Red tape prevents new NAC boss from taking office

Civil Aviation Minister Steven Davies.

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, September 18, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

WITH the announcement of the new board of the National Airports Corporation (NAC) on Monday- the appointment of its new board also included the announcement of an interim acting managing director, despite the permanent appointment of a new MD.

The new Managing Director for NAC is an expatriate from the United Kingdom, Ioan Woollett, who takes over from Joseph Tupiri, who has held the position in an acting capacity since 2013.

Speaking at the announcement of the new board- a disappointed Minister for Civil Aviation, Steven Davies, said he was upset with the decision within the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations to not issue a work permit to the permanent appointee.

“We should be announcing the appointment of our managing director, who was appointed by the former board- I understand that the decision was made and the management has tried to ensure the arrival of our new MD who was appointed following a vigorous international process,” Minister Davies said.

“Unfortunately, I have now been advised that it was not possible because someone at Labour Department has eventually decided not to issue a work permit.

“That is the only disappointment I have on the part of government. My intention was that NAC would now have a new board and a properly appointed MD, and government would just basically give our expectation and leave them to manage the way forward and the issues that affect them.”

He said it was unfortunate, but it is a matter for the board to deal with.

Davies pointed out the vital role NAC plays in the aviation sector, adding that if it is not allowed to perform to the fullest of expectation or to meet its full capacity- then the entire system is affected.

“It is not a light matter when we sit here to announce this appointment, it is government’s point of view that NAC is allowed to address the issues both in hindsight and going forward.”

Chairman of the new board, Reuben Aila, elaborated that as the new managing director was not in the country, legislation maintains an acting appointment to be made.

“With the new MD is not here, and by legislation you need to have someone to hold the fort,” Mr Aila said.

“The current effective as of today is Mr Richard Yopo."

“Let me clarify that we also had the previous acting managing director, whose terms has expired and as a result the board has made a decision that Richard Continues in that role.”

In addition, he vouched for the appointment of Woollett as a well versed expert in the aviation industry, technical experienced.

“We will be working closely to bring him in as soon as possible and he is from UK Great Britain.”