Manus Island A Living and Working Guide Version 8, May 2013 This is a department resource only and not for external distribution. The information contained within this guide is accurate at time of print, however environment, details, situations and procedures may have changed at time of reading. If in doubt regarding any of the information within this guide please contact IMA Workforce Management team at [email protected] for clarification. If you require additional hardcopies of this guide please contact IMA Workforce Management team at [email protected] Manus Guide, v.6, May 2013 2 Contents Foreword ................................................................................................. 5 Part 1: About Manus Island ..................................................................... 6 Location and geography .......................................................................................................................... 6 History ...................................................................................................................................................... 6 Climate ..................................................................................................................................................... 7 Time difference ........................................................................................................................................ 7 Language ................................................................................................................................................. 7 Government and administration .............................................................................................................. 7 Services – Power, Food and Water ......................................................................................................... 8 Shopping.................................................................................................................................................. 8 Telephones .............................................................................................................................................. 8 Internet..................................................................................................................................................... 9 Transport ................................................................................................................................................. 9 Security .................................................................................................................................................... 9 Banking .................................................................................................................................................... 9 Leisure and entertainment ..................................................................................................................... 10 Cultural sensitivity .................................................................................................................................. 10 Tropical diseases ................................................................................................................................... 10 Mosquitoes and other pests .................................................................................................................. 12 Part 2: Travel and Accommodation ....................................................... 13 Travelling to and from Manus Island ..................................................................................................... 13 Flights .................................................................................................................................................... 14 Visas ..................................................................................................................................................... 14 Passport................................................................................................................................................. 14 Health and well-being ............................................................................................................................ 14 Luggage limits ....................................................................................................................................... 15 Accommodation ..................................................................................................................................... 15 Uniform and clothing requirements ....................................................................................................... 16 Items to take .......................................................................................................................................... 16 Part 3: The working environment........................................................... 18 Service Providers .................................................................................................................................. 19 Public Holidays ...................................................................................................................................... 20 Alcohol consumption ............................................................................................................................. 20 Harassment, bullying and discrimination ............................................................................................... 20 Use of social media ............................................................................................................................... 21 Consequences of inappropriate behaviour ............................................................................................ 21 Psychological well-being ....................................................................................................................... 22 Employee Assistance Program (EAP) ................................................................................................... 22 EAP Direct ............................................................................................................................................. 22 Work Health and Safety ......................................................................................................................... 23 Incident Notification ............................................................................................................................... 23 Comcare ‘notifiable incidents’ ................................................................................................................ 24 How to report incidents .......................................................................................................................... 24 Performance Management .................................................................................................................... 25 Cessation of variable working hours including part-time hours ............................................................. 25 Timesheets ............................................................................................................................................ 25 Manus Guide, v.6, May 2013 3 Allowances ............................................................................................................................................ 25 Code of conduct .................................................................................................................................... 25 Manus Guide, v.6, May 2013 4 Foreword Living and working on Manus Island can be a very rewarding part of your career. The work you will be undertaking is integral to the achievement of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship goals. As a guest of the Papua New Guinean Government and a representative of the department, we ask that you show respect to the local residents and their environment, and that you contribute positively and flexibly as a team member. The purpose of this guide is to help you understand more about Manus Island and to make a smooth transition to your new role. It draws upon the knowledge and experience of people who have worked there, as well as information provided by the island for visitors. Manus Island is geographically remote from the Australian mainland and is close to the Equator - its climate may be different for some people. The work you will undertake will be challenging and it may present particular pressures. The health and wellbeing of employees is of paramount importance and there are procedures in place to monitor and protect your safety and wellbeing on Manus Island. At the same time, you have a responsibility to look after your own health and safety and that of others. Once again, thank you for assisting the department at this time. Manus Guide, v.6, May 2013 5 Part 1: About Manus Island Location and geography Manus Island is part of Manus Province in northern Papua New Guinea and is the largest island of the Admiralty Islands situated within the Bismarck Archipelago off the northeast coast of New Guinea. It is the fifth largest island in Papua New Guinea with an area of 2,100 km². According to the 2000 census, Manus Island had a population of approximately 43,000, while Manus Province has a total population of approximately 50,300. Momote Airport, the terminal for Manus Province, is located on nearby Los Negros Island. A bridge connects Los Negros