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Team to assess ESP

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MINISTRY of Finance and Treasury has appointed a team to do an assessment on the $319 million Economic Stimulus Package.

The Government has come up with the ESP to response to impacts of the covid 19 and to recover the economy in the short to medium term.

Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Jimmy Rodgers told media on Wednesday based on answer of Permanent Secretary of Finance, that a team is now on it.

He said as soon as report comes in, Finance will assess it and present to Cabinet and after that make available to public on how the ESP has worked, the lessons learnt, is it the same kind of thing the we are going to do it again?

In March, PS Dentana McKini said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was tasked by the government to carry out a review on the government’s policy on ESP.

“There will be a report to be released in mid-week of April and there are a number of reports that they will be producing”, Dentana said.

He said more than 50 youths were also engaged by the government to conduct interviews in the provinces in 2021.

Dentana said they were not able to complete their assessments this year because of COVID-19 but have done follow ups with the beneficiaries of the ESP through phone interviews.

Family guilty of looting

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Jennifer Kusapa
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Police officers tirelessly working to bring the riots under control. PHOTO: Mavis N Podokolo

…Sentenced for stealing goods during November riot

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A father, mother and their two children were convicted and sentenced for stealing items and goods during the November 2021 riot and looting.

In sentencing the family, Principal Magistrate Leonard Chite said it is an unfortunate case that involves a father, mother, and their two children.

The reason as to why they would indulge in such selfish and callous act was not provided by counsels, Chite said.

This is the case of defendants Pricilla Usui Mae, Jude Mae and Alfred Kingsley Mae and a 17-year-old juvenile son, all charged together with four counts of simple larceny, they pleaded guilty and conviction entered against all the defendants.

The country of Solomon Islands was submerged in an absolute chaos and lawlessness during the days from November 24 to 26, 2021, as looters and rioters stormed the capital city of Honiara, rampaging and destroying shops, business, homes and properties. People were left homeless, jobless, and shattered without hopes for what tomorrow may bring for them. It was during these period that the defendant as a family individually went and stole good from four shops within the vicinity of Ranadi Industrial and commercial area. They returned and stacked the goods in a chicken coop. It was not until an investigation operation ensued that they eventually located and recover the stolen items.

Their participation according to the facts are that, on the date of offence, the defendants Jude and the 17-year-old son, were at their home at Abira settlement, when they saw a group of people along the road, some of them were carrying valuable items and were heading in land, while other were running toward Ranadi area. So, they joined those who ran towards Ranadi area. When they reached Ranadi area, the main road of Prince Philip High way was littered with valuable items or goods, thus the 17-year-old took 2 x 10kg bags of rice. He took the bags of rice at the footpath in front of Low Price Enterprise at Marine School area. Jude Mae, also collected some items. He took the items along the Main Road of Prince Philip Highway Road and the road at Panatina ridge, a chainsaw valued at $6,700.00, a grass cutter valued at $920.00 a Ryobi branded drill valued at $1,100.00 3 x packets of Stihl tools, a mighty seven branded riveter, 3 x M7 grinders, 1 x coil rope B- safe, a green spade, and 3 x miscellaneous metal items in a clear bag.

The mother collected the following from Low Price Enterprise at SINU marine school area; 4 x 10kg of rice valued at $360.00, and a carton Hard Navy biscuit valued at $103.00. As for Mr. Alfred Kingsley Mae, he went to work but was told that there was not work due to rioting, so he returned to their home at Abira Settlement and on his way to White store, he met a group of people carrying goods and someone told him that Big Chainsaw Ranadi store was burnt down, he then proceeded and followed the Tanakake Road and met a little boy who was sitting down with the chainsaw and told him to take it back home, so he did. He went back and helped Richard carry the 3 bags of rice and some sausages and chicken.

Magistrate Chite said the incident was committed by a complete family unit, except for the younger children who were at home.

