AGP Executive Report

Digital Governance & Identity: Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr says PNG will use the new Sevis PNG Digital ID platform to help police and regulators identify people behind fake Facebook accounts, online harassment and misinformation, after Wewak MP Stanley Samban raised concerns in Parliament. Cybercrime & Enforcement: The minister also flagged earlier limits from Meta on identity checks, but said Sevis tools will strengthen enforcement of the Cybercrime Code Act. Public Service Delivery & Accountability: Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) is urging government to clarify its support for civil society after an EU SEE report warned civic space is under pressure and government responsiveness is declining. Parliament & Governance Reform: Deputy PM and Lands Minister John Rosso admitted ILG land registration is still too lengthy and unmanageable, with reforms planned to reduce delays and abuse. Media & Trust: ICT officials say Digital Public Infrastructure could rebuild trust in information by supporting digital identity for media verification, safer data exchange, and new revenue models. Education & Values: PM Marape used his 7th year education performance report to urge parents to reinforce discipline and values at home alongside government free education support. Economy & Infrastructure: Marape says PNG is set for a decade of growth driven by Papua LNG and other major projects, while Connect PNG road works continue with billions in active contracts. Bougainville: Parliament debate on Bougainville’s independence mandate continues, with warnings it will test the independence process.

Education & Home Discipline: PM James Marape urged parents to back government free-education support with discipline and values at home as he tabled his 7th Year Government Performance Report (2019–2025). Civil Society Pressure: Transparency International PNG says government responsiveness to civil society is declining, warning civic space is under strain. Correctional Services Support: Australia backed safer, more effective correctional services in PNG, citing growing demand and ageing facilities. Elections Under Strain: A parliamentary committee report highlights how election funding limits and security concerns keep recurring as major obstacles. Connect PNG Progress: Works and Highways Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr says Connect PNG has over K7b in active road contracts, with K3.1b paid and K238.24m still outstanding. Religion & Public Life: Morobe Governor Renbo Paita asked whether PNG should create a standalone religion ministry with a screening board for church workers. Digital ID vs Online Abuse: Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr says Sevis PNG Digital ID will help identify fake Facebook account operators and strengthen cybercrime enforcement. Bougainville Independence Debate: Bougainville leaders warn PNG Parliament’s handling of the 2019 referendum report could test the independence mandate. Health System Clarity: Health Minister Elias Kapavore clarified Port Moresby General Hospital is now Level Six under the national health standards. EU Seafood Rules: Pacific fisheries officials trained in new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels exporting to the bloc. Marine Protection Move: PNG announced a major new marine protected area in the Melanesian Ocean Corridor, including Western Manus.

Timber Legality Roadmap: PNG Forest Authority says building a credible Timber Legality Verification System can’t be done alone, calling for tight coordination with agencies, industry, landowners, civil society and partners. Digital ID & Cybercrime: Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr says Sevis PNG Digital ID will help law enforcement verify users and tackle fake Facebook accounts and anonymous online abuse. Bougainville Independence Clash: Bougainville leaders warn PNG Parliament’s debate is “foolish and premature” and say ratification steps must follow agreed processes; MPs are set to vote on August 30. Health System Clarity: Health Minister Elias Kapavore confirms Port Moresby General Hospital is now Level Six under the National Health Service Standards. Censorship & Pride Night: Office of Censorship orders The Cosmopolitan Night Club to cancel “Pride Night” and remove promotions, citing offences under the Censorship Act. El Niño Preparedness: Disaster Minister says provinces under El Niño watch haven’t received specific response funding yet, despite warnings of a possible “super” event. Infrastructure & Transport: Kagamuga Airport runway rehab starts June 4 to enable larger aircraft by end-2026, while a transport committee flags long-running legislative and funding gaps. Ocean & Climate: PNG pushes major no-take marine sanctuary plans for Western Manus and advances steps toward ratifying the BBNJ ocean biodiversity agreement.

