expected to be reduced by 9-10 per cent in 1983-86; it was also felt that there was a danger that the demand for skilled labour in mining would push up wages both within and beyond the mining sector. In this context, the Committee has also noted the observations and recommendations in the report "The distribution of incomes in Papua New Guinea" (the "Jackson Report"): while stressing the importance of the proper use of mineral and other resources for the productive development of the economy, the Jackson Report draws attention to the disparities in wage structure in the country as between different groups of the population and different activities (e.g. mining and agriculture); it also suggests the need - despite awareness of the problems of low-paid rural workers - to consider the importance of preserving income-earning opportunities. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would give any available figures as to the impact on urban unemployment of the current Minimum Wage Determination, and indicate its views as to an appropriate overall policy on prices, incomes and wages as a means of promoting the Convention's goal of ensuring that there is work for all who are available for and seeking it.

2. Please provide further information - including statistics - when available, as to the results of the Second National Manpower Assessment; the employment impact of the Integrated Rural Development Programmes; the Vanimo Timber Project (some 300 jobs having been created in the initial phase); and the OK Tedi Copper Gold Project.

3. Please indicate so far as possible the numbers who benefit from the various forms of vocational guidance and training offered and who subsequently enter employment in the different fields.

4. The Committee notes with interest that the Labour Advisory Council, which had been defunct for some time, is now a tripartite body comprising members from government and employers' and workers' organizations, advising, inter alia, on employment policies. Please provide a copy of any reports and recommendations of the Council on this subject (Article 3 of the Convention).

Part V of the report form. Furthermore, the Committee notes that in a report prepared by ILO-ARTEP for the Department of Finance and Planning it was suggested an integrated approach to human resources development with emphasis on employment generation, manpower and skill development and expansion of the educational systems. The Committee trusts that in its next report the Government will also include indications on any action taken, or any factor which may have prevented or delayed such action, as a result of the ILO-ARTEP mission which visited the country in January 1989.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

The Committee refers to its observation. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee has noted with interest the publications of the National Employment Service giving course and job information for school-leavers and the Ministry of Education's document concerning non-formal education. As regards unemployment and underemployment, the Committee notes the prediction of the 1985-88 National Public Expenditure Plan (NPEP) that the labour force will increase rapidly over the next few years and that each year about 40,000 additional young people will be searching for gainful employment and self-employment opportunities; however, it continues, the record in creating formal sector jobs in the past few years has been poor. In this light, the NPEP is calling for the productive involvement of youth in their communities and in the economic, social, political, cultural and religious life of the nation, and establishing a National Youth Development Fund to assist further in providing training advice and necessary supervision to youth groups engaged in project development, together with a National Youth Employment Strategy aimed at harnessing skills and energies and creating employment opportunities for the majority of unemployed youth in the country. The Committee welcomes the importance attached by the Government to this problem and the steps taken to promote employment creation as well as suitable qualifications for young workseekers in particular. It hopes these matters will be pursued further in the framework of the proposed first National Development Plan, 1987-91, and that the Government will provide details on the integration of employment and other development policies with economic development planning, together with information on the following points:

1. The Committee notes the indications in the NPEP that real wages were expected to be reduced by 9-10 per cent in 1983-86; it was also felt that there was a danger that the demand for skilled labour in mining would push up wages both within and beyond the mining sector. In this context, the Committee has also noted the observations and recommendations in the report "The distribution of incomes in Papua New Guinea" (the "Jackson Report"): while stressing the importance of the proper use of mineral and other resources for the productive development of the economy, the Jackson Report draws attention to the disparities in wage structure in the country as between different groups of the population and different activities (e.g. mining and agriculture); it also suggests the need - despite awareness of the problems of low-paid rural workers - to consider the importance of preserving income-earning opportunities. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would give any available figures as to the impact on urban unemployment of the current Minimum Wage Determination, and indicate its views as to an appropriate overall policy on prices, incomes and wages as a means of promoting the Convention's goal of ensuring that there is work for all who are available for and seeking it.

2. Please provide further information - including statistics - when available, as to the results of the Second National Manpower Assessment; the employment impact of the Integrated Rural Development Programmes; the Vanimo Timber Project (some 300 jobs having been created in the initial phase); and the OK Tedi Copper Gold Project.

