Importance of ATAR Results 2024 in Australia's University Admission Process

The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) is a measure of a student's academic performance in the final years of secondary school. It is used as the primary basis for determining university admission in Australia and is calculated based on a student's results in their final exams.

ATAR Calculation

The calculation of ATAR is based on a student's results in the 10 units of study they complete in their final two years of high school. 

The units are assigned a score between 0 and 100, with the average score being 50. 

The scores are then combined to create a percentile rank, with the highest-performing students receiving an ATAR of 99.95 and the lowest-performing students receiving an ATAR of 30.

ATAR Results

ATAR results have shown a gradual decline in recent years, with the average ATAR score dropping from around 77 in 2017 to around 75 in 2020. This decline is partly due to the increasing number of students taking the final exams and the increasing competition for university places.

The decline in ATAR scores also affects university admission, with some students who would have previously been guaranteed a place at a particular university now facing competition from other applicants. 

However, universities also take other factors into account when making admission decisions, such as the student's performance in individual subjects, extracurricular activities, and personal circumstances.

ATAR and Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC)

ATAR was introduced in 2009 as a replacement for the Universities Admissions Index (UAI) system, which was in use from 1992-2008. 

It was designed to provide a fairer and more transparent method of determining university admission, as the UAI system was criticized for being too subjective and relying too heavily on school recommendations.

The ATAR system is managed by the Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC), which is responsible for calculating and distributing ATAR scores to students and universities. 

The TAC also provides support to students and their families in understanding the ATAR and university admission process.

ATAR and university admission

In addition to the ATAR, universities may also consider other factors such as:

• a student's performance in individual subjects, 
• extracurricular activities, 
• work experience, and 
• personal circumstances. 

This is known as a "holistic" approach to university admission, and is designed to ensure that students with a wide range of skills and experiences are given equal consideration for university places.

It is worth noting that not all universities in Australia use the ATAR system. Some universities, such as the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Melbourne, have their own admission criteria and may not require an ATAR score for admission.

Conclusion

The ATAR is a critical factor in determining university admission in Australia and has been shown to have a declining trend in recent years. However, it is important to remember that the ATAR is not the only factor considered by universities when making admission decisions. 

Students should focus on doing their best in their final exams and also consider other factors, such as extracurricular activities, that may help improve their chances of being admitted to the university of their choice.

Open Campus UPNG Application Form 2026

The applications for 2026 Grade 12 School Leavers intake into the open campus across the country close in 25 days' time. Visit your local open college centres for more information on entry requirements. You can also get more information about the courses via the UPNG Open Campus via the links below.

UPNG Open Campus Programs 2026

The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), through its Open Campuses and University Centres in the country, is inviting students who completed Grade 12 to apply for 2026 academic. 

The following programs are offered:

School of Business and Public Policy

• Business Management Foundation Year (BMFY)

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

• Bachelor of Arts Foundation (BAF)

School of Natural and Physical Sciences

• Bachelor of Science Foundation Year (SFY)

How to Get the Open Campus UPNG Application Form 2026?

Prospecting students who completed Grade 12 can apply to study at UPNG Open College in 2026. 

If you are interested in enrolling, download the Application form and fill it in and lodge it at your nearest Open College Centre.

Download the UPNG Open Campus Application Form 2026

To get more information online, visit the UPNG website via the links. You can also visit the UPNG Open Campus or University Centre in your province.

Click on the active links to get more information about each of the three courses offered at the open campus.

• Business Management Foundation Year (BMFY)

• Bachelor of Arts Foundation (BAF)

• Bachelor of Science Foundation Year (SFY)

Contact UPNG Open Campus

For more information, contact the Executive Director of Open College:

• Phone: 326 7572 or 326 7110
• Email: lahuib@upng.ac.pg or opencoll@upng.ac.pg

Papua New Guinea War: The Bougainville Crisis, Referendum and Independence

The Bougainville Crisis, also known as the Bougainville Conflict or Bougainville Rebellion, was a complex and protracted armed conflict that took place on the island of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea (PNG). 

It lasted from 1988 to 1998, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and significant social and economic disruptions. The conflict was characterized by a struggle for autonomy and independence by Bougainvilleans, who sought greater control over their land and resources, particularly the Panguna copper mine, which was a major source of revenue for PNG.

