INTRODUCTION:

Question

The work titled "The National Employment Policy - Regional Consultative Workshops" was created on March 8, 2021, under the leadership of Prime Minister James Marape, along with the Executive Directors, Secretary, and members of Parliament. This policy aims to reduce poverty and enhance the livelihoods of the citizens of Papua New Guinea (PNG) by fostering inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development through the promotion of decent employment opportunities. The National Employment Policy (NEP) emphasizes the importance of creating income-earning opportunities and increasing self-employment options to improve the living standards of Papua New Guineans, while establishing a robust framework for effective labor market management in the country.

SUMMARY:

The National Employment Policy 2021-2031 is a 10 year Policy that provides a significant platform for employment sector developments and is aligned to key national policy framework and development strategies. Hence, these include, aligning to the Preamble of the Constitution that lays out the five National Goals and Directive Principles, the Vision 2050, the Papua New Guinea Development Strategic plan (PNGDSP) 2010-2030, and the Medium Term Development Plan III (MTDP III) 2018-2022 and guided by the 21 principles of the Strategy for Responsible Sustainable Development.

The goal of the policy is to reduce poverty through fostering employment growth, and the objectives are aimed toward increasing opportunities for decent and paid employment; strengthened the effectiveness of labour market governance and promote social inclusion and security of employment for the work force. The policy calls for a structural reform, including several legislative reviews, and stakeholders’ key roles and responsibilities to enhance the effective implementation of it.

The National Employment Policy integrates the objectives of the existing and recent Government policies on employment related issues. These include the National Informal Economy Policy 2011-2015, the National Population Policy 2015-2024, the National SME Policy 2016, the national Trade Policy 2017, the National Youth Employment Framework 2016, the National Training Policy 2016, and the National Occupational Safety and Health Policy. The National Employment Policy is subject to review after five years of its implementation.

CRITICAL EVALUATION:

Critical Evaluation of Employment Policies and Strategies in Papua New Guinea.

1. Policies and Strategies.

The effectiveness of delving into employment policies in Papua New Guinea (PNG) largely hinges on how effectively these policies align with the actual needs of the population, particularly marginalized groups. While the Department of Legal and Industrial Relations (DLIR) has made strides in addressing industrial relations issues, its relative neglect of employment generation especially focused on women, youth, and persons with disabilities poses significant challenges.

Evaluation: The critique here stems from the lack of targeted desks for vulnerable groups within the DLIR. This failure reflects a profound disconnects between policy and implementation as it inhibits tailored interventions which are essential for fostering employment generation in the specified demographics. The findings of the National Youth Policy emphasize that there’s inadequate focus on skill development and job matching, and echo a similar sentiment regarding gender disparities in labor access.

Evidence: The National Youth Policy 2020-2030, stating that 80% of young people are disengaged from the school system, aligns with the reported deficiencies in post-secondary education opportunities. This further illustrates the urgent need for institutional capacity building in the DLIR.

2. Institutional Framework and Coordination.

The institutional framework guiding employment generation needs significant reform, especially in aiding outdoor initiatives for policy achievements. The current lack of a monitoring and evaluation unit within the DLIR remains a substantial limitation as it underscores the absence of a structured feedback mechanism.

Evaluation: The ongoing, delayed labor legislation review process highlights systemic inefficiencies that hinder the formulation of policies that adequately address the numerous dynamics of the informal sector. This reflects broader governance challenges in PNG, undermining labor rights and protections that could enhance workforce participation beyond the formal economy.

Evidence: Reports indicate that enforcement mechanisms are weak predominantly due to resource constraints (financial and human). Supporting literature, including various UN findings, emphasizes that effective labor regulations are paramount in facilitating job security and equitable work conditions.

3. Youth Employment.

The situation surrounding youth employment in PNG is alarming, with annual school leavers eclipsing job creation numbers. The unaddressed educational void and skill mismatch contribute to a labor market inundated with unprepared young individuals.

Evaluation: The government’s recognition through the National Youth Development Authority Act lays a foundation for progress; however, the absence of a comprehensive, actionable national strategy is a stark limitation. The ineffective public employment services hinder the potential for successful job placements.

Evidence: Further analysis backs the claim that without a national strategy directly linking educational output with labor market needs, the cycle of underemployment and unemployment among youth is likely to perpetuate, as indicated by the outcomes of the National Youth Policy 2007-2017.

4. Employment in the Informal Sector.

The informal economy remains a significant employment source, yet it is fraught with insecurity and poor working conditions, primarily affecting women, youth, and marginalized communities.

Evaluation: There is a critical need for targeted strategies to enhance working conditions within the informal sector. The economic contributions of this sector are undeniable, yet the lack of regulations perpetuates vulnerability for many workers.

Evidence: Studies from the International Labour Organization (ILO) reflect the importance of recognizing the informal economy, suggesting that policies must adapt to improve not only the livelihoods of workers therein but also to enhance their rights and opportunities.

5. Gender Inclusive Development.

The gender disparities illustrated in employment statistics strongly reinforce the necessity of gender-focused interventions. Despite various frameworks aimed at promoting gender equality, real-world application remains sluggish.

