Papers, 1981-1982

Component identifier:

File 4

Content Summary:

The papers in this file are from Wilkinson's period as Acting First Assistant Secretary in the Trade and Economic Relations Branch of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. A significant theme in this material is the aim for increased political direction in the national planning system, particularly in the context of world recession and the fall in the price of copper, the Papua New Guinea government's largest single domestic source of revenue.

Topics include: the search for non-Australian aid sources along with the request to Australia for an increased level of aid; committal of EEC Lome I and II funds; transfer of management for smaller NGO grants to provincial governments; and planning and progress of particular large aid projects such as Rouna 4 hydro-electricity scheme, Jacksons Airport redevelopment, and North Fly highway project. Internal departmental matters such as Branch amalgamations and assessment of subordinate staff are also very strongly represented. A major document in this file is the Papua New Guinea / Australia development review of April 1982.

Letters were principally written by Wilkinson, Noel Levi, Paulias Matane, and Kuma Aua (Acting First Assistant Secretary, Trade and Economic Relations Branch).

Immediate source of acquisition:

The papers were donated by Alan Wilkinson to the Library on 23 April 2004.

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