Historical Background

Bougainville, an island province in Papua New Guinea, has a history of cultural distinctiveness from the rest of PNG. Bougainvilleans have their own languages, customs, and traditions that set them apart from the mainland. 

In the 1960s, mining activities, particularly the establishment of the Panguna copper mine by a foreign company, sparked tensions between Bougainvilleans and the PNG government. 

The mine brought environmental degradation, social disruption, and land disputes, leading to grievances among Bougainvilleans.

The Crisis Unfolds

In 1988, a violent conflict erupted on Bougainville, sparked by a dispute over royalties and the environmental damage caused by the Panguna mine. 

The conflict escalated into a full-scale civil war, with various groups taking up arms against the PNG government forces. 

The Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA), led by Francis Ona, fought for Bougainville's independence, while the PNG government responded with a military blockade, imposing a state of emergency and deploying armed forces to quell the rebellion.

Peace Process and Referendum

After a decade of violence, a peace process was initiated in the late 1990s, leading to the signing of the Bougainville Peace Agreement in 2001. 

The Agreement provided for a phased autonomy for Bougainville and a commitment to hold a referendum on independence. 

In 2019, the historic Bougainville Referendum was conducted, allowing Bougainvilleans to vote on their political future. 

An overwhelming majority of 98% voted in favour of independence, reflecting the strong desire for self-determination among Bougainvilleans.

Push for Independence

The result of the Bougainville Referendum has reignited the push for independence among Bougainvilleans. 

However, the path to independence is complex and faces challenges, including negotiations with the PNG government on key issues such as the:

• timing and process of independence,
• sharing of revenues from natural resources, and
• establishment of a viable and sustainable government structure in Bougainville.

Conclusion

The Bougainville Crisis has a complex history, rooted in cultural, environmental, and economic grievances. The conflict resulted in significant humanitarian impacts and loss of life. 

The Bougainville Referendum was a significant milestone in the peace process, reflecting the strong desire of Bougainvilleans for independence. 

All in all, many challenges remain on the path to independence, and sustained efforts are needed to ensure a peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable resolution to the Bougainville issue, taking into consideration the aspirations and interests of all stakeholders.

National Disaster Management Organization (NDMO) in Papua New Guinea: Membership and Responsibilities

Natural disasters can occur without warning, leaving a trail of destruction, and causing massive loss of life and property damage. Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one such country vulnerable to natural disasters, such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, droughts, and cyclones. 

In PNG, the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is responsible for managing natural and human-made disasters. 

This article discusses the NDMO's membership, responsibilities, and provincial disaster committees in PNG.

Responsible Ministry

The Ministry of Provincial and Local Government Affairs is the government ministry responsible for disaster management in Papua New Guinea.

National Disaster Management Office (NDMO)

The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is responsible for coordinating the management of disasters and emergencies in the country. 

The NDMO is an organization established by an Act of Parliament, the Disaster Management Act Chapter 403 of 1987. It was previously known as the National Disaster and Emergency Services, and it is headed by a Director-General appointed by the National Executive Council (NEC). 

The NDMO has two basic branches: 

1. Reactive Branch, which deals with rapid response and operations, and 
2. Proactive Branch, which deals with long-term matters through research and analysis.

Each branch is headed by an Assistant Director.

National Disaster Committee (NDC)

The National Disaster Committee (NDC) is the decision-making body of any emergency or disaster matter established under Section 3 of the National Disaster Management Act of 1987. 

The NDC is responsible for approving and coordinating all activities necessary for the preparedness, response, and recovery phases of disaster management. 

The Chairman of the committee is appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the committee members.

Membership of NDC

The NDC membership comprises identified National line Departments with responsibilities related to Disaster Management, including, the:

• Secretary, Department of Provincial & Local Government Affairs - Chairman
• Commander of Defense Force
• Secretary for the Department of Defense
• Commissioner of Police
• Secretary, Department of Finance & Treasury
• Secretary, Department of Works & Transport
• Secretary, Department of Health
• Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs.

Co-opt Membership: The PNG National Disaster Management Act allows other Departmental Heads, NGOs, and national Churches as Co-opt members. The Foreign Missions are represented by UNDP.

NGOs

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) such as the Red Cross Society, Salvation Army, church groups, and the Council of Social Services play an essential role in disaster management in PNG. 