Evaluation: While policies such as the PNG Development Strategic Plan (PNGDSP) 2030 and the National Population Policy 2015-2024 set ambitious targets to improve gender equality in employment, their execution appears half-hearted. The contrasting stance of MTDP III, which lacks a strong emphasis on gender-related challenges, could signify a regression or dilution of previously established commitments.

Evidence: Data indicating that women’s employment often skews towards informal sectors a whopping three times more likely than men further underscores the need for legislative reforms. Reports from the UNDP reveal how gender-based employment disparities inhibit overall economic improvement, emphasizing the urgency of inclusive economic policies.

Answer 1

CRITICAL EVALUATION: Employment Policies and Strategies in Papua New Guinea

1. Policies and Strategies

The architecture of employment policies in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is complex and multi-dimensional, yet it often falls short of addressing the unique needs of marginalized groups. While the Department of Legal and Industrial Relations (DLIR) has made commendable efforts in addressing industrial relations, there remains a glaring gap in employment generation initiatives, especially tailored towards women, youth, and individuals with disabilities.

Evaluation: The absence of dedicated units within the DLIR focusing on vulnerable groups reflects a disconnect between policy intentions and practical outcomes. This neglect inhibits targeted interventions essential for driving employment opportunities in these demographics. The findings from the National Youth Policy emphasize that the current approach lacks a robust focus on skill development and effective job matching, further highlighting existing gender disparities in labor market access.

Evidence: The insights from the National Youth Policy 2020-2030 are telling: a staggering 80% of young people are disengaged from the educational system, which corresponds with a deficit in post-secondary educational opportunities. This data underscores the pressing need for institutional capacity building within the DLIR, intended to enhance employment prospects for young individuals.

2. Institutional Framework and Coordination

PNG’s institutional framework for employment generation requires urgent reform, particularly to bolster external initiatives conducive to policy achievements. The notable absence of a dedicated monitoring and evaluation unit within the DLIR exemplifies this critical limitation, as it highlights a structural deficiency in terms of feedback mechanisms essential for policy refinement and success.

Evaluation: The prolonged delays in labor legislation reviews illuminate systemic inefficiencies, obstructing the development of policies designed to tackle the complexities of the informal sector. This situation underscores deeper governance challenges within PNG, which in turn undermines labor rights and protections that could stimulate broader workforce participation beyond the confines of the formal sector.

Evidence: Various reports emphasize that enforcement mechanisms are inadequate, primarily due to financial and human resource constraints. Supporting literature, including assessments from UN agencies, establishes that effective labor regulations are crucial for fostering job security and equitable working conditions across different sectors of the economy.

3. Youth Employment

Youth employment in PNG presents a troubling scenario wherein the number of school leavers far exceeds available job opportunities. An educational gap and a mismatch of skills contribute to a labor market flooded with unprepared youth.

Evaluation: Although the government's acknowledgment of the issue through the National Youth Development Authority Act is a positive first step, the lack of a comprehensive, actionable national strategy remains a significant barrier. The inadequacies of public employment services further exacerbate the challenges related to successful job placement.

Evidence: Analytical assessments reinforce the notion that without a cohesive national strategy that effectively links educational outcomes to labor market demands, cycles of underemployment and unemployment for youth will likely persist. This concern has been emphasized in various iterations of the National Youth Policy from 2007 to 2017.

4. Employment in the Informal Sector

The informal economy in PNG stands as a crucial source of employment; however, it is marred by insecurity and subpar working conditions, disproportionately affecting women, youth, and marginalized populations.

Evaluation: There is an urgent need for focused strategies aimed at improving working conditions within the informal sector. While the economic contributions of this sector are significant, the prevailing lack of regulatory frameworks perpetuates the vulnerabilities faced by many informal workers.

Evidence: Reports from the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlight the imperative of recognizing the informal economy within employment policies. They advocate for reforms that not only enhance worker livelihoods but also expand their rights and opportunities within the labor market.

5. Gender Inclusive Development

The disparities evident in employment statistics underscore the critical need for gender-targeted interventions. Despite the existence of various frameworks designed to promote gender equality, actual implementation appears tepid at best.

Evaluation: While policies such as the PNG Development Strategic Plan (PNGDSP) 2030 and the National Population Policy 2015-2024 articulate ambitious goals for advancing gender equality in the workforce, their execution remains lackluster. The contrasting stance of MTDP III, which fails to prioritize gender-related challenges, potentially signals a regression in previously established commitments.

Evidence: Statistical data demonstrating that women are three times more likely than men to be employed in informal sectors further emphasizes the requirement for comprehensive legislative reforms. Reports from UNDP illustrate how gender-based employment disparities detract from overall economic advancement, highlighting the necessity for inclusive economic policies that address these gaps.

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In summary, while Papua New Guinea has established a framework for addressing employment issues through the National Employment Policy, the effectiveness of these initiatives heavily relies on practical implementation and ongoing reform. Enhanced focus on marginalized groups, accountability mechanisms, and coordinated strategies addressing youth and informal employment are critical for realizing the potential of the workforce and driving sustainable growth.