AGP Executive Report

Gray-List Exit With Teeth: Prime Minister James Marape says PNG’s push to be removed from the FATF “Gray List” must deliver lasting reforms—stronger anti-money laundering, better tracing in a digital economy, and real recovery of stolen public funds—not a temporary fix. Governance & Accountability: Opposition Leader James Nomane renews calls to end “PNG Time,” arguing delays and weak service delivery reflect deeper governance problems, including corruption and slow processing of government services. Public Service Change: Planning Secretary Koney Samuel has resigned after 27 years, citing personal reasons and saying it’s time to make way for younger leaders. Security & Defence Cooperation: PNGDF and Australian forces are conducting Exercise Wantok Warrior 2026 near Port Moresby to improve coordination, communications, and joint readiness. Financial Crime Pressure: Financial institutions warn PNG’s financial system is facing rising threats from illegal gambling, cybercrime, online scams, and money laundering—often enabled through digital platforms. Education & Skills: BSP donated 20 computers and a fully networked lab to Tabubil Secondary School, restoring practical ICT learning for students. Infrastructure Progress: Engineers have begun scoping work for sealing the Kokoda Highway, with costs planned on a 50-50 sharing basis once funding is confirmed. Elections Watch: Sir Puka Temu says the common roll has not been updated ahead of the 2027 election, putting PNG “back to square one.” Regional Media Plans: PNG has bid to host the 9th Pacific Islands News Association Media Summit in Port Moresby in 2028.

PNG-Australia Defence Drills: More than 230 PNG and Australian troops are in Port Moresby for Exercise Wantok Warrior 2026, running checkpoint, convoy, patrol and maritime training to boost coordination and interoperability. Regional Security Treaty Watch: Fiji and Australia’s Ocean of Peace Alliance is being scrutinised in Canberra, with officials saying the pact is “deliberately not prescriptive” on what happens in a conflict, though it commits parties to “act to meet the common danger.” Military-Sport Link: PNGDF says the Commander’s Cup is about more than rugby—building cohesion, fitness, leadership and stronger ties with communities. PM’s XIII in Port Moresby: Australia’s teams arrive for the Prime Minister’s XIII fixtures, with community programs planned through League Bilong Laif and NCD police on full alert for Saturday matches. Law & Order: A murder suspect surrendered to Port Moresby police over an Eight Mile killing, with investigators now preparing the case for court. Economy & Infrastructure: BPNG lifted its 2026 growth forecast to 3.5% but warns 2027 may soften with El Niño risks; Hoskins Airport upgrade is at 78% with the runway extended to 1,580 metres. Governance & Integrity: Prime Minister Marape urged agencies and institutions to enforce existing laws, track public money and recover stolen funds. Health Policy: Fiji passed a needle exchange law to tackle an HIV emergency, joining Australia, New Zealand and PNG with formal programs. Diplomacy: Australia appointed DFAT official Jamie Isbister as its next High Commissioner to PNG. Politics: Daulo MP Ekime Gorosahu has died, prompting condolences from Prime Minister Marape and URP leaders.

Hoskins Airport Upgrade: The National Airports Corporation says the K51.70m Hoskins Airport upgrade is 78% complete, with the runway now extended to 1,580 metres after CASA PNG approval, as Stage 11 begins and completion is targeted for late 2026. Economic Outlook: The Bank of Papua New Guinea lifted its 2026 growth forecast to 3.5% but warned 2027 could soften to around 2% due to higher costs and El Niño risks. Governance & Integrity: Prime Minister James Marape urged police, financial institutions and public officials to enforce existing laws, track public money and recover stolen funds to show results against financial crime. Election Readiness & Public Trust: Cardinal Sir John Ribat warned that election confidence weakens when politics is driven by money, personal interest and corruption, while CPS PNG launched Project 2027 to promote integrity ahead of the 2027 election. Law & Order: A murder suspect surrendered to Port Moresby police over an Eight Mile killing, and Enga police arrested a suspected drug smuggler and six alleged tribal fight leaders. Education Clarification: The Education Department confirmed Kerevat National School of Excellence has not been renamed; the new 16-classroom block is the James Marape Legacy Campus. Diplomacy & Partnerships: Australia appointed Jamie Isbister as its next High Commissioner to PNG, and PNG formalised diplomatic ties with Montenegro; Marape also pushed “aid to trade” with US business leaders at UNGA. Regional Security: Australia and Fiji’s Ocean of Peace alliance is set up to deter attacks but is “deliberately not prescriptive” on what actions would follow. International Concern: The Philippines says a Chinese survey ship concealed its location near subsea cable routes, raising fears for undersea communications security.