“How can you parents teach your children to be responsible individuals when you have a totally wrong example for them. The most effective way of teaching is said to be from actions learned that parents does on a daily basis, and both of you have certainly did the opposite and, instead led to them to do wrong and illegal stuff. And on a greater scale, how can we change this nation, when these are the very people who we expect to lead in the years to come.

“If we are not careful, we playing with a ticking time bomb that if not curtailed properly these individuals will become notorious criminals”, Chite said.

Magistrate Chite after considering all the mitigations and sentencing submissions sentenced the father Jude Mae to nine months, while the mother Pricilla Mae and Alfred Mae sentenced to six months and the 17-year-old juvenile to three months and will be suspended for one year on the condition that he must not commit any offence punishable by imprisonment within the period suspended.

However, he further ordered that Pricilla Mae and Alfred Mae to be released from custody on conditions that they should not commit any offence for two years.

Public Prosecutor Myrella Cleven of the Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the crown, while Martha Manaka, Emy Rusi and Steven Weago of the Public Solicitor’s Office represent the defendants.

Honiara-Jiangmen city ties highlight of Wang’s visit

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Eddie Osifelo
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Honiara is the beating heart of the country's economy.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE signing of a sister relationship between cities of Jiangmen and Honiara was the highlight of the visit by the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Solomon Islands recently.

Chinese Ambassador to country, Li Ming stated this when he handed over 100 solar street lights to Honiara City Council on Tuesday.

Ming said a few weeks ago, the historical visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi yielded additional fruitful achievements to the people of both China and Solomon Islands.

He said during the visit, a total of 9 bilateral cooperation documents on visa waiver, health, civil aviation and tariff-exemptions have been signed.

“The highlight was the establishment of a sister-relationship between Jiangmen and Honiara cities, the first sister cities between our two countries.

“It has received warm welcome in China, especially in Jiangmen city, and will definitely set up a role model for other provinces and cities,” he said.

Furthermore, Jiangmen has enjoyed a time-honoured friendship with both Solomon Islands and Honiara city.

“According to history, one of the first Chinese nationals who arrived in the Solomon Islands in early 1920s was from the Taishan county of Jiangmen city.

“His family has lived in Honiara for four generations,” Ming said.

“Besides the historical connections, the two and half years after China and Solomon Islands entered into diplomatic relations also witnessed people to people exchanges between the two cities.

“I am robustly confident that, with a highly-complementary economic structure between Jiangmen and Honiara, and active participation by Jiangmen communities in Honiara, there will be more areas and new impetus for Jiangmen and Honiara cooperation,” he said.

Ming: our relations progressing

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Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands and China have made multiple steps after the signing of their diplomatic ties in 2019.

China Ambassador to the country, Li Ming highlighted this during the handing over of 100 solar street lights to Honiara City Council on Tuesday.

Ming said the past two and half years have unleashed great momentum in the social and economic development of Solomon Islands and the benefits of its people.

“One thousand miles starts from a single step.

“China and Solomon Islands join hands together, have already made multiple steps forward,” he said.

Furthermore, Ming said the construction of the Stadium Project for Pacific Games in 2023 is well advancing.

“As one of the first completed facilities, the running track field have been handed-over to Solomon Islands government on 22nd April 2022.

“Next week, the project of SINU dormitories project will break ground,” he added.

Further to that, Ming said as part of the health cooperation programme, a six-member Chinese medical team have already arrived in Solomon Islands and provided medical consultations to the Solomon Islands people.

“And in the near future, the Comprehensive Medical Centre at the National Referral Hospital project will be initiated,” he said.

Moreover, Ming said with SinoPharm vaccines, facial masks, and test kits from China, Solomon Islands citizens are keeping the virus away and bound to enjoy a healthier life. 

Accused breaches bail

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Tearo Beneteti has adjourned the case against Jareth Sialo to June 29 for the review of the warrant.

The court was informed yesterday that the accused is currently in East Guadalcanal area and the warrant is yet to be executed.

