The Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) announced the commencement of a comprehensive tax audit into two major mining companies operating in Papua New Guinea. Commissioner General Sam Koim made the announcement on Friday (23/12/22). Mr. Koim said, “We have been profiling these two companies (names withheld for confidentiality reasons) for over a year. The letters formally notifying them of the audit were signed and served. We understand that mining is a capital-intensive operation and requires significant investment. Be that as it may, our mineral resources are finite and non-renewable, and we will run out one day. The Government needs to extract a substantial proportion of the value of the resources extracted for the benefit of its citizens, present and the future.” This involves the design and implementation of an appropriate contractual and fiscal system. The one we have is a concessionary fiscal regime where, amongst others, mining companies pay taxes if they make a profit. The regime creates higher incentives for operators to inflate their costs. The Commissioner General said, “That is the reason why the Marape Government is driving the “Take back PNG” agenda to get more from our natural resources’ endowment. Whilst the Government is negotiating better deals for our people in the new mines, IRC has a responsibility to ensure that the existing mines are paying their fair share of taxes. IRC’s role in giving effect to the “Take Back PNG” agenda is to make sure that every taxpayer, and in this particular case the mining companies, pay their fair share of taxes under the existing law.” PNG has a self-assessment tax regime where the taxpayer assesses its own liability, declare that on oath to the tax office and pays on time. That is the tax regime that predominantly exists all over the world where most of these multi-national corporations operate. If the tax office considers that the taxpayer has made false declarations or substantially reduced the liability without justification, the tax office audits that taxpayer with a view to amending the assessment. Mr. Koim assured the taxpayers, “we are not introducing a new law but simply enforcing the existing laws. Entities in the extractive sector had not been scrutinised by the tax office, assuming that they were always doing the right thing. The patterns of abuse are worrying hence we are taking these compliance audits. Abusive transfer pricing and tax treatment of stripping costs, are amongst the areas we are looking into.” He added, “Whilst the mineral prices continue to soar and the production has increased substantially, the Corporate Income Taxes continue to be miniscule. Some even don’t declare of pay any CIT at all for a number of years. Through these audits, we intend to establish whether the taxes they’ve declared and paid are the right amounts. We have completed audit on one mining company, and we are now commencing the two. We are profiling two others. We are also profiling a few oil and gas companies for potential audit.”

The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission ("ICCC") announces that it will not oppose the proposed share acquisition and restructure in Digitec ICT Limited ("Digitec"), (the 'proposed transaction'). The proposed transaction would involve an indirect transfer of 49 per cent shares owned by Austel Investments Pty Ltd ("Austel") to Vodafone Fii Pte Ltd ("Vodafone Fiji") who already has 51 per cent shares in Digitec. Vodafone Fiji proposes to purchase all of Austel's shares in Digitec through its wholly owned subsidiary, ICT Holdings Limited ("ICT Holdings"). According to the ICCC Commissioner and CEO, Mr. Paulus Ain, "the ICCC will not intervene in the proposed transaction and restructure in the share ownership of Digitec". Commissioner Ain started that "the ICCC, after assessing all the available information, considered that the proposed transaction does not meet any of the mandatory notification thresholds stipulated under section 81 (1) of the ICCC Act". Mr. Ain said, "the transaction is also not likely to raise any serious competition issues in any relevant markets that Digitec operates in". Based on available information and taking into consideration the relevant provisions of the ICCC Act, Commissioner Ain stated that "the ICCC refrains from taking any action to prevent the proposed transaction at this time". When announcing this, Commissioner Ain also encouraged businesses in the country to inform and discuss with ICCC on an similar transactions before proceeding any further.

People’s Alliance Leader, Sitiveni Rabuka has been elected as Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji. He received 28 votes in a secret ballot in parliament. Rabuka was nominated for the post of Prime Minister by SODELPA Leader, Viliame Gavoka. FijiFirst Leader, Voreqe Bainimarama was nominated for the PM’s post by FijiFirst MP, Alvick Maharaj. He received 27 votes. The People’s Alliance/NFP/SODELPA coalition has 29 seats in total in parliament while the FijiFirst Party 26 seats. This means one coalition member voted for the FijiFirst Party nominee. Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka is now at State House to get sworn-in by President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. While leaving for the State House, Rabuka said he feels humbled after being elected as the country’s Prime Minister. Rabuka returns as Prime Minister after 23 years. He lost the prime ministership after his SVT/NFP/GVP coalition lost the 1999 elections. Parliament will resume later today to elect the Leader of the Opposition. Parliament will resume later today to elect the Leader of the Opposition. Source: fijivillage