Election Readiness & Governance: CPS PNG is set to launch “Project 2027,” a faith-based campaign pushing integrity and good governance ahead of the 2027 National General Elections. Judicial Wellbeing: Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie urged judges and magistrates to balance heavy responsibilities with personal life, warning that exhaustion can undermine timely, quality justice. Public Safety & Crime: A murder suspect in Port Moresby’s Eight Mile surrendered to police, with investigators now moving toward court; separately, PNG’s CEPA boss Jude Tukuliya has complained to cybercrime police after social media death allegations, calling them malicious. Law & Order Operations: Enga police arrested a suspected drug smuggler and six alleged tribal fight leaders, seizing about 10kg of marijuana at a checkpoint. Health System Pressure: Three premature babies died in Markham District after delayed access to specialised neonatal care, highlighting gaps in emergency maternal and newborn services. Diplomacy & Trade: PM James Marape returned from UNGA urging the world to prioritise humanity over war, while also telling US business leaders PNG is moving “from aid to trade”; PNG also formalised diplomatic ties with Montenegro. Finance & Services: BPNG issued financial service licences to DealCorp Finance and PayItNow PNG, stressing trust as the foundation for financial systems. Connectivity: Remington Group says Starlink could expand internet access in remote PNG, including solar-powered options. Sports & Community: PNG’s Daulo MP Ekime Gorosahu has died; and in MSG Prime Minister’s Cup action, PNG’s results shape the race to the final.

Gender-Based Violence Response: Australia-backed Bel isi PNG convened a UN International Day of Peace Leadership Forum pushing workplaces to turn GBV/FSV policies into real action, including survivor referrals and safer workplace systems. Remote Health Access: Australia partnered with Samaritan Aviation to use seaplanes for emergency medical flights, supplies and disaster support in East Sepik and Gulf, where travel to hospitals can take days. Law & Order in Enga: Police in Enga arrested a suspected drug smuggler and six alleged tribal fight leaders, seizing about 10kg of marijuana at a checkpoint and warning no negotiations with offenders. Human Trafficking Case: Four Chinese nationals face 312 charges over alleged trafficking and deprivation of liberty involving 39 Indonesian nationals in Port Moresby. Election Security Planning: A parliamentary committee flagged risks of misalignment in 2027 election security budgeting between police and the Defence Force. Health Governance Reform: The Constructional and Law Reform Commission launched a national review of the Provincial Health Authority Act 2007 to reshape health governance. Finance Sector Update: BPNG issued service licences to DealCorp Finance and PayItNow PNG to expand lending and digital payments. Diplomacy & Trade: Marape urged US businesses to shift PNG ties from aid to trade after returning from UNGA; PNG also established formal diplomatic relations with Montenegro. Connectivity Push: Remington says Starlink could extend internet access to remote PNG, including solar-powered options. Fuel Subsidy Review: Marape said government will consider extending the fuel subsidy into next year as global prices stay high. Sports & Community: PNGFA Cup Southern qualifiers began in Rigo; rugby and football events continue to be used for community messaging and youth engagement.

Human Trafficking Crackdown: Four Chinese nationals face 312 charges over alleged human trafficking and deprivation of liberty in Port Moresby, with police saying the case is “deeply disturbing” and investigators are working to map the full network. UN Climate Push: Pacific leaders at UNGA pressed for faster, fairer climate action, warning that small island states keep paying for impacts while global progress lags. Diplomacy in Europe: PNG formally established relations with Montenegro, opening doors for cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, agriculture, renewables, and digital innovation. Peace and Stability Message: PM James Marape told the UN that PNG’s relative calm must be protected, pointing to the scale of global conflicts and the need for cooperation to prevent violence. Resource Laws Warning: Oro Governor Gary Juffa warned that colonial-era resource laws can leave landowners exposed, urging reforms so communities control decisions on mining and logging. El Niño Food Threat: Severe frosts linked to El Niño have damaged PNG crops, and the same risk is rising for Australia’s farmers. Cocoa Economy: PNG’s cocoa sector earned over K1.8b in export revenue last year, with government pushing to lift earnings beyond K2b. Law & Order Focus: Government reiterated measures to tackle violence and disorder, including policing, courts, CCTV expansion, and stronger action on illegal firearms. Women’s Football: PNG Bilums stayed unbeaten and surged to the MSG Cup final after a 5-1 win over Solomon Islands.