Bougainville Peace Process: President Ishmael Toroama says Bougainville’s 2019 independence mandate is now facing a “critical test” as Parliament debates the bipartisan referendum report, while Bougainville leaders warn the process is being pushed too fast and dispute whether key post-referendum steps are complete. Parliament & Health Services: Health Minister Elias Kapavore clarified Port Moresby General Hospital is now classified as a Level Six National Referral Hospital under the 2021 six-level health standards, after MPs raised confusion over earlier Level Seven references. Censorship & Rights: The Office of Censorship issued a stop notice ordering Port Moresby’s Cosmopolitan Night Club to cancel its “Pride Night” event and remove promotions, citing offences under the Classification of Publication (Censorship) Act. Disaster Preparedness: Parliament heard provinces under El Niño watch have not received specific preparedness funding, with the Highlands facing heightened food security risks. Economy & Governance: The Treasurer said PNG export earnings hit a record K51 billion since 2022, while separate commentary warns debt is unsustainable and implementation systems remain weak. Transport & Infrastructure: Work has started on Mt Hagen Kagamuga Airport runway rehabilitation to enable larger aircraft by end-2026. Digital Policy: DICT is developing a national AI strategy to tackle misinformation and AI-generated content risks. Environment: PNG plans the Western Manus largest no-take marine sanctuary in Melanesia, as part of regional ocean protection efforts.

Solomon Islands–China security reset: Newly elected PM Matthew Wale says he will review the secretive 2022 security pact with Beijing after admitting he only saw the text days before his Australia trip, while Australia and the US worry it could enable a Chinese navy presence. Bougainville peace process row: PNG Parliament debate heats up as PM Marape urges unity and constitutional process, while Bougainville VP Ezekiel Masatt calls the ratification push “foolish and premature,” arguing key post-referendum steps and the Melanesian Agreement are not finished. EU investment push in Port Moresby: PM Marape opens the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum, pitching PNG as a sustainable investment destination and highlighting a major water project for 400,000 people. El Niño funding gap: PNG’s disaster minister says provinces under El Niño watch have not yet received specific preparedness funding, even as MPs warn of severe drought impacts. Media resilience and AI strategy: DICT officials call for stronger media resilience against misinformation and reveal PNG is developing a national AI strategy with transparency and safeguards. Education reform uncertainty: Pilot provinces still await clear instructions on whether national exams will proceed under the 1-6-6 reform. Transport committee reconvenes: The CIMC Transport and Infrastructure Sectoral Committee meets in Port Moresby to tackle long-running transport and infrastructure problems.

Bougainville Peace Process: Parliament debate heats up as Bipartisan Committee chair Dr Allan Marat tables the report from nationwide referendum consultations, while Bougainville VP Ezekiel Masatt warns MPs are moving too fast and says ratification can’t happen until the Melanesian Agreement and Post-Referendum Consultations Report are finalised. Constitutional Clash: Opposition MP Belden Namah urges Parliament to reject ratification, arguing constitutional conditions on arms disposal and governance under the Bougainville Peace Agreement were not met. National Unity & Governance: PM James Marape calls for wisdom, respect and unity as Parliament takes up the “historic” Bougainville decision. Economic & Investment Push: Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey says PNG export earnings have reached a record K51b since 2022, citing improved fiscal control and IMF-backed stabilisation. EU Business Forum: In Port Moresby, the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum draws 300+ participants and announces major water funding—EIB Global loan plus EU grant—to expand potable water to 400,000 more people. Aviation Modernisation: PNG moves toward space-based air traffic management via NiuSky Pacific and Skykraft, with further links to ENAV. Solomon Islands Pivot: New PM Matthew Wale in Canberra says he will review the 2022 China security pact and pursue a new comprehensive treaty with Australia, including stronger police cooperation. Public Services Watch: Concerns continue over PNG’s health system strain, with Port Moresby General Hospital facing shortages and management failures.

Consumer Protection & Accountability: PNG citizens are raising alarms over “excessively expensive” mobile data charges, including forfeited credits, unwanted top-ups, and unexplained losses—urging NICTA and regulators to investigate and force fair, transparent reforms. Governance & Integrity: A fresh call is made for leaders and public servants to face scrutiny properly, cooperate with Ombudsman/ICAC processes, and avoid legal delays—because “no one is above the law.” Health System Under Strain: Port Moresby General Hospital is described as struggling with basic services due to underfunding and weak management, with procurement and oversight gaps worsening shortages and equipment failures. Climate & Food Security: East Sepik Governor Allan Bird warns Parliament to prepare for El Niño’s likely severe impacts on water and food, urging early action and drought-resistant crop support. Public Service Leadership: DPLGA has appointed its first permanent female Deputy Secretary, Robyn Ata, as part of a wider push for gender equity and stronger digital integration. Infrastructure & Services: EIB Global and the EU back a $25m loan to expand drinking-water networks, targeting an extra 400,000 people and reduced water losses in Port Moresby. Elections & Education: PNGEC roll display and verification in Port Moresby is reported “going smoothly,” while 92,596 Grade 10 students prepare for the June 4 Written Expression exam. Bougainville: Parliament receives the Bipartisan Parliamentary Committee’s Bougainville report from consultations, with Bougainville Affairs Minister Mannaseh Makiba calling it the single most important issue. Aviation Modernisation: PNG is set to implement space-based air traffic management via NiuSky Pacific and Skykraft, with additional cooperation talks with ENAV.

