Event - An address by the Hon Peter O’Neill,

The Lowy Institute is delighted to invite you to join us for a special address by the Hon Peter O’Neill, MP CMG, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea on Thursday 14 May.
2015 is a defining year for Papua New Guinea.  The country will record the highest GDP growth rate in the world this year.  Papua New Guinea faces serious development challenges but is making progress with the introduction of free education and healthcare and the expected completion of major infrastructure projects. The Papua New Guinea government will host the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ summit, the Pacific Games and its first APEC Ministerial meeting in 2015. In his address, Prime Minister O’Neill will reflect on Papua New Guinea’s place in the world as it celebrates 40 years of independence from Australia this year.

Peter O’Neill, CMG, MP, was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea following the July 2012 national elections in Papua New Guinea.  He is the leader of the People’s National Congress Party and represents the constituency of Ialibu-Pangia in Southern Highlands.  Peter O’Neill was elected to the National Parliament of Papua New Guinea in 2002 and was appointed Minister for Labour and Industrial Relations in the Somare government.  He was Leader of the Opposition from 2004 to 2007 and after the 2007 elections held the portfolios of Public Service, Treasury and Finance and Works under Prime Minister Michael Somare.  Peter O’Neill was first sworn in as Prime Minister in August 2011 after a parliamentary vote and held the position until the elections.  He has a degree in Accountancy and was a businessman before entering politics and served as Executive Chairman of a number of private companies in Port Moresby.