MSG Prime Minister’s Cup (Women’s Rugby League): PNG’s Bilums stayed unbeaten in the 2026 Women’s MSG Prime Minister’s Cup, hammering Solomon Islands 5-1 in Suva to surge into the finals this weekend. Bougainville Independence: A fresh opinion piece argues PNG must accept Bougainville’s ballot-backed push for independence, warning against postponing the issue. Law & Order: Another commentary says PNG’s violence and illegal firearms problem needs targeted action on offenders and organised groups, pointing to measures like the Vagrancy Act and expanded CCTV. Health & Services: A family in Hela is appealing for urgent repatriation of a late public servant after his body sat in Port Moresby for months. Climate & Violence Risk: Researchers warn drought and El Niño-linked hardship can act as triggers for sorcery-accusation violence. Cocoa Economy: Agriculture Minister John Boito says cocoa exports topped K1.8b in 2025, with a push to reach K2b under a 2026–2035 plan. TVET Skills: Australia-backed equipment delivery to West New Britain Technical College aims to boost job-ready training for construction and other growing sectors. Sports & Sponsorship: PNG Chiefs locked in Coca-Cola as a premier partner ahead of their 2028 NRL entry. Regional Diplomacy: PM Marape says PNG is shifting from aid to trade, highlighting US economic and defence cooperation during UNGA week.

UNGA Diplomacy & Defence: PM James Marape wrapped UN General Assembly week talks in New York with U.S. officials, advancing energy security, infrastructure funding and steps to formalise parts of the PNG–U.S. Defence Cooperation Agreement. Security & Law-and-Order: Government says Port Moresby and other regions face rising violent crime, illegal firearms and disorder, pointing to measures like the Vagrancy Act, expanded CCTV and stronger action on dangerous weapons. Climate Adaptation: PNG’s parametric drought insurance triggered a second automatic payout—PGK 621,220 to 15,295 people across 14 districts—supporting communities hit by June–July dry spells. Cocoa Economy: Cocoa exports topped K1.8b in 2025 from 61,000 tonnes, with the 2026–2035 plan aiming to push earnings beyond K2b and drive rural jobs. Health & Women’s Screening: A Port Moresby walk for women’s cancer urged early screening (including HPV services) as PNG continues to face preventable cervical and breast cancer deaths. Media & Elections Readiness: PNG will host the 2028 Pacific Media Summit, with media leaders stressing stronger self-regulation ahead of elections in the region. Labour Mobility: PALM scheme participation keeps growing, with over 2,700 PNG workers in Australia by July and remittances estimated at K236m (Apr 2022–Dec 2025). Regional Maritime Tensions: Philippines authorities accused a Chinese vessel of spoofing location near Batanes, with claims linked to undersea cable security concerns.

Labour Mobility: PM Marape urged US investors to shift PNG from aid to trade, backing investment incentives and jobs as PALM scheme participation grows—over 2,700 PNG workers were employed in Australia by July and remittances are estimated at K236 million (Apr 2022–Dec 2025). Agriculture & Jobs: PNG generated more than K1.8b in cocoa export revenue in 2025 and aims for K2b, with smallholders receiving over 80% of earnings; the Cocoa Industry Strategic Plan 2026–2035 targets one million jobs through a 10-year push to expand production and local processing. Health & Community Support: Samarai-Murua MP Isi Henry Leonard delivered basic medicines to Misima District Hospital amid El Niño-driven shortages, while women in Port Moresby were urged to get early cancer screening during a Globe-athon walk. Climate Resilience: PNG’s parametric drought insurance triggered its second automatic payout—PGK 621,220 to 15,295 people across 14 districts. Governance & Elections: PNG Electoral Commission announced crisis measures for 2027 election readiness, including a K150m allocation and an audit into PNGEC spending weaknesses. Sports & Youth Pathways: PNG’s Bilums booked the MSG PM’s Cup final with a 2-0 win over Vanuatu; PNGRFL also named Junior Kumuls and Orchids squads for key matches. Regional Security: PNG’s undersea communications concerns were raised after reports of a Chinese vessel spoofing location near Batanes.