Bougainville in Parliament: The Bipartisan Parliamentary Committee on Bougainville Matters tabled its report after nationwide public consultations, with Bougainville Affairs Minister Mannaseh Makiba calling the issue “the single most important” facing PNG. Defence and sovereignty: PM James Marape told AFP PNG will not allow foreign military bases, even as Australia expands its presence at Lombrum, stressing PNG ownership and sovereignty. Elections debate: Former PM Peter O’Neill questioned PNG’s readiness for free and fair elections next year, while Dr John Momis urged voters to choose experienced, qualified leaders. Digital push: PNG joined the 50-in-5 campaign to accelerate digital public infrastructure, linking its SevisPNG digital ID, wallet and data exchange to wider interoperability goals. Climate warning: East Sepik Governor Allan Bird urged government to prepare for an El Niño food security threat. Public health: Governors launched the GEM malaria coalition to eliminate malaria by 2035, with provinces set to lead local action. Sports and media: New softball facilities are set to start at UPNG, and sports media participants completed gender-equity and fair reporting training. Governance staffing: Senior Provincial Monitoring Officers signed contracts under the Reset@50 agenda to strengthen accountability and service delivery.

El Niño & Food Security: East Sepik Governor Allan Bird urged MPs and the Prime Minister to prepare for a mid-2026 El Niño that could bring drought and threaten PNG’s food supply. Digital Identity & DPI: PNG joined the 50-in-5 digital public infrastructure push, linking its SevisPNG ecosystem to wider interoperability goals; meanwhile, DPI experts warned that centralized identity systems can concentrate power and risk sovereignty. Connectivity & Telecom: Telikom is now an authorised Starlink reseller, expanding internet access for households, government and business; NICTA also inducted 18 officers into public service to strengthen accountability. Health & Malaria: Governors launched the GEM Coalition to accelerate malaria elimination to 2035, with provincial leadership at the centre. Governance & Security: Police officers completed an intelligence training program in Lae with Australian support. Environment & Conservation: NCD Governor Powes Parkop renewed support for endangered tree kangaroos via conservation fundraising. Economy & Infrastructure: PM Marape said Connect PNG will be reviewed to better link island communities after Cyclone Maila isolation impacts in Milne Bay. PNG LNG Equity Dispute: Marape told Parliament Kroton equity is policy-based, not an entitlement by law, as debate continues over additional shares.

PNG LNG Equity Clash: Parliament erupted over Marape-Rosso handling of the 4.27% Kroton equity linked to PNG LNG, with MPs questioning renegotiation of the US$240m-per-1% price and fears of political control via a special purpose vehicle. Health Leadership: Governors backed the 2026–2030 Governors Ending Malaria coalition, putting provincial governments at the centre of malaria control to hit elimination by 2035. Wildlife & Environment: NCD Governor Powes Parkop renewed calls to protect endangered tree kangaroos, highlighting community fundraising ideas and conservation programmes. Policing Capacity: Twenty-four officers from Northern Command provinces graduated after intelligence training in Lae with Australian Federal Police support. Connectivity & Digital Services: Telikom is now an authorised Starlink reseller, promising broader satellite internet access for government, business and remote customers. Climate Finance: PNG launched a $63.4m Green Climate Fund project to protect forests and fund community livelihoods. Infrastructure & Trade: NCD’s city-improvement plan got PM backing ahead of PNG Chiefs and NRL 2028, while PNG also pushed stronger EU business ties and prepared for a PNG–China business forum in October. Regional Security: Pacific customs leaders meet in Fiji to scale up border protection against drugs, organised crime and illicit trade.

