The Papua New Guinea Department of Information Communication Technology (DICT) has released a first draft of the National Media Development Policy for consultation. The purpose of the proposed National Media Development Policy is to outline objectives and strategies for the use of media as a tool for development, such as the promotion of democracy, good governance, human rights, and social and economic development. Minister for ICT Hon Masiu has stated that ‘it is important for the government and media organisations to work together to harness the potential of media to support development initiatives and promote a more sustainable and equitable world’ ‘The proposed policy is designed to conform to international norms and standards on freedom of expression, press freedom, and the protection of journalists, and should be designed to balance these rights with the need to protect the rights of others, such as privacy, security, and public order’ The draft Policy proposes a wide range