Tracking Illegal Logging in Papua New Guinea

A forest tracking system has been developed to monitor the operations of logging companies in the country.

Read about illegal logging in Papua New Guinea

Software developer, Joseph Kanene told N-B-C National News that it’s a cloud-based technology that keeps track of all logging companies within their operational boundaries.

The software is called Logger Watch and is currently being used in Manus to track down illegal loggers of Pobuma LLG.

This is Joseph Kanene, a 28-year-old software developer who hails from Simbu province.

Having no ICT background, Joseph developed a passion for creating software hence, he created several essential software including the Logger Watch- a forest tracking system.

Mr. Kanene believes with increasing illegal logging activities in the country, a tracking system such as this would be very helpful in monitoring the operations of logging companies.

He explained that the tracking system can be utilized by any user to keep all logging activities in their forest landmass under watch.

Logger Watch is currently used in Pobuma LLG of Manus province to monitor operations of Maxland holdings Limited.

He initially started this forest tracking system to be used in Oro and Gulf provinces after hearing numerous complaints by Oro Governor Garry Juffa on illegal logging activities in his province.

Mr. Kanene owns a company called Linezie Data Analytics which streamlines service deliveries of State-Owned Enterprises including banks among others using cloud-based solutions.

Source: NBC News- Stella Martin

Tracking Illegal Logging in Papua New Guinea

How to track Australian passport application

You can now track the delivery of your Australian passport through the Registered Post Tracking Number. This number is in the email and SMS messagesa that the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade sends to you to let you know your passport is on its way. 

You can use the number to check the passport’s delivery status on Australia Post’s website and app.

Here are 3 ways to track your Australian passport application

1) Track without logging in

You can track your parcel without an account or logging in. All you need is the Registered Post Tracking Number.

2) MyPost account

If you already have an Australian Port account, you can keep track of your Australian passport application including all your parcels in one place.

You can also create a new account if that is necessary for the long run.

3) Download the AusPost app

Download the AusPost app and use it to check on your parcels no matter where you are.

Track passport application

It normally takes 3 weeks to receive a passport. The Australian Passport Office will email you when they despatch your passport. Allow 5-6 business days for delivery.

If you’ve received a tracking number, use it to track your passport delivery.

How to Renew Australian Passport Online

There are two ways of renewing (and applying) your Australian Passport, either online or by what is called the streamlined process which is done via Australian post. This article gives information about what to do to renew your Australian passport online.

How to Renew Australian Passport Online?

There are two ways of renewing (and applying) your Australian Passport, either online or by what is called the streamlined process which is done via Australian post. This article gives information about what to do to renew your Australian passport online.

How to Renew Australian Passport Online 

It’s easy. Just go to our online application and follow the prompts.

You’ll get a personalised application checklist or a completed application form. You’ll need to download it online, print it out and lodge it. 

Include your two passport photos and any original documents that the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DfAT) requires. 

Alternatively, if you are in the country, send the completed application through the Australia Post outlet or lodge it with an Australian diplomatic or consular mission where you are.

Find out how to track the Australian Passport Application using the registered post tracking number.

What if I don’t want to go online?

If going online isn’t an option for you, just ask for a blank application form at a participating Australia Post outlet or an Australian diplomatic or consular mission.

For streamlined renewal without going online, you’ll have to call us on 131 232 or contact an Australian diplomatic or consular mission. DFAT will confirm that you qualify, and send you a pre-filled form by mail or by email.

Our PNG Readers here is the information on How to Renew Your PNG Passport Online

Can I get a passport renewal form at Australia Post?

Yes, but not for streamlined renewal.

The form to ask for is called ‘Application for an Australian Passport’. 

• For adults, the form is green.
•  For children, the form is purple.

As well as two passport photographs, you’ll need your birth certificate and other original documents to establish your identity and citizenship. You’ll also need a guarantor.

Check out how to apply for working holiday visa Australia

How do I get a form for streamlined renewal?

The easiest way to take advantage of streamlined renewal is by using our online service.

If that’s not an option for you, you can call us on 131 232 if you’re in Australia or contact an Australian diplomatic or consular mission if you’re overseas.

Calling outside peak periods (9am to 3pm) may reduce your wait time.

Read about How to renew your Australian ADULT Passport online and apply for a CHILD passport

Reader note: We've updated the information for our visitors - please see the  Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website for more information on How to Renew Your Australian Passport Online. 

PNG Written Expression Papers and 2024 Dates

The Grade 10 and 12 students do their Written Expression Examination (WEX) every year in June and August, respectively.

The Written Expression Examination for 2024 is as follows:

• Lower Secondary School Certificate Written Expression (Grade 10): Thursday, June 6, 2024
• Upper Secondary School Certificate Written Expression Exam (Grade 12): Monday, August 5, 2024
• See the national exam dates for Grades 8, 10 and 12

Where to get the Written Expression Exam Papers?

The WEX past exam papers are available in schools. You will have used the past year's paper in your Mock Exam. 

So, in preparation for your Grade 10 (or Grade 12) WEX papers (which is your first proper national examination), you should ask your English and Literature teacher for a copy.

This will help you familiarise yourself with the type of reading materials (scripts)  and format that you are likely to come across in the real exam.

Who sets the Written Expression Examinations?

The Department of Education, through the Measurement Services Division, sets the WEX for Grade 10. 

The Grade 12 WEX is set by an external (English and Literature) subject expert from the University of Goroka.

The Education department depends on provincial education officials and schools to conduct the examinations.  

Students have been encouraged to give their best in honesty and let their talents shine through.

• You can get the Grade 12 Mathematics A (Advanced) and General Maths past exam papers on the PNG Insight Maths website - click here for Maths A and here for General Maths.
• For Grade 10 students, download the past exam papers here.

How do markers mark the Written Expression?

Selected English teachers mark the Grade 10 written expression exam papers in each province. On completion, the provincial examination officer in the province sends the marks to the MSD office in Port Moresby. 

As for the Grade 12 WEX, the MSD selects English and Literature teachers from each province as markers. The markers go to Port Moresby for a week to mark the WEX papers.

They mark the WEX papers in regional groups - Southern, Momase, New Guinea Islands and Highlands.

It is an intensive marking where the papers undergo several checks before the final marks are awarded to each script.

Grade 10 & 12 Written Expression concerns

Provincial authorities and schools have to run a fair and cheat-free written expression examination. 

The education department often encouraged local education authorities to be vigilant and security conscious from the storage in school to the actual completion of the Examination. 

To ensure the smooth running of the examination, the Head Teachers, Principals and Deputies are advised to remain within the school campus during the conduct of all Examinations.

However, many principals, headteachers and deputies tend to leave the school grounds on exam days.

Who ensures cheat-free exams in PNG?

The following provincial education officials and school heads are responsible for a cheat-free and fair Grade 10 and Grade 12 written expression examination, nationwide.

• Provincial Education Advisers, 
• Provincial Examination Supervisors, 
• Senior Secondary Schools’ Inspectors, 
• Guidance Officers, 
• Principals of Secondary Schools
• Head Teachers of all Provincial High Schools.

For the Grade 10 and Grade 12 students sitting the National Written Expression Examinations this year, we wish you 'all the best!'