Judicial Access: New Ireland’s Namatanai District welcomes the return of National Court circuit hearings after seven years, with provincial leaders urging more young people to study law and bring justice closer to communities. City Planning: NCDC’s plan to transform Port Moresby into a safe, modern capital for the PNG Chiefs and NRL 2028 gets PM James Marape’s backing, with a “One Plan” approach running to 2040. Green Finance: BPNG rolls out new green loan standards after training with banks and Pacific regulators, aiming to embed environmental and social risk checks into lending. Health & Accountability: Provincial Health Authorities and Bougainville join a four-day internal audit training in Port Moresby to strengthen compliance, reporting, and transparency in health spending. Rural Connectivity: The US announces US$30m for satellite internet to reach remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres. Community Support: Rugby star Justin Olam delivers K30,000 in medical supplies to Chuave’s Monono and Wangoi health centres. Regional Security: Pacific customs leaders meet in Fiji to scale up border protection against drugs, organised crime and other cross-border threats. International Spotlight: Sir Ian McKellen leads London’s “Commonwealth Walk of Shame” protesting anti-LGBTQ+ laws still in force across many Commonwealth countries, including calls for Papua New Guinea to repeal colonial-era bans.

LGBTQ+ Rights Protest: Sir Ian McKellen joined the “Commonwealth Walk of Shame” in London, urging Commonwealth countries to repeal anti-LGBTQ+ laws, including in 29 states where same-sex relations remain illegal and where some face life imprisonment or the death penalty. Pacific Infrastructure & Security: The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) announced plans to jointly develop port infrastructure in Fiji, with Australia calling it a major Pacific investment and a potential new flashpoint in US-China competition. Connectivity Boost: Telikom Limited became an authorised Starlink reseller in PNG, aiming to extend high-speed satellite services to government, enterprise, mining, finance and SMEs. US Internet Funding for PNG: The US pledged US$30 million for satellite internet to connect remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres. Health Policy Push on TB: PNG’s Parliamentary TB Caucus and the Special Parliamentary Committee on Health Matters launched a TB Advocacy Media Strategy after high-level training, with over 50 MPs signing a declaration backing stronger TB action. Climate Finance Implementation: Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu said PNG is moving from green finance policy to practical rollout, highlighting reforms through the Bank of PNG and the Green Finance Centre. Legal System Pressure: Solicitor General George Akia warned the State faces nearly K500 million in legal claims tied to weak case defence and poor coordination, launching Highlands client outreach to improve court representation. Trade & Investment: Ahead of the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum, EU and PNG officials pushed for more European investment, including support for renewable energy, transport and digital connectivity, while PNG urged expansion of agricultural exports to Europe. Rabaul Port & Green Port Plans: EU–PNG forum updates are expected to include progress on Rabaul Port redevelopment into a “green port.”

Green Finance to Implementation: Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu says PNG is moving from green finance policy talk to practical rollout, pointing to the Bank of Papua New Guinea and the Green Finance Centre as reforms take shape. Climate Resilience Funding: Australia is expanding support for climate resilience, renewable energy and sustainable finance, with a push to embed climate objectives across most programs. Parliamentary TB Push: PNG’s TB caucus and the Special Parliamentary Committee on Health Matters launched a TB Advocacy Media Strategy after high-level training, with over 50 MPs signing on to strengthen the national response. Connectivity Boost: Telikom has become an authorised Starlink reseller, aiming to extend high-speed services to government, enterprise, mining, finance and SMEs. US Internet Support: The US plans to provide US$30m for satellite internet to connect remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres. Security and Sovereignty: PM Marape says PNG will not allow foreign military bases, even as Australia expands presence at Lombrum. ERW Removal: Australia-led Operation RENDER SAFE will help dispose of World War II explosives in PNG’s Gazelle, Kokopo and Rabaul districts in June. Business and Investment: EU-PNG forum preparations continue as PNG seeks more European investment, including in agriculture and digital connectivity.