These organizations have representatives in most provinces and districts in the country and are active in disaster and emergency programs. 

Starting from mid-2000, only registered NGOs are permitted to involve themselves in any emergency or disaster situation, and their roles are shelter, food, health services, and water when responding to emergencies.

NDC Roles

The National Disaster Committee's primary roles, as stipulated in Section 6 of the NDM Act, include:

• Providing and rendering advice to the National Executive Council through the Minister on all matters relating to disaster.
• Approving and coordinating all activities necessary in regard to the preparedness, response, and recovery phases of disaster management.
• Assuming full and complete control in operations related to disasters.
• Providing and rendering financial assistance to disaster committees.

Stakeholders' Responsibilities

The actual duties of responses to emergencies or disasters are done by the respective Provincial Authorities in whose province the hazard or emergency takes place. 

Some examples of respective responsibilities by stakeholders include:

• Department of Health - responsible for all Health related matters, including water.
• Department of Agriculture and Livestock - responsible for all matters relating to agriculture and livestock.

The NDC also approves and coordinates all activities related to the preparedness, response, and recovery phases of disaster management.

 It assumes full and complete control over operations related to disasters and provides financial assistance to disaster committees.

Stakeholders and their Responsibilities

Various government departments and agencies have specific responsibilities in disaster management. For instance, the Department of Health is responsible for all health-related matters, including water.

The Department of Agriculture and Livestock is responsible for agriculture and livestock-related matters, including food. 

The Department of Transport and Works is responsible for engineering and structural matters on buildings, airstrips, bridges, and roads. 

Telikom (Telecommunication) is responsible for all communication matters, while the Department of Police is responsible for law and order to prevent people from taking advantage of the disaster or emergency situation to commit other offences.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like the PNG Red Cross, Salvation Army, and church groups also play a vital role in disaster management. They are responsible for various needy areas, including shelter, food, health services, and water when responding to emergencies. 

However, only registered NGOs are permitted to be involved in any emergency or disaster situation starting from mid-2000, to ensure effective coordination and monitoring of short-term and long-term responses.

Sub-Committees

Adhoc sub-committees are formed to mitigate the disaster at hand, for instance, the Water Sub-Committee advises on water matters, while the Awareness & Preparedness Committee advises on the type of information to be disseminated to the public on how to best avoid heavy impacts of disasters. 

Membership is composed of technical and specialized government and non-government officers in disaster-related fields.

Provincial Disaster Committees

The Provincial Disaster Committees (PDC) are established under Section 9 of the NDM Act of 1987, and the membership is composed of the:

• Head of the Provincial Administration or in the case of NCD, the Manager of the National Capital District Commission as the Chairman. 
• Provincial Police Commander or in the case of NCD, Commander NCD/Central, 
• Provincial Works Manager or in the case of NCD, City Engineer, and 
• Provincial Health Advisor (Officer) or in the case of NCD, Health Officer. 

Other members include the Officer-In-Charge of Provincial Affairs, the Officer-In-Charge of Delegated Functions, NGOs or Co-opted Members, and the Provincial Disaster Coordinator as the secretariat.

Roles and Functions of Provincial Disaster Committees

The basic roles and functions of the Provincial Disaster Committees are as follows: To

• provide and render advice to the Provincial Administrator on all matters relating to disaster management
• prepare disaster contingency plans, disaster response plans and early warning systems
• coordinate the implementation of the provincial disaster plans
• monitor the disaster situation in the province and provide regular reports to the NDMO
• ensure that relief supplies and services reach the affected people
• ensure that post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction programs are implemented effectively

Conclusion (National Disaster Management Organization, NDMO)

Natural disasters can cause significant damage to infrastructure, loss of lives, and property damage. Effective disaster management is crucial to minimize the impact of disasters on individuals, communities, and the country. 

Papua New Guinea's National Disaster Management Organization (NDMO) has a crucial role in coordinating disaster management efforts in the country. The NDMO, together with other stakeholders, works to mitigate the effects of disasters and emergencies in PNG. 

The Provincial Disaster Committees, NGOs, and Co-opted members play an essential role in disaster management in PNG. The responsibilities of each stakeholder in disaster management are clearly defined under the NDM Act of 1987.