3. Please indicate so far as possible the numbers who benefit from the various forms of vocational guidance and training offered and who subsequently enter employment in the different fields.

4. The Committee notes with interest that the Labour Advisory Council, which had been defunct for some time, is now a tripartite body comprising members from government and employers' and workers' organizations, advising, inter alia, on employment policies. Please provide a copy of any reports and recommendations of the Council on this subject (Article 3 of the Convention).

Part V of the report form. Furthermore, the Committee notes that in a report prepared by ILO-ARTEP for the Department of Finance and Planning it was suggested an integrated approach to human resources development with emphasis on employment generation, manpower and skill development and expansion of the educational systems. The Committee trusts that in its next report the Government will also include indications on any action taken, or any factor which may have prevented or delayed such action, as a result of the ILO-ARTEP mission which visited the country in January 1989.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

The Committee notes with regret that for the seventh year in succession the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for comments by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information in reply to the questions set out in the report form, taking into account its previous comments.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

The Committee notes with regret that for the eighth year in succession the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for comments by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information in reply to the questions set out in the report form, taking into account its previous comments.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

The Committee refers to its observation. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee has noted with interest the publications of the National Employment Service giving course and job information for school-leavers and the Ministry of Education's document concerning non-formal education. As regards unemployment and underemployment, the Committee notes the prediction of the 1985-88 National Public Expenditure Plan (NPEP) that the labour force will increase rapidly over the next few years and that each year about 40,000 additional young people will be searching for gainful employment and self-employment opportunities; however, it continues, the record in creating formal sector jobs in the past few years has been poor. In this light, the NPEP is calling for the productive involvement of youth in their communities and in the economic, social, political, cultural and religious life of the nation, and establishing a National Youth Development Fund to assist further in providing training advice and necessary supervision to youth groups engaged in project development, together with a National Youth Employment Strategy aimed at harnessing skills and energies and creating employment opportunities for the majority of unemployed youth in the country. The Committee welcomes the importance attached by the Government to this problem and the steps taken to promote employment creation as well as suitable qualifications for young workseekers in particular. It hopes these matters will be pursued further in the framework of the proposed first National Development Plan, 1987-91, and that the Government will provide details on the integration of employment and other development policies with economic development planning, together with information on the following points:

1. The Committee notes the indications in the NPEP that real wages were expected to be reduced by 9-10 per cent in 1983-86; it was also felt that there was a danger that the demand for skilled labour in mining would push up wages both within and beyond the mining sector. In this context, the Committee has also noted the observations and recommendations in the report "The distribution of incomes in Papua New Guinea" (the "Jackson Report"): while stressing the importance of the proper use of mineral and other resources for the productive development of the economy, the Jackson Report draws attention to the disparities in wage structure in the country as between different groups of the population and different activities (e.g. mining and agriculture); it also suggests the need - despite awareness of the problems of low-paid rural workers - to consider the importance of preserving income-earning opportunities. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would give any available figures as to the impact on urban unemployment of the current Minimum Wage Determination, and indicate its views as to an appropriate overall policy on prices, incomes and wages as a means of promoting the Convention's goal of ensuring that there is work for all who are available for and seeking it.

2. Please provide further information - including statistics - when available, as to the results of the Second National Manpower Assessment; the employment impact of the Integrated Rural Development Programmes; the Vanimo Timber Project (some 300 jobs having been created in the initial phase); and the OK Tedi Copper Gold Project.

3. Please indicate so far as possible the numbers who benefit from the various forms of vocational guidance and training offered and who subsequently enter employment in the different fields.

4. The Committee notes with interest that the Labour Advisory Council, which had been defunct for some time, is now a tripartite body comprising members from government and employers' and workers' organizations, advising, inter alia, on employment policies. Please provide a copy of any reports and recommendations of the Council on this subject (Article 3 of the Convention).