Connectivity Boost: Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili welcomed a US$30 million plan to expand satellite internet across PNG, targeting remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres after the US–PNG Strategic Partnership Dialogue. Telecom Push: Telikom has also signed on as an authorised Starlink reseller, aiming to extend services for government, enterprises, finance, SMEs and mining, while complementing existing fibre, mobile, VSAT and satellite networks. Green Finance to Implementation: Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu says PNG is moving from green finance policy to practical rollout, as the Green Finance Summit highlights implementation through the Bank of PNG and the Green Finance Centre; climate plans may need up to K7 billion over 10 years. Legal Pressure on State: Solicitor General George Akia warns the State faces nearly K500 million in legal claims linked to weak defence and poor coordination, launching a Highlands client outreach program to strengthen court representation. Security & Sovereignty: PM James Marape reiterated PNG will not allow foreign military bases, even as Australia increases activity at Lombrum; meanwhile, Highlands communities in an illegal firearms amnesty have surrendered factory-made guns. EU Investment Drive: PNG is preparing for the EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby, with focus on attracting European investment in digital, infrastructure, extractives and agriculture, plus efforts to expand agricultural exports to Europe.

Green Finance Implementation: Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu says PNG is moving from green finance policy talk to real delivery as the 2nd Green Finance Summit pushes climate-resilient development through the Bank of PNG and the Green Finance Centre. Climate Funding Gap: Climate Change and Development Authority acting MD Debra Sungi warns PNG needs up to K7 billion over 10 years and can’t do it alone, calling for banks, business and partners plus a green taxonomy to unlock cheaper climate loans. EU Investment Push: The 5th EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby next week aims to attract European investors, with Nokia and Airbus among firms expected to explore opportunities in infrastructure, digital connectivity, extractives and agriculture. Agriculture Exports to Europe: Trade officials say fisheries success under the EU deal should be matched by expanding cocoa, coffee, vanilla, coconut and palm oil into the EU market. Connectivity Deal: Telikom PNG, the state-owned telco, becomes an authorised Starlink reseller to serve enterprises, government, mining, finance, SMEs and remote customers. Defence Force Probe: PM James Marape says investigations into PNGDF recruitment-related allegations are nearing completion, with Defence Minister Billy Joseph stepping aside and Marape temporarily overseeing Defence. Firearms Amnesty: Highlands community leaders in Southern Highlands have surrendered factory-made firearms under the illegal firearms amnesty, police calling it a community-led push to curb lawlessness. Election Administration: Parliament hears criticism over delaying a permanent electoral commissioner as acting Electoral Commissioner Margaret Vagi’s term lapses, with GE27 preparation urgent. Court Clears Morobe Leader: PNG Supreme Court dismisses a challenge to Rainbo Paita’s election, allowing him to continue leading Morobe Province. Digital Identity Lawmaking: Government is preparing a legal framework for national digital ID and verifiable credentials to support SevisPass and SevisWallet rollout by July 2026. El Niño Preparedness: East Sepik Governor Allan Bird urges a bipartisan parliamentary committee to plan for El Niño impacts on rural communities.

Green Finance Push: Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Elizabeth Genia opened the 2026 Green Finance Summit in Port Moresby, urging PNG to move from green finance talk to real implementation that directs investment into climate-resilient development. Defence Force Probe: Prime Minister James Marape told Parliament investigations into PNGDF recruitment-related allegations are nearing completion, and he has temporarily assumed Defence oversight while Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph steps aside. Digital Identity Lawmaking: PNG is building a legal framework for its national digital ID, including identity wallets and verifiable credentials, to support SevisPass/SevisWallet rollout by July 2026. Digital Transformation in Morobe: PNG DataCo signed agreements with Morobe Provincial Government for neutral host telecom towers and a Morobe digital government services platform with an integrated ERP system. GBV Funding to Provinces: Government, via the NGBVS, committed K1.8 million to 18 provinces to implement Provincial GBV Action Plans under the 2026–2035 national strategy. Labour Mobility Target: PNG set a goal to send 30,000 workers to Australia by 2030 as the PALM Approved Employers Expo opened in Port Moresby with 27 Australian employers. Highlands Firearms Amnesty: Highlands communities continued voluntary gun surrenders under the illegal firearms amnesty, with police warning of enforcement under the Counter-Terrorism Act. PNG–China Trade Expo: Trade Minister Richard Maru announced an inaugural PNG–China Business Forum and Trade Expo in Guangzhou on Oct 20–21, 2026. Education Support: New Ireland released K170,000 as the first batch of tertiary school fees subsidies under the reintroduced education subsidy policy.