Court was also informed that when they went to the place of residence provided in the bail condition, the surety always turned them back and told the police to talk with the defence lawyer.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Beneteti said police should act according to the orders of the court and not listening to what the people are saying.

Beneteti said the orders are simple and officers should act and implement what the court has ordered.

She however, adjourned the case for the next 14 days to give time for police to execute the warrant of arrest.

 The accused is charged in relation to the incidents that occurred in 2021 and 2022.

The first allegation was an incident of rape that occurred in October 2021.

Prosecution said on October 15 2021, the accused was driving a Caldina car along the Point Cruz Road while the alleged victim walked home from work.

Prosecution said the accused was in front of the old ANZ building at Point Cruz, when he saw the victim walked past and he stopped by her side, he lowered the left window screen of the front left door of his car and asked the victim if she was heading to the market.

The victim replied the accused that she is heading that way.

The accused allegedly invited the victim into the front seat of his car but instead the victim got into and sat at the back seat.

The victim did not know the defendant therefore felt strange when in encounter with him. Inside the cab, the victim asked the defendant if he knew her and he replied yes, he knew her.

The victim told him that she did not even know him.

The defendant told the victim that she lived at Vura 3 which was right. The defendant drove off then.

The defendant told the victim that his name was Shane.

At the market bus stop, the victim was about to get out of the car and there the defendant asked for her mobile contact.

The victim gave him her mobile phone number and the defendant made a missed call to her cell phone.

On the 18th October 2021, between 1700 hours and 1900 hours, the defendant known to the victim as Shane contacted her and asked of her whereabouts.

The victim told him that she was on her way from the office to the Main Market bus stop. Not long, the defendant reached her and picked her up again in his car. Both travelled up easterly direction.

On reaching the SDA Bus Stop at Kukum area, the victim informed the defendant that she will be dropped off there. The defendant refused and insisted that they both continued up to Panatina Plaza.

So, he continued driving up to Panatina Plaza and stopped besides the fence of the Kausimae Building.

There he told the victim that he was a doctor at the National Referral Hospital, working at the Theatre Operation Department and then he moved over to the back seat where the victim was sitting and raped the victim.

The second incident is a false pretence incident that occurred on the night of February 7 2022, the defendant pulled over along the road side at Lunga and forced the complainant and her sister to board the car for a ride.

On the way, the defendant started to introduce himself and claimed that he is one of the Wickham’s and his name is “Shane Wickham”, 23 years of age and he is the youngest officer at Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) in Honiara.

He also claimed to have resided at the Prime Minister’s area at GBR and claimed to be part PNG and also told the complainant and her sister that his mother sent him some money through Western Union (WU) for him to rent a room at AJ City Mall.

This is where he will operate a Phone shop and owns a RAV-4, Caldina and a short boot car.

The complainant then was about to drop off at Kukum, the accused asked for their contacts, the complainant’s sister then gave her number to him.

Later that day, the complainant’s sister received a call from the defendant identified himself as Shane WICKHAM. He asked them if they can help him with an amount of $1000.00, he already had $3000.00 with him.

He claimed that he was running out of cash to pay the charges of his container at the Solomon Islands Ports Authority because if he is late to pay, extra fee charges will be charged to his container, he promised them that he will refund their money.

The defendant’s false statements convinced the complainant to believe that he is telling the truth and she gave him $1000.00 to him in front of Jasmin shop along Vura Road in Honiara.

On the next day, the defendant then called the complainant and his sister and asked them again if they could help him with another $500.00.

They started to doubt the defendant’s credibility whether or not he was telling them the truth and they decided to give him only $100.00. He drove to the same location and collected the money.

The third incident occurred on February 11 2022 between 2 to 3pm, the defendant contacted the complainant’s mobile phone and introduced himself as Lawyer- Willie.