Part V of the report form. Furthermore, the Committee notes that in a report prepared by ILO-ARTEP for the Department of Finance and Planning it was suggested an integrated approach to human resources development with emphasis on employment generation, manpower and skill development and expansion of the educational systems. The Committee trusts that in its next report the Government will also include indications on any action taken, or any factor which may have prevented or delayed such action, as a result of the ILO-ARTEP mission which visited the country in January 1989.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

The Committee notes with regret that for the sixth year in succession the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for comments by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information in reply to the questions set out in the report form, taking into account its previous comments.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

The Committee refers to its observation. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee has noted with interest the publications of the National Employment Service giving course and job information for school-leavers and the Ministry of Education's document concerning non-formal education. As regards unemployment and underemployment, the Committee notes the prediction of the 1985-88 National Public Expenditure Plan (NPEP) that the labour force will increase rapidly over the next few years and that each year about 40,000 additional young people will be searching for gainful employment and self-employment opportunities; however, it continues, the record in creating formal sector jobs in the past few years has been poor. In this light, the NPEP is calling for the productive involvement of youth in their communities and in the economic, social, political, cultural and religious life of the nation, and establishing a National Youth Development Fund to assist further in providing training advice and necessary supervision to youth groups engaged in project development, together with a National Youth Employment Strategy aimed at harnessing skills and energies and creating employment opportunities for the majority of unemployed youth in the country. The Committee welcomes the importance attached by the Government to this problem and the steps taken to promote employment creation as well as suitable qualifications for young workseekers in particular. It hopes these matters will be pursued further in the framework of the proposed first National Development Plan, 1987-91, and that the Government will provide details on the integration of employment and other development policies with economic development planning, together with information on the following points:

1. The Committee notes the indications in the NPEP that real wages were expected to be reduced by 9-10 per cent in 1983-86; it was also felt that there was a danger that the demand for skilled labour in mining would push up wages both within and beyond the mining sector. In this context, the Committee has also noted the observations and recommendations in the report "The distribution of incomes in Papua New Guinea" (the "Jackson Report"): while stressing the importance of the proper use of mineral and other resources for the productive development of the economy, the Jackson Report draws attention to the disparities in wage structure in the country as between different groups of the population and different activities (e.g. mining and agriculture); it also suggests the need - despite awareness of the problems of low-paid rural workers - to consider the importance of preserving income-earning opportunities. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would give any available figures as to the impact on urban unemployment of the current Minimum Wage Determination, and indicate its views as to an appropriate overall policy on prices, incomes and wages as a means of promoting the Convention's goal of ensuring that there is work for all who are available for and seeking it.

2. Please provide further information - including statistics - when available, as to the results of the Second National Manpower Assessment; the employment impact of the Integrated Rural Development Programmes; the Vanimo Timber Project (some 300 jobs having been created in the initial phase); and the OK Tedi Copper Gold Project.

3. Please indicate so far as possible the numbers who benefit from the various forms of vocational guidance and training offered and who subsequently enter employment in the different fields.

4. The Committee notes with interest that the Labour Advisory Council, which had been defunct for some time, is now a tripartite body comprising members from government and employers' and workers' organizations, advising, inter alia, on employment policies. Please provide a copy of any reports and recommendations of the Council on this subject (Article 3 of the Convention).

Part V of the report form. Furthermore, the Committee notes that in a report prepared by ILO-ARTEP for the Department of Finance and Planning it was suggested an integrated approach to human resources development with emphasis on employment generation, manpower and skill development and expansion of the educational systems. The Committee trusts that in its next report the Government will also include indications on any action taken, or any factor which may have prevented or delayed such action, as a result of the ILO-ARTEP mission which visited the country in January 1989.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

The Committee notes with regret that for the fifth year in succession the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for comments by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in a direct request.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1992, published 79th ILC session (1992)

The Committee notes with regret that for the fourth year in succession the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee has noted with interest the publications of the National Employment Service giving course and job information for school-leavers and the Ministry of Education's document concerning non-formal education. As regards unemployment and underemployment, the Committee notes the prediction of the 1985-88 National Public Expenditure Plan (NPEP) that the labour force will increase rapidly over the next few years and that each year about 40,000 additional young people will be searching for gainful employment and self-employment opportunities; however, it continues, the record in creating formal sector jobs in the past few years has been poor. In this light, the NPEP is calling for the productive involvement of youth in their communities and in the economic, social, political, cultural and religious life of the nation, and establishing a National Youth Development Fund to assist further in providing training advice and necessary supervision to youth groups engaged in project development, together with a National Youth Employment Strategy aimed at harnessing skills and energies and creating employment opportunities for the majority of unemployed youth in the country. The Committee welcomes the importance attached by the Government to this problem and the steps taken to promote employment creation as well as suitable qualifications for young workseekers in particular. It hopes these matters will be pursued further in the framework of the proposed first National Development Plan, 1987-91, and that the Government will provide details on the integration of employment and other development policies with economic development planning, together with information on the following points:

1. The Committee notes the indications in the NPEP that real wages were expected to be reduced by 9-10 per cent in 1983-86; it was also felt that there was a danger that the demand for skilled labour in mining would push up wages both within and beyond the mining sector. In this context, the Committee has also noted the observations and recommendations in the report "The distribution of incomes in Papua New Guinea" (the "Jackson Report"): while stressing the importance of the proper use of mineral and other resources for the productive development of the economy, the Jackson Report draws attention to the disparities in wage structure in the country as between different groups of the population and different activities (e.g. mining and agriculture); it also suggests the need - despite awareness of the problems of low-paid rural workers - to consider the importance of preserving income-earning opportunities. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would give any available figures as to the impact on urban unemployment of the current Minimum Wage Determination, and indicate its views as to an appropriate overall policy on prices, incomes and wages as a means of promoting the Convention's goal of ensuring that there is work for all who are available for and seeking it.

2. Please provide further information - including statistics - when available, as to the results of the Second National Manpower Assessment; the employment impact of the Integrated Rural Development Programmes; the Vanimo Timber Project (some 300 jobs having been created in the initial phase); and the OK Tedi Copper Gold Project.

3. Please indicate so far as possible the numbers who benefit from the various forms of vocational guidance and training offered and who subsequently enter employment in the different fields.

4. The Committee notes with interest that the Labour Advisory Council, which had been defunct for some time, is now a tripartite body comprising members from government and employers' and workers' organisations, advising, inter alia, on employment policies. Please provide a copy of any reports and recommendations of the Council on this subject (Article 3 of the Convention).

Part V of the report form. Furthermore, the Committee notes that in a report prepared by ILO-ARTEP for the Department of Finance and Planning it was suggested an integrated approach to human resources development with emphasis on employment generation, manpower and skill development and expansion of the educational systems. The Committee trusts that in its next report the Government will also include indications on any action taken, or any factor which may have prevented or delayed such action, as a result of the ILO-ARTEP mission which visited the country in January 1989.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1991, published 78th ILC session (1991)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received for the third consecutive time. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee has noted with interest the publications of the National Employment Service giving course and job information for school-leavers and the Ministry of Education's document concerning non-formal education. As regards unemployment and underemployment, the Committee notes the prediction of the 1985-88 National Public Expenditure Plan (NPEP) that the labour force will increase rapidly over the next few years and that each year about 40,000 additional young people will be searching for gainful employment and self-employment opportunities; however, it continues, the record in creating formal sector jobs in the past few years has been poor. In this light, the NPEP is calling for the productive involvement of youth in their communities and in the economic, social, political, cultural and religious life of the nation, and establishing a National Youth Development Fund to assist further in providing training advice and necessary supervision to youth groups engaged in project development, together with a National Youth Employment Strategy aimed at harnessing skills and energies and creating employment opportunities for the majority of unemployed youth in the country. The Committee welcomes the importance attached by the Government to this problem and the steps taken to promote employment creation as well as suitable qualifications for young workseekers in particular. It hopes these matters will be pursued further in the framework of the proposed first National Development Plan, 1987-91, and that the Government will provide details on the integration of employment and other development policies with economic development planning, together with information on the following points:

1. The Committee notes the indications in the NPEP that real wages were expected to be reduced by 9-10 per cent in 1983-86; it was also felt that there was a danger that the demand for skilled labour in mining would push up wages both within and beyond the mining sector. In this context, the Committee has also noted the observations and recommendations in the report "The distribution of incomes in Papua New Guinea" (the "Jackson Report"): while stressing the importance of the proper use of mineral and other resources for the productive development of the economy, the Jackson Report draws attention to the disparities in wage structure in the country as between different groups of the population and different activities (e.g. mining and agriculture); it also suggests the need - despite awareness of the problems of low-paid rural workers - to consider the importance of preserving income-earning opportunities. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would give any available figures as to the impact on urban unemployment of the current Minimum Wage Determination, and indicate its views as to an appropriate overall policy on prices, incomes and wages as a means of promoting the Convention's goal of ensuring that there is work for all who are available for and seeking it.