Agriculture Jobs Push: PNG’s Cocoa Board is driving a 10-year Cocoa Industry Strategic Plan (2026–2035) aiming to create up to one million jobs by shifting farming from subsistence to value-adding processing and rural employment. Election Readiness: The PNG Electoral Commission has launched crisis measures for 2027 election preparedness, citing delays and probing financial, payroll and procurement irregularities, with a K150 million allocation flagged for readiness. UN Rights & Religion: PM James Marape told the UN General Assembly that religious majorities must protect minorities, stressing freedom of conscience and warning against using power to suppress rights. Climate Accountability: Pacific media leaders adopted a Savusavu declaration demanding governments and regional agencies share timely loss-and-damage climate information and answer public questions. Cost of Living: Betel nut prices are surging amid drought-related supply shortfalls, with retailers reporting massive jumps in daka prices and ongoing pressure on household spending. Mining Deal: Lingbao Gold has agreed to buy St Barbara’s remaining stake in Tabar Islands Holdings, moving toward full ownership of New Simberi, with completion targeted for March next year. Security & Justice: PNG Police have charged former MP Francis Potape over alleged false evidence tied to a 2017 election petition, including claims of fabricated affidavits and bribery of witnesses. Women’s Football: PNG Bilums booked the MSG PM’s Cup women’s final with a 2-0 win over Vanuatu, while the men’s campaign continues to face tough results. Infrastructure & Jobs for Women: Madang’s Northern Coastal Highway repairs are creating local jobs and boosting women’s participation, with training built into the works.

West Papua at the UN: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale raised reported human rights violations in West Papua at the UN, urging independent verification and calling for Indonesia to allow a UN High Commissioner for Human Rights visit; PNG’s position has not been publicly stated, though Marape is one of the MSG envoys engaging Indonesia. Election readiness under strain: The PNG Electoral Commission says it has adopted crisis measures for the 2027 election, citing delays and internal financial/procurement irregularities, and is pushing for release of K150 million. PNG Police action: Former Magarima MP Francis Potape has been charged over alleged false evidence tied to a 2017 election petition. Governance and accountability: Two senior PNGEC officers were suspended amid audit-related concerns, while Parliament’s communications committee renewed calls for an enabling law to guarantee public access to government information. Infrastructure with jobs and inclusion: Madang’s Northern Coastal Highway repairs (41.2km) are creating local work and boosting women’s participation in construction. Sports and regional ties: Fiji’s Bula Boys face PNG in the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup race as the final spots tighten, and PNG’s PM’s XIII squads are set for the Oct 3 home clash with Australia.

Rugby Governance: Works and Highways Minister and Bougainville MP Peter Tsiamalili Jnr says PNG rugby union has “gone to the lowest” due to poor administration and unclear accountability for K10 million provided to PNG Rugby by Kumul Petroleum Holdings. He also wants a clearer pathway for young players to progress to national representation. UN Religious Freedom: Prime Minister James Marape used his UN General Assembly address to call for equal protection of religious minorities, warning that majorities must not use political or religious power to silence others, pointing to PNG Constitution Section 45. Climate Pressure at UNGA: Marape and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale urged industrial nations to stop “empty promises” and cut carbon emissions, warning sea-level rise is already harming Pacific development. Security Concerns: Former PNG military strategists warn the country is exposed to Middle East conflict risks because of the Lombrum Naval Base in Manus, urging a neutral stance. Election Integrity: PNG Police have charged former Magarima MP Francis Potape over alleged false election evidence tied to a 2017 Hela seat petition, including claims of fabricated affidavits and bribery of witnesses. Electoral Commission Scrutiny: Two senior PNG Electoral Commission officers were suspended amid allegations and audit-related concerns, raising questions about election planning with writs due in April. Ocean Protection: PNG deposited ratification for the UN BBNJ marine biodiversity agreement, strengthening its role in ocean governance beyond national waters.