The complainant on this matter is a Correctional officer,

The allegation said that the accused called her if she could give him of $1,000 so that he could pay for his container charges and will present a new brand-mobile phone to her in return, the complainant told him that she did not have such amount but only got $500.

Not long after the phone conversation, the defendant arrived to the complainant at Rove Correctional Center Headquarters, picked the complainant and heading up to SIEA office at Ranadi where the complainant took an amount of $500.00 and gave it to him.

Three days later as promised by the defendant that he will be refunding the complainant’s money.

She contacted him and asked for her refunds but the defendant started to make some excuses.

She kept on contacting his mobile phone but he ignored to answer her calls and avoid himself from the complainant.

Bobby Harunari of the Public Solicitor’s represents the accused in court.

Confusion over West, Choiseul elections

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Ben Bilua
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

WESTERN and Choiseul Provincial administrations are awaiting a decision from the Ministry of Provincial Government on whether to allow the “now-dissolved” provincial governments to take the role of caretaker or not.

Speaker of Choiseul Province and Deputy Provincial Secretary of Western Province were clear in the media this week saying that next move to make sure both the provincial operation and services continue depending on decisions from the Ministry of Provincial Government.

“It is still unclear whether the government will be acting as caretaker or provincial businesses and operation will be managed by the Provincial Administration.

“This is where we are still awaiting updates from the Ministry of Provincial Government.

“Previously, the ruling government normally acts as a caretaker government, when the house is dissolved. At the moment it is not clear so we are waiting for the Ministry to give us the directives,” Speaker of Choiseul Province, Greg Sokeni made these statement when Island Sun interviewed him earlier this week.

Provincial Secretary of Western Province, Patrick Toiraena made similar statements when speaking to a Solomon Star Reporter in Gizo.

It is still unclear whether both provinces have got updates from the Ministry of Provincial Government yesterday.

However, reports reaching this paper states the issue is before the Attorney General’s Office for deliberation.

Western and Choiseul Provincial governments were dissolved on Monday 13th June, this is in accordance with the law – meaning provincial operations and services are now put on halt, unless the Ministry of Provincial Government authorizes which ever strategy would make sure provincial operations continue.

A concerned leader of Western Province who wants his name withheld said the delay will not only affect service delivery in the province, but also affect a wider populace who depend on the provincial government services one way or the other.

“If we look at the issue carefully, we are heading into a disaster; delay of election means provincial services will be stalled, no budget to immediately bring services back to operation and the longer it takes, it will bring more challenges,” he said.

The concerned leader said the Ministry of Provincial Government must quickly look into the issue so that provincial operations continue as normal while waiting for fresh provincial election.

Bina landowners briefed on project

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MFMR's PS Dr. Christain Ramofafia, Bina Project Manager and participants

Officials of the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) met with over 90 representatives of communities from the Langalanga lagoon area – who hold customary rights over Bina harbour – to brief them on the proposed Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant Project.

MFMR officials sought their support for enabling access to the harbour area for the plant operator during a consultation which was held at Kukum Catholic Hall in Honiara on Friday 10 June, 2022.

Securing access to use the harbour is a key component of the project and the discussion was thus aimed at fully informing the people on what the project will mean to them, and to explain the process of mapping and recording their rights.  

A statement from the ministry said Permanent Secretary, Dr Christain Ramofafia, opened the discussion by noting the mandate given to MFMR in 2015 by the National Government to lead the Bina Harbour Project.

This includes leading engagement with key line government ministries, the Malaita Provincial Government, development partners and potential investors.

Dr Ramofafia highlighted that the consultation was to familiarise participants about the project’s overall concept and to build each community member’s awareness of their roles in moving the project forward.

MFMR Assistant Secretary Project Management, Lisa Sugumanu, provided an overview of how the Ministry’s Project Management Division is handling the project.

She said the project remains a top government priority because of the potential it has to drive economic growth hence provide both direct and indirect benefits, and enhance social equity.