Metal forceps were left inside a patient in a so-called never event at a Worcestershire hospital. The error occurred during a complex seven-hour abdominal operation at Alexandra Hospital on 23 November. The patient spent the night in intensive care at the site in Redditch when the six-inch (15 cm) object could not be retrieved the same day. The hospital trust has apologized unreservedly and said it would share the findings of an investigation. The instrument was an arterial clamp resembling a large pair of scissors. Under normal circumstances, all instruments should be counted and checked twice before the patient is closed. There is also a process of "signing out" at the end of an operation to confirm they are all accounted for. A source claimed such an incident - known as a never event - should not be able to happen. It was also claimed that nothing like this had happened at the hospital for at least 15 years. The BBC understands that following the lengthy operation, the device was found to be missing and was confirmed to be inside the patient, via x-ray, while they were still under anesthetic. When it was not possible to remove the forceps, the patient was transferred to intensive care overnight. A further operation was carried out the next day to remove the clamp and the patient returned to intensive care where they were described as stable. Matthew Hopkins, chief executive of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We are aware of an incident which involved a surgical instrument being left inside a patient following surgery. "There are clear and well established processes in place to protect patients from this kind of event, which are exceptionally rare. "We are currently carrying out an investigation into what happened. The patient and their family have been informed as part of our duty of candour. "We have apologized unreservedly to the patient and promised to share the findings of our investigation with them once it is completed."   Source: BBC

Six male suspects were arrested in a dawn raid and police recovered a factory made shot gun, two home-made rifles, some bullets and several knives at Port Moresby's Talai and Gorobe settlements this week in their festive operation. A police team comprising members of Sector Patrol Fox 100 units and Badili Police stormed into several homes at Talai and Gorobe settlements this week, nabbing the suspects and confiscating the weapons. The raid was conducted early morning on Friday 23rd December after some settlers from Hela Province reported a case of shooting, in which some suspects allegedly fired gunshots into a residential premises. NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika said, police responded swiftly by conducting the raid at around 4am and the six suspects from Hela province were arrested and detained in the cells at the Badili Police Station. Mr. Sika said the suspects will be charged by CID and the Badili Police Station Commander Inspector Obert Jerry. His team will re-visit the settlements yesterday to conduct awareness on peace and good order. The Met-Supt also warned the community affected by this incident to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and allow police to investigate this matter. He said police will maintain regular patrols in Talai and Gorobe settlements from yesterday onwards until the conflict between the two factions is fully resolved.

The Investment Promotion Authority has assured the business community and its clientele that the Organization is putting all efforts behind the scenes in ensuring that the transition from the old system to the new one goes well and with minimal disruption to services. Managing Director of the IPA Mr. Clarence Hoot gave the assurance following the switch to an upgraded online registry system. “Given the magnitude of data in the previous registry, coupled with the fact that the data is being migrated to a totally new system, the migration process is taking a while,” Mr. Hoot said. “It is advisable that clients consider giving time for data to be fully migrated before they can update their business records. However, the option to register new entities is currently accessible.”

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary received a cheer of Christmas Spirit in the form of refreshing K-One Raspberry flavored soft drinks from Oceania Beverage Limited this week at the Boroko Police Station. Oceania Beverage Limited Finance Manager Mr. Mark Joseph Bautista presented twenty cartons of their new K-One Raspberry flavored soft drinks to Chief Inspector David Terry who received the token of appreciation on behalf of Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika in the presence of media houses who gathered to witness the presentation. Mr. Bautista and his team wanted to show their appreciation to Police Personnel for their hard work and dedication in maintaining peace and safety in the community, especially during the festive season. Chief Inspector David Terry welcomed the gifts and stated that this relationship will continue as the Public-Private Partnership with the Police is further enhanced with such kind gestures. He also added that this was the second time Oceania Beverage Limited had gifted them and said it is gestures such as this that promotes mutual trust and understanding between Police, business houses and the rest of the community.

