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

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Papua New Guinea (Ratification: 1976)

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.