AGP Executive Report

PNGDF Leadership: Lieutenant Colonel Eka Sarufa has taken command of the PNG Defence Force Engineering Battalion in a Lae handover ceremony, pledging discipline, accountability, professionalism and empowerment for a two-year term. Legal Pressure on Government: The National Court has rejected Deputy PM John Rosso’s bid to stop an Ombudsman Commission investigation into alleged undeclared income, saying the probe is still at a preliminary stage. Fuel Subsidy Fallout: PNG CORE says fuel suppliers will move back to market-based pricing from 15 May after subsidy reimbursement delays and uncertainty, while NCD Governor Powes Parkop insists there’s no fuel shortage and blames any disruption on subsidy processing. Port Moresby Development: ADB and NCD are discussing future investment priorities for the capital, including transport, affordable housing, water and sanitation. Ocean Agenda: PNG is pushing ocean protection through sustainable “blue economy” plans following the Melanesian Ocean Summit in Port Moresby. Disaster Support: China has handed PNG US$1 million in humanitarian cash for disaster response and recovery.

Fuel Crisis Watch: PNG CORE says fuel suppliers will revert to market-based pricing after delays in government subsidy reimbursements, warning some service stations could see disruptions even while it insists there is no shortage. PM Marape Pressure: Marape has threatened sackings over fuel subsidy payment delays, pointing to kina sitting in a Central Bank trust account while stations reportedly shut temporarily. NCD Reassurance: NCD Governor Powes Parkop tells residents there’s no fuel shortage and says the price issue will be fixed today after Marape released part of the subsidy. Regional Diplomacy: On the sidelines of the Melanesian Oceans Summit, Fiji’s foreign minister met PNG’s to push better market access for Fijian products and review a development cooperation deal. International Moves: Marape begins a France state visit May 19–21 to deepen ties as both mark 50 years of diplomacy. Governance: PNG’s Supreme Court dismisses opposition challenges to the no-confidence law, backing the amendment as a stability measure.

Fuel Crisis Politics: PNG PM Marape has threatened sackings over delays in fuel subsidy payments as service stations reportedly shut temporarily, while NCDC Governor Powes Parkop insists there’s “no shortage” and says K300m of the K1b subsidy has already been released to stabilise supply and prices. Market Pressure: PNG CORE warns fuel suppliers will shift back to market-based pricing from May 15 after reimbursement delays, raising the risk of price spikes and spot shortages at some outlets. Local Governance: Parkop met the ADB on Port Moresby transport, housing, water and sanitation, and swore in Motu Koita leader Udia Opao to the NCDC board. Regional Ties: Marape congratulated Solomon Islands PM-elect Matthew Wale and pledged continued cooperation. Accountability Watch: Ombudsman Commission probes PNG Deputy PM John Rosso over alleged corruption tied to income declarations. Education Tech: UNITECH tightens oversight of student subsidy funds, while TSC launches a new official website and reforms to modernise teacher services.

Fuel & Stability: NCD Governor Powes Parkop says Port Moresby and the country have adequate fuel, after consultations with PM James Marape. But Prices: PNG CORE warns fuel prices will rise from May 15 as suppliers revert to market-based pricing after delays in government subsidy reimbursements. Governance Watch: The Ombudsman Commission is probing PNG Deputy PM John Rosso over alleged misconduct tied to income declarations, as Rosso seeks court review. Humanitarian Support: China has handed PNG US$1 million in cash disaster assistance following Cyclone Maila. Regional Politics: Solomon Islands has elected Matthew Wale as PM, with Marape congratulating him and promising deeper cooperation. Ocean Push: PNG unveiled the Western Manus Marine Protected Area—about 200,000 km²—strictly “no take,” as Melanesian leaders back the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Connectivity: TelkomGroup launched the Pukpuk submarine cable, boosting cross-border digital links with PNG. Sports: Hungry Waratahs thrashed the Drua at home.

Fuel Crunch Watch: NCD Governor Powes Parkop says Port Moresby and PNG have no fuel shortage, but Fuel Prices: PNG CORE warns prices will rise from May 15 as suppliers shift back to market-based rates after subsidy reimbursement delays. Law & Order Shock: PNG police deployed to help after Cyclone Maila in the Solomons were disarmed and stood down after an alleged drunk incident at Tenaru involving threats to shoot a civilian. Anti-Corruption Probe: The Ombudsman Commission is investigating Deputy PM John Rosso over alleged misconduct tied to income declarations, with Rosso moving to challenge the inquiry in court. Politics—Stability vs Tension: PNG’s Supreme Court upheld the no-confidence law changes, while opposition figures call the Ombudsman referral of Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika to NEC a dangerous precedent. Regional Moves: Marape congratulated Solomon Islands PM-elect Matthew Wale; TelkomGroup launched the Pukpuk submarine cable; PNG also received US$1m humanitarian support from China after Cyclone Maila. Ocean Agenda: PNG unveiled a Western Manus “no-take” MPA as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves.