In time for the new year, PNG Air wishes to advise our customers and the travelling public of the introduction of a second mid- week service to Moro, Southern Highlands Province and Vanimo, Sandaun Province. Flight CG8540 will depart Port Moresby for Moro on Wednesdays, and return via Mount Hagen as CG8541. Flights are operated using the ATR72-600 aircraft. Flight CG1628 will depart Port Moresby for Vanimo via Madang and Wewak on Wednesdays, and returned as CG1629. Flights are operated using the Dash 8-100 aircraft. These additional service increase the availability of accessible and affordable air and cargo services for the people of the South Highlands and Sandaun Provinces, connecting travelers with our domeastic network across Papua New Guinea. Further to this, there is an additional non-stop return frequency between Port Moresby and Lae on Saturday afternoon providing increased connectivity between the two cities. Flight CG8502 will depart Port Moresby for La on Saturday and return as CG8503. Flights are operated using the ATR72-600 aircraft. These additional services are to take effect from Wednesday 28th December 2022.

PNG Air is pleased to announce the renewal and extension of our Sponsorship the the Central Dabaris for further three years. As the official airline partner of Central Dabaris Rugby Club, the airline provides flights and logistical support for the team to their games outside of Port Moresby. PNG Air recognizes that sport plays a key role in development, and are proud to support the Central Dabaris rugby club in their endeavors to promote the sport throughout the nation. The agreement was signed yesterday with representation from both organization. PNG Air Chief Commercial Officer, Simoon C. Pitt said, "We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Central Dabaris and are looking forward to engage with their passionate fans to showcase our band. We recognize this significant partnership and are proud to support the Central Dabaris for the next three years." "Moving 21 people at any one time isn't easy, but the service from the PNG Air staff has been exceptional", said Hubert Warupi, Managing Director for Central Dabaris. "PNG Air has been the official airline carrier since the inception of the club and have greatly helped with the movement of players and staff. PNG Air is our preferred travel partner and I encourage all other franchises to do the same." The Central Dabaris are looking to improve their standing from last year in the 2023 season of the Digicel Cup and the PNG Air wishes them the very best in their campaign.

A photo gallery by Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has become the most-liked Instagram post ever. The images, which show Messi and other Argentina players celebrating their 2022 World Cup win, have racked up over 67 million likes on the social media platform within hours of being posted. In a sensational final on Sunday, Argentina won the World Cup after beating France in Qatar. It was the crowning achievement for team captain Messi, who said this would be the last World Cup game of his remarkable career. He scored two goals in the final and was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player in the tournament. Before Messi’s post, the most-liked photo on Instagram was an ordinary brown egg. Posted in 2019, it boasts over 57 million likes and had overtaken the previous record held by reality star and makeup mogul Kylie Jenner. On Tuesday, Argentina’s World Cup-winning squad arrived home to a jubilant Buenos Aires as millions of people lined the streets to celebrate their champions’ return. Messi stepped off the plane first, holding the gold trophy aloft, followed by his triumphant team onto a red carpet at the airport. The triumph in Doha was Argentina’s third World Cup win and its first since 1986, when the legendary Diego Maradona led the team to victory in Mexico. Source: CNN News

Eight teenage girls were charged with murder Tuesday in the stabbing death of a 59-year-old Toronto man in what police are calling a “swarming” attack. The man was found stabbed Sunday shortly after 12 a.m., following a report of an assault in the area of York Street and University Avenue. The man was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died, police said. Authorities did not release the man’s name pending family notification. The eight girls were found shortly after the attack and taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder, Detective Sgt. Terry Browne of the Toronto Police Service Homicide Unit said during a news conference Tuesday. Three of the girls are 13, three of them are 14, and two of them are 16, according to a news release from the Toronto Police Service. The group of teenagers “met each other through social media. They come from varying parts of the city,” Browne said Tuesday. “We don’t know how or why they met on that evening and why that destination was downtown Toronto,” Browne said, adding police believe the group may have been involved in an “altercation” earlier in the evening before the stabbing. Source: CNN News