The Project’s Community Liaison Officer for land and water source access, Julio Aihunu, provided an update on parallel community awareness activities regarding access to a water source for the plant.

He also gave an update on land settlement at Bina, noting that the long history of issues is now close to resolution, and that the Trust Deeds for the key parcels of land are expected to be signed shortly. 

The Bina Project Manager Peter Cusack described the fishing and processing model that a private sector investor is expected to follow at Bina.

Mr Cusack also outlined the considerable interest and support for the project being shown by New Zealand, Australia, the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank Group and USAID. 

He also noted the critical support and cooperation of the Malaita Provincial Government.

As an example of what local communities might expect when the project is operational, Mr Cusack pointed to the growth of Noro Town arising from SolTuna’s operations there. 

The Project’s Legal Consultant-Harbour, Steward Tabo told the gathering that the project team is mindful of the need to build the right foundations for success, and that meant MFMR fully recognises and respects the customary rights of local communities.  

Mr Tabo’s presentation was supplemented by Lawrence Arukwai, Community Liaison Officer for the harbour.

He said mapping the harbour rights holders is crucial to ensuring that their rights are safeguarded, while at the same time enabling use of the harbour by the Bina operator.   

Generally, the collective responses of the participants were in-principle support for the project and a general commitment to engage in detailed discussions with the Ministry about what roles they might play in supporting its realisation.  

The next round of consultation is held this week in the Bina and Langalanga area.

Kabui hits back at Opposition

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Eddie Osifelo
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Special Secretary to the Prime Minister Albert Kabui. Photo supplied

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SPECIAL Secretary to Prime Minister, Albert Kabui has hit back on Opposition paid advert on Island Sun on 10th June, describing it as “misleading”.

The Opposition highlighted six deceptions of DCGA’s strategy to extend Parliament.

First, the Opposition states the consulted groups have opposed the DCGA proposed extension.

Speaking to media yesterday, SSPM Kabui said as stated in previous press conference, Attorney General and him have consulted with Solomon Islands Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Solomon Islands Christian Associations and Premiers.

He said there are deferring views, and not all parties oppose it.

“There was no resolution made by the groups as position of the group to say oppose.

“Opposition not clear, it is for deferment to 2024 or to five years,” he said.

Kabui said the Executive government is not bound by law to consult any person or group when it comes to any policy formulation and bills, but executive as practise consult people.

He based his argument on Section 140 of the National Constitution.

“Opposition groupsopposed the consultation, they are insinuating that this is case the action of Executive to bring anything to Parliament is unlawful, that is the insinuation I take from the statement,” he added.

The Opposition states on the advert that Pacific Games 2023 is not a constitutional requirement for extending Parliament.

“I don’t see anywhere in constitution that lay the requirement for extension of Parliament, there is none.

“I don’t understand why they are saying, Pacific Games is not a constitutional requirement,” he said.

“What is a constitutional requirement, where in constitutional says, nowhere?”

Kabui said the Constitutional requirement to make an amendment is set out under the constitution under Section 61.

He said that is a process and not a requirement.

“To say that PG2023 is not a constitutional requirement for extending Parliament is misleading.

“Parliament has the power to make laws as provided under Section 59. Power to alter constitution under Section 61,” he said.

On the advert, the Opposition also states it is Government’s response to provide the budget for registration. They intentionally did not do so.

Kabui said yes, budget is formulated by government and appropriated by Parliament.

“As we know projected revenue of 2022 is severely affected by Covid 19 and November riots.

“We know November riots cost more than $800 million.

“The move to defer elections is right because our economy is not strong,” he added.

Opposition also states the DCGA lacks political will; it has misused funds; allowed too many exemptions.

“I am not sure where it comes from, but the government is exercising its political will to hold both events, not in one year but close to its other,” Kabui said,

Kabui said when it comes to misuse of funds, if there is evidence report to RSIPF.