MPA Push: Papua New Guinea has announced plans for the largest Marine Protected Area in its history—about 200,000 km² in Western Manus—set up as a strict “no-take” zone under the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Teacher Services Go Digital: The Teaching Service Commission launched its official website plus new corporate and development plans, letting teachers download appointment and leave forms and access policies online without travelling to provincial offices. Court Stability Ruling: Prime Minister James Marape welcomed the Supreme Court decision upholding the no-confidence law changes, saying it protects long-term stability. Judiciary Tension: The Ombudsman Commission’s referral of Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika to the NEC is drawing sharp opposition criticism over separation of powers, while Marape says the government will handle it carefully. Fuel Relief Acknowledged: PNG CORE says Government fuel subsidy efforts are shielding consumers from rising global prices. Regional Links: Central Province and the Cook Islands renewed their sister-province partnership, renewing cultural and development cooperation. Police Incident: PNG officers deployed to the Solomon Islands were disarmed and stood down after an alleged Tenaru rampage, with deportation steps underway.

Supreme Court Stability Win: PNG’s Supreme Court has dismissed Opposition Leader James Nomane’s challenge to the tightened no-confidence rules, effectively closing another legal route against Constitutional Amendment No.48. PM Responds: Prime Minister Marape hailed the earlier Supreme Court upholding of the amendment as a major victory for long-term political stability. Judiciary Tension: The Ombudsman Commission’s referral of Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika to the NEC is still sparking backlash, with the Opposition warning of a “dangerous precedent,” while Marape urges calm and careful handling. Police Discipline: PNG police officers deployed to the Solomon Islands were disarmed, stood down, and face deportation after an alleged Tenaru rampage involving threats with a firearm. Regional Diplomacy: China handed PNG US$1m in cyclone Maila disaster relief, and Central Province signed a Sister Province partnership with the Cook Islands to deepen cooperation. Ocean Push: At the Melanesian Ocean Summit, PNG backed major marine protection moves, including a Western Manus “no-take” marine protected area.

Cyclone Maila Recovery: China has formally handed PNG US$1 million in disaster assistance to support recovery and reconstruction, with the handover held in Port Moresby and attended by PM James Marape. Ocean Governance Push: At the Melanesian Ocean Summit, PNG leaders turned pledges into action—signing the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves declaration and backing a “no-take” Western Manus Marine Protected Area, while officials warned that maritime policy must respect local culture to avoid conflict. Finance & Services: TISA Bank and TISA Insurance are expanding into Enga with a new Wabag branch. State Sector Update: Kumul Petroleum announced a board leadership transition, with chairman Gerea Aopi set to hand over to Isaac Lupari on May 19. Judiciary Tension: The Ombudsman Commission’s referral of Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika to the NEC is drawing sharp opposition criticism, as PM Marape says the government will proceed carefully.

Resource Governance Boost: PNGRGC and Australia renewed their pact with APEP to push transparency and stronger civil-society participation in PNG’s extractives. UN Pressure on Logging Deals: Government missed a UN deadline on questions about misuse of Forest Clearing Authority (FCA) logging licences and SABL land leases. Ocean Protection Push: PNG moved to protect about 200,000 km² through the Western Manus Marine Protected Area under the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves—strictly “no-take” to safeguard sharks, turtles, dolphins and more. Judiciary Tension: The Ombudsman Commission’s referral of Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika to NEC is being slammed by Opposition as a dangerous precedent; PM Marape says the State will handle it with “utmost care” and respect for constitutional independence. Digital Reform: NICTA CEO Polume Lume was sworn in, promising a five-year reset to rebuild trust and strengthen enforcement. Pacific Info Integrity: Pacific journalists trained to fight “fake news” and disinformation, as regional leaders back stronger ocean and security cooperation.

Judiciary Tension: Prime Minister James Marape urged Papua New Guineans to stay calm and respect due process after the Ombudsman Commission referral of Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika, while the Opposition warned the move could set a “dangerous precedent” by pulling the judiciary into executive-led processes. Government Response: Marape says the government is seeking legal advice on how to proceed, stressing the need to stay within constitutional boundaries. Digital Push: Polume Lume was sworn in as NICTA CEO, with a five-year reform plan to fix governance and enforcement and rebuild public trust. Pacific Diplomacy: PNG announced it will open embassies in the Marshall Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu, and also agreed reciprocal embassies with Timor-Leste after Ramos-Horta’s visit. Security & Services: Australia donated two Bell 412 helicopters to boost police air capacity ahead of GE27, and PNG says ICT is now helping detect illegal vessels. Ocean Agenda: PNG highlighted 30-by-30 progress with the Western Manus National Marine Sanctuary and renewed calls to protect oceans without undermining livelihoods.

NRL Chiefs Tax Break Costs: PNG’s tax-free Chiefs salaries are set to hit government receipts by $5.4m over four years from 2026–27, with budget papers saying the tax law will be amended to make the exemptions “operate as intended.” Sports & Asian Games Prep: Japan’s new cricket ground in Nagoya is already hosting qualifiers, with PNG among the teams—cricket is still new to many fans, but the pitch is warming up for bigger stages. Law & Custom Recording: The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission has advanced its Underlying Law work in Jiwaka, recording local customs for possible court recognition. Child Nutrition Push: UN Resident Coordinator Shalini Bahuguna visited East New Britain to check progress under the Child Nutrition and Social Protection project after Cyclone Maila damage. Education & Skills: Ground-breaking starts for the proposed Sandaun Technical & Teachers College at Poro, Aitape. Digital Safety: ICT Minister Tsiamalili Jr. orders NICTA to fully block harmful online sites within 30 days. Ocean Protection: PNG leaders at the Melanesian Ocean Summit renewed calls to expand Marine Protected Areas while protecting livelihoods.

Social Protection Push: PNG is hosting a three-day Community of Practice for Social Protection conference at the Hilton (12–14 May), bringing together practitioners from 12 Pacific countries with support from Australia and the World Bank to strengthen how vulnerable people are protected. Election Integrity Clash: PM James Marape rejects claims of “slush funds” and election manipulation ahead of 2027, saying all spending is through lawful budget processes and parliamentary scrutiny. Oceans Diplomacy: At the Melanesian Ocean Summit in Port Moresby, Marape and other leaders are urging united action to protect marine life and climate resilience, with PNG also signing up regional cultural and diplomatic steps (including stronger PNG–Vanuatu ties). Governance Under Scrutiny: The Ombudsman Commission has referred Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika to the NEC for a possible tribunal probe after the Acting Public Prosecutor declined to prosecute. Digital Safety & Connectivity: ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili orders urgent enforcement to block harmful online content, while Starlink says it will set up a PNG office within 12 months of licensing. Policing Boost: Australia has delivered two Bell 412 helicopters to the RPNGC to improve rapid response in remote areas.

Health Funding Push: NEFC and key agencies will start a major costing study in July 2026 to map how Provincial Health Authorities handle curative care, rural services and administration—aimed at tightening accountability and financing. Health Workers Get Paid: BSP Life PNG says 1,500+ health workers will receive K3.5m in survival benefits under the Wantok Delite product, with the first payout cycle now underway. Ocean Summit Momentum: In Port Moresby, PM Marape and regional leaders are driving a united push for ocean protection and climate resilience at the Melanesian Ocean Summit, with Pacific unity and practical action taking centre stage. Security Crackdown in Enga: Joint police and PNGDF operations in Wabag targeted alcohol-fuelled crime, netting arrests and seizing 57 cartons of SP beer. Justice Update: PNG’s Ombudsman Commission has referred Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika to the NEC under reserve powers, after earlier tribunal action was blocked for lack of sufficient evidence. Digital Governance: NICTA’s new CEO and board members were sworn in as the regulator moves to modernise and restore public trust. Business Watch: K92 Mining reported strong Q1 2026 results and made a K287m corporate tax payment.

Digital Governance Reset: NICTA has sworn in a new board and CEO Polume Lume, with a blunt promise to fix governance gaps, enforcement failures and restore public trust as PNG pushes a “digital journey.” Online Safety Push: Acting ICT minister Peter Tsiamalili has ordered NICTA to fully enforce the NEC ban on pornographic and harmful sites within 30 days. Ocean Diplomacy: PNG is hosting the Melanesian Oceans Summit at APEC Haus, with leaders including Timor-Leste’s José Ramos-Horta and Fiji’s Sitiveni Rabuka; PNG and Timor-Leste also plan embassies in each other’s capitals. Trade & Connectivity: PNG and China have finalized a framework agreement for a major next-week signing, while the US- PNG strategic dialogue points to deeper security ties and US$30m for satellite internet. Finance Stability: Bank of PNG endorsed an Emergency Liquidity Assistance framework to strengthen banking resilience. Local Accountability: Ombudsman Commission has referred Chief Justice Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika to NEC over alleged leadership-code misconduct.

In the past 12 hours, coverage in and around Papua New Guinea has been dominated by labour, health workforce, digital governance, and regional security positioning. A Fiji skills assessment highlights how businesses struggle to find skilled workers locally, while outward migration is adding pressure on Pacific labour markets (including 15,500 Fijians migrating overseas between Jan 2023 and Feb 2024). In PNG, the Health Secretary and the Midwifery Society both pushed for urgent, targeted workforce reform—especially to address high maternal and child mortality—arguing that training must be aligned to real community needs rather than one-size-fits-all approaches. Digital policy also featured prominently: at the PNG Media Summit 2026, ICT officials discussed Starlink licensing and digital public infrastructure, while another panel called for stronger oversight of AI tools used by government agencies, focusing on data privacy, accountability, and offshore handling of sensitive information.

Regional diplomacy and security narratives also intensified in the last 12 hours. Australia’s “partner of choice” messaging—framed as a response to China’s contest for influence—appeared alongside reporting that Australia and Fiji are moving toward the Vuvale Union security and political deal. PNG’s own maritime cooperation and standards alignment were also highlighted as part of broader Pacific efforts to close operational gaps, with PNG maritime officials stressing that cooperation is key to addressing shortcomings. Separately, NZDF’s conclusion of a PNG deployment was reported, including that helicopters and personnel had been redirected to deliver cyclone-related aid and support WWII bomb destruction in Bougainville.

Several PNG domestic governance and institutional themes continued from earlier in the week, suggesting a sustained focus rather than a single breaking event. The government’s attention to electoral integrity and the 2027 election timeline was reinforced by reporting that PNG risks flawed polls without urgent action, alongside calls for immediate funding and institutional trust. Financial governance and market development also remained in view: Westpac PNG argued that FATF “greylisting” is not a sanction, while PNGX saw Kina Securities list the country’s first corporate bond on the debt market—presented as a milestone for capital market diversification. In parallel, PNG’s digital service expansion continued with Lae City Authority launching ServiceLink, enabling residents to pay bills, apply for licences, and track applications online.

Finally, the week’s coverage shows strong continuity in social-sector and community-facing issues, with multiple stories tying policy to lived impacts. Midwifery reform and maternal mortality were echoed across different angles (workforce planning and urgent government action). Climate and resilience programming also featured, with the Kiwa Initiative unveiling new regional climate projects that include PNG communities in New Ireland and East New Britain. Meanwhile, broader public debate in the region—ranging from fuel-price pressure on households to concerns about how sport and investment choices affect Pacific communities—appeared as recurring context rather than a single coordinated development.

In the past 12 hours, coverage has been dominated by governance, digital transformation, and election-readiness themes. The PNG Media Summit 2026 put Starlink, AI and information integrity at the centre, with ICT Secretary Steven Matainaho saying the Starlink licence has already been issued and outlining digital public infrastructure such as a digital ID via the Service Wallet app. Matainaho also called for stronger oversight of AI tools used by government agencies, warning about data privacy and offshore processing risks. In parallel, the Midwifery Society’s president urged urgent workforce reform, warning that shortages and policy delays are threatening maternal and newborn health services.

Several practical service-delivery and infrastructure items also featured strongly. Lae City Authority launched its ServiceLink platform, enabling residents to pay bills, apply for licences and access services online—positioned as an end to long queues. Police training capacity is also expanding, with more than 700 recruits set for six months of training at the National Centre of Excellence. Connectivity developments continued with Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso welcoming improved satellite internet access in rural Morobe, describing Starlink as a bridge for remote communities’ access to education, healthcare and communications. Meanwhile, PNG’s economic and regulatory environment was addressed through multiple angles: Westpac PNG’s CEO said FATF “greylisting” is not a sanction, and International Trade Minister Richard Maru reiterated that PNG has only four licensed SEZs, with additional projects approved in principle but not yet licensed.

A major political/legal thread in the last 12 hours involved Australia’s immigration court process, which was reported in PNG-focused coverage: a High Court appeal by an Iranian man convicted of murdering his wife was unanimously rejected, allowing deportation to Nauru