UN Rights & Religion: PNG Prime Minister James Marape told the UN General Assembly that religious majorities must protect minorities, pointing to PNG’s Constitution (Section 45) and warning that “faith that is forced is no longer faith.” Climate Pressure at UN: Marape and Solomon Islands PM Jeremiah Manele used UNGA to demand real climate action, urging industrial nations to cut emissions and stop “empty promises” as sea-level rise hits now. Security & Foreign Conflict: Former PNG military strategists warned the country remains exposed to Middle East conflict risks because of the Lombrum Naval Base in Manus, urging neutrality. Election Integrity: PNG Police charged former MP Francis Potape over alleged false evidence tied to a 2017 election petition, including claims of fabricated affidavits and bribed witnesses. Governance & Accountability: Opposition leader James Nomane attacked the government for “announcement, not action,” while a parliamentary committee pushed for an enabling law to guarantee public access to government information. Electoral Commission Scrutiny: Two senior PNG Electoral Commission officers were suspended amid concerns about election planning with writs due in April. Digital & Consumer Rules: PNG is moving on AI in education and a draft Competition and Consumer Protection Bill, alongside calls to strengthen consumer and competition protections. Ocean Governance: PNG formally deposited its ratification of the BBNJ marine biodiversity agreement, expanding its role in protecting ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Climate Action at UNGA: PM James Marape and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale used UN General Assembly platforms to demand real cuts to carbon emissions, calling out “empty promises” as sea-level rise becomes a present threat for Pacific nations. PNG Police & Elections: PNG Police have charged former Magarima MP Francis Potape over alleged false evidence tied to a 2017 election petition, including claims of fabricated affidavits and bribery of witnesses. Electoral Commission Scrutiny: Two senior PNG Electoral Commission officers—Margaret Vagi and Kila Vaname—were suspended amid allegations of serious administrative and financial irregularities, raising concerns for election planning. Digital Government & Consumer Protection: DICT says PNG will embed AI principles into existing digital laws, while a draft Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2026 aims to strengthen fair trading and consumer safeguards. Access to Information: A parliamentary committee urged an enabling law so citizens can access government information, citing constitutional rights but noting departments currently have no obligation to release records. Ocean Governance: PNG formally ratified the BBNJ marine biodiversity agreement, and the High Seas Treaty reached 100 parties globally, boosting momentum for ocean protection. Community Safety: East New Britain police commissioned new Warangoi duplexes under SPAP and renewed calls for stricter maritime safety after another boat accident left one dead and four missing. Regional Media: PNG secured the bid to host the 2028 Pacific Media Summit, as PINA elected Solomon Islands journalist Elizabeth Osifelo as vice-president. Sport & Diplomacy: MSG Games are set for 2029 on a four-year cycle, while Australia named its PM’s XIII squads for the Oct 3 matches in Port Moresby.

Electoral Commission: Two senior PNG Electoral Commission officers—former acting Electoral Commissioner Margaret Vagi and deputy Kila Vaname—have been suspended over serious administrative and financial irregularities, with concerns raised about how this could affect election planning ahead of April writs. Access to Information: A parliamentary communications committee is pushing for an enabling law so citizens can access government information, citing constitutional rights and frustration that departments are not obliged to release records. Digital Governance & AI: DICT says PNG will embed AI principles into existing digital laws, not create a standalone AI law, while Australia and PNG discuss safe, secure, inclusive AI adoption. Media & Accountability: PNG Opposition Leader James Nomane attacks “announcement, not action” governance, while PNG secures the 2028 Pacific Media Summit bid in a push to keep the media self-regulating. Maritime Safety & Ocean Policy: Maritime leaders urge “policy to practice” on safety and skills; PNG also deposits ratification for the UN BBNJ marine biodiversity treaty. Climate Pressure at UNGA: PM James Marape and Solomon Islands leaders demand real emissions cuts over “empty promises” as sea-level rise is framed as an urgent security threat. Community Services: PNGCIR, UNICEF and Australia launch a birth registration awareness drive in Port Moresby. Regional Security & Policing: East New Britain commissions new police duplexes to strengthen community policing, while authorities continue searching for missing people after a boat accident.

Climate Justice & Legal Push: Fiji’s Attorney-General opened a Pacific writeshop in Nadi for 16 Pacific states, including PNG, to prepare submissions to the International Court of Justice on climate change, with leaders urging “climate justice” and urgent emissions cuts. UN Climate Action Demand: PNG Prime Minister James Marape used the UNGA to demand industrial nations stop “empty promises” and cut carbon emissions, warning sea-level rise is already here. Resilience Beyond Tech: A USP seminar in Port Moresby and beyond highlighted that adaptation in PNG and the Pacific depends on history, governance, livelihoods and Indigenous knowledge—not just technical fixes. Blue Pacific Security: PNG Defence Minister Elias Kapavore called for stronger regional maritime cooperation at the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Nadi, stressing clearer roles and action in huge Pacific sea areas. AI Cooperation: Australia, PNG and Indo-Pacific partners discussed safe, secure and inclusive AI adoption, focusing on practical partnerships and use cases. PNG Chiefs Rugby Politics & IP: The PNG Chiefs expansion faces an IP Australia trademark setback, even as the franchise prepares to reveal its brand ahead of entry. PM’s XIII Rugby Focus: PNG PM’s XIII men’s squad preparations continue, with coach Wellington Albert urging selected players to embrace the responsibility of representing PNG against Australia. Humanitarian & Rights: PNG’s police reported rescuing 39 Indonesians in a human trafficking operation in Port Moresby, while a separate report warned displacement in West Papua is likely far higher than official figures.