2. Please provide further information - including statistics - when available, as to the results of the Second National Manpower Assessment; the employment impact of the Integrated Rural Development Programmes; the Vanimo Timber Project (some 300 jobs having been created in the initial phase); and the OK Tedi Copper Gold Project.

3. Please indicate so far as possible the numbers who benefit from the various forms of vocational guidance and training offered and who subsequently enter employment in the different fields.

4. The Committee notes with interest that the Labour Advisory Council, which had been defunct for some time, is now a tripartite body comprising members from government and employers' and workers' organisations, advising, inter alia, on employment policies. Please provide a copy of any reports and recommendations of the Council on this subject (Article 3 of the Convention).

Part V of the report form. Furthermore, the Committee notes that in a report prepared by ILO-ARTEP for the Department of Finance and Planning it was suggested an integrated approach to human resources development with emphasis on employment generation, manpower and skill development and expansion of the educational systems. The Committee trusts that in its next report the Government will also include indications on any action taken, or any factor which may have prevented or delayed such action, as a result of the ILO-ARTEP mission which visited the country in January 1989.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1990, published 77th ILC session (1990)

I. The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee has noted with interest the publications of the National Employment Service giving course and job information for school-leavers and the Ministry of Education's document concerning non-formal education. As regards unemployment and underemployment, the Committee notes the prediction of the 1985-88 National Public Expenditure Plan (NPEP) that the labour force will increase rapidly over the next few years and that each year about 40,000 additional young people will be searching for gainful employment and self-employment opportunities; however, it continues, the record in creating formal sector jobs in the past few years has been poor. In this light, the NPEP is calling for the productive involvement of youth in their communities and in the economic, social, political, cultural and religious life of the nation, and establishing a National Youth Development Fund to assist further in providing training advice and necessary supervision to youth groups engaged in project development, together with a National Youth Employment Strategy aimed at harnessing skills and energies and creating employment opportunities for the majority of unemployed youth in the country. The Committee welcomes the importance attached by the Government to this problem and the steps taken to promote employment creation as well as suitable qualifications for young workseekers in particular. It hopes these matters will be pursued further in the framework of the proposed first National Development Plan, 1987-91, and that the Government will provide details on the integration of employment and other development policies with economic development planning, together with information on the following points:

1. The Committee notes the indications in the NPEP that real wages were expected to be reduced by 9-10 per cent in 1983-86; it was also felt that there was a danger that the demand for skilled labour in mining would push up wages both within and beyond the mining sector. In this context, the Committee has also noted the observations and recommendations in the report "The distribution of incomes in Papua New Guinea" (the "Jackson Report"): while stressing the importance of the proper use of mineral and other resources for the productive development of the economy, the Jackson Report draws attention to the disparities in wage structure in the country as between different groups of the population and different activities (e.g. mining and agriculture); it also suggests the need - despite awareness of the problems of low-paid rural workers - to consider the importance of preserving income-earning opportunities. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would give any available figures as to the impact on urban unemployment of the current Minimum Wage Determination, and indicate its views as to an appropriate overall policy on prices, incomes and wages as a means of promoting the Convention's goal of ensuring that there is work for all who are available for and seeking it.

2. Please provide further information - including statistics - when available, as to the results of the Second National Manpower Assessment; the employment impact of the Integrated Rural Development Programmes; the Vanimo Timber Project (some 300 jobs having been created in the initial phase); and the OK Tedi Copper Gold Project.

3. Please indicate so far as possible the numbers who benefit from the various forms of vocational guidance and training offered and who subsequently enter employment in the different fields.

4. The Committee notes with interest that the Labour Advisory Council, which had been defunct for some time, is now a tripartite body comprising members from government and employers' and workers' organisations, advising, inter alia, on employment policies. Please provide a copy of any reports and recommendations of the Council on this subject (Article 3 of the Convention).

II. Part V of the report form. Furthermore, the Committee notes that in a report prepared by ILO-ARTEP for the Department of Finance and Planning it was suggested an integrated approach to human resources development with emphasis on employment generation, manpower and skill development and expansion of the educational systems. The Committee trusts that in its next report the Government will also include indications on any action taken, or any factor which may have prevented or delayed such action, as a result of the ILO-ARTEP mission which visited the country in January 1989.