The architects of the proposed amendment to the Higher Education (HE) Act 1983 have brushed aside fears from the Papua New Guinea Varsities vice-chancellors. The vice-chancellors took out a full newspaper advertisement protesting the bill, stating that the timeframe given to stakeholders to contribute suggestions was too short and also questioned the legality of the bill especially the process undertaken.
The proposed amendment will give power to the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (HERST) to intervene in student strikes and staff protests. This was made known on FM 100 talkback show by the acting Director General for the Office of Higher Education (OHE), Dr. William Tagis and legal expert Dr. Eric Kwa.
They argued that the amendments were in line with the recommendations in the Namaliu-Garnaut Report 2010. According to The National, Tagis and Kwa argued that:
“…the amendment was necessary and would clearly outline the role and responsibilities of the minister and the office over the functions of the universities…”
They further supported their stance by saying that the amendments would set a standard and administer uniformity in quality assurance.
Source: The National – OHE: Change needed on Act [1st June 2011]