Walking back through the doors at Red Hill, Walsh is among his childhood friends - in many ways it’s like he never left. But there is no doubt the 20-year-old has returned with much more confidence and experience. “I’m really excited to be back. I spent two years away and it was a really big learning curve for myself,” Walsh said. “I really took a lot out of those two years away, I think I’m better off for it, now I’m back, I’m bit more experienced and can bring a lot more back to the team. “It feels good to be back, around the boys and the staff and the facilities, it brings me back to when I was a bit younger, I’m really enjoying it at the moment, it’s really exciting times.” Walsh has been around the Broncos since he was 14. Before that, he was a fan, dreaming of playing in the NRL. He came up playing with a core group of young players who have now all transitioned into the top squad. 20 of the Broncos top 30 have come though the Broncos elite development pathway, many of whom, played alongside Walsh in the junior grades. “It’s awesome to have home grown and local talent, it makes it an awesome culture and club,” he said. “It’s interesting for me, I never really thought about first grade when I first got signed. “I followed the Broncos ever since I was a little kid, when I got the opportunity to come up into the EPD system when I was young, there were a lot of good players in there. It was awesome.” Walsh left for an opportunity to play at the Warriors – one he took with both hands. He returns to Red Hill with 38 NRL appearances -- and had it not been for an unfortunate injury -- an Origin jersey to boot. “I still get those butterflies, because I haven’t pulled on that Broncos jersey yet,” he said. “Every time I think about it I get a bit emotional, I just think about the jersey presentation and what that is going to be like when I do get that jersey, and the number. I’m really looking forward to it, I can’t wait.” While Walsh is yet to pull on the Brisbane jersey, it is clear he has an innate connection to the club. “It means everything being here, If I’m being honest, it wasn’t until I left the Broncos it really hit how much I love the club and I want to put on that jersey.” Reece Walsh “I didn’t miss any games when I left, even though I was playing for the Warriors, I still watched every single Broncos game. “I still had a lot of mates who played for the Broncos, that’s when I really thought that I loved the club and that I hoped one day if I get the opportunity to go back, I will. “Being back feels like I’m at home, brings back a lot of memories and I can’t wait to make a lot of memories too.” His time at the Warriors gave him a lot of lessons on and off the field, and he’ll be forever grateful to the club who gave him his first grade debut. “When I left and went to the Warriors - I’m a kid now – but I was a lot younger - I think I had only played two Q Cup games and went straight in and was playing first grade,” he said. “I took a lot out of those two years, I had a really good coaching staff and senior players around me, I loved my time there, they taught me a lot. I’ve come back a much more mature player, I’ve learned a lot of lessons on the ball and off it. “It was a blessing in disguise to leave and come back, I don’t think I’d be in the position I’m in now, had I not taken those learnings and the opportunity. I learned a lot about what goes into being a first grader, what are the right and wrong things to do. “I learned a lot of Nathan Brown and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck about finding a voice and telling the team which numbers and where to go, because if I don’t do that, I’m not doing my job for the team. “I’ve come back and I want to bring that knowledge into here and then have a growth mindset and keep growing as a player. When you think of good fullbacks, you think of Teddy, Gutho, Papenhuyzen, Drinkwater, you watch them and they are doing everything. Their defence is good, they are involved in the game for 80 minutes. “I look at my time at the Warriors and I’d have a moment in the game, then I would float in and out. Here I want to be on the ball, in the defence, I want to be doing everything and keep working hard. Those are my goals.” Walsh knows there are no guarantees - he won't simply be handed the fullback role - but he didn’t return to Red Hill to make up the numbers. He desperately wants the No.1 jersey. He’s prepared to fight for it too. “There’s obviously a lot of depth through the whole squad, in the fullback jersey you have Tesi, I think Herbie wants to have a crack there and then Me and Cobbo, have been doing reps there at fullback, it’s awesome competition and we are all pretty close, I think it makes it even better,” he said.  “It’s healthy competition, but I didn’t come back here to play any other position, I signed as a fullback and I want to take that jersey. “I’ve got to keep working hard and keep trying to get better every day, I think it is really good and healthy for the squad.  For myself, it will keep me accountable and keep me working hard, I’m really looking forward to it.” And the ultimate goal is well and truly in his sights. “It would mean everything to me to be able to be in a team that goes all the way and wins a grand final one day,” he said. “When I was younger I was watching all these players, I watched Oatsey a lot, it would be pretty awesome to look back one day if we are really successful - the impact it has on the kids, that will bring more talent who wants to come to the club and pull on the Broncos jersey and represent the club.” Source:broncos.com