Further to that, Kabui said Government has been, as part of its response to negative impacts of covid 19, gives tax exemptions to companies even in difficult times because company employ people to keep their families fed and cloth.

Opposition states the reforms should be ongoing. It is not a last-minute business.

“We do but slow down because of travel restriction, now travel restrictions lifted, Solomon Islands Electoral Commission is going to the provinces.

“To say last minute that is misleading,” he said.

Opposition states DCGA has no respect for political parties. Our Party was registered after elections.

Kabui said to register political party, requirement is set down under Political Parties Integrity Act 2014.

He said Our Party did not manage to register itself before that, so they register after and nothing is wrong with that.

“Actually, the Leader of Opposition Mathew Wale in 2014 took the Political Parties Commission and Registrar of Political Parties to court because he said there is no need to register his political party, Solomon Islands Democratic Party under the Act.

“Wale went to court and lost. As a result, members of SIDP contested in the 2014 national elections as independents,” he said.

Kabui said SIDP registered after 2014 General Elections.

As such, he said Our Party did the same thing as SIDP in 2014.

On the advert also, Opposition states DCGA’s cabinet paper clearly says extension from 4 to 5 years.

Kabui said yes it says that, and as he said in the past and will continue to repeat, they will go back to Cabinet to make the final decision.

Covid-19 situation improving

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Mavis Podokolo
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Health Minister and team talks to a mother admitted at the NRH Golden Ward during local community transmission.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE covid-19 situation in the country is now improving.

That’s according to Incident Controller in the Ministry of Health and Medical Service, Dr Nemia Baenivalu.

“With the evidence and data that is provided from our health colleagues in provinces and also in Honiara, we note that covid-19 situation in the country has greatly improved,” Baenivalu told reporters yesterday.

He said in the past weeks, NRH no longer admits anyone with severe covid-19 infections.

“Lately no infections have been detected through Rapid Antigen Testing from the screening group in front of the hospital,” he said.

Bainivalu added the covid-19 ward, known as golden ward, has now shifted back for normal operations for other patients.

“In terms of the numbers from 28th of May up until the 10th of June 2022, we noted that we have new cases of 307.

“In Honiara we have 10 cases, Malaita 9, Central Island Province 11, Western Province and Choiseul 200 plus, Makira 12, Renbel 10, and Temotu nine.

Nationally, there are 21,544 covid-19 cases.

Foreign Minister Wong due in Honiara tomorrow

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Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong

AUSTRALIA’S Foreign Minister Penny Wong is due in Honiara this Friday for a one-day program.

“I will visit Solomon Islands, where I will meet Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and a number of his Cabinet ministers,” Wong said in a statement yesterday.

“I also look forward to engaging with the local community, including women leaders,” she added,

“We are committed to deepening our cooperation with Solomon Islands, as we work together to face shared challenges and achieve our shared goals, including on climate change.

“I look forward to discussing the ways we can continue to make progress on pandemic recovery, economic development and labour mobility priorities, and addressing our shared security interests.”

During her program in Honiara, Wong will be accompanied by Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Dr Lachlan Strahan and senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The minister’s delegation will also meet with Guadalcanal Premier, Francis Sade, community leaders and Solomons’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) members at Burns Creek. 

The Australian High Commission Office in Solomon Islands invites the local media to follow and report on many elements of Minister Wong’s visit. 

The High Commission Office said the media will have the opportunity to capture imagery of the Minister throughout the visit and an opportunity to ask questions at a doorstop press conference that will be held at Henderson Airport at the end of the program. 

“While the Minister may make some remarks to dignitaries and community leaders at various stages during her visit, we would kindly ask that all questions from journalists be asked during the doorstop press conference. 

“We will try our best to ensure every Solomon Islands media outlet has the opportunity to ask the Minister questions at the doorstop,” the Australian High Commission Office says today. 

Wong was appointed Foreign minister after the Australian Labor Party came into power following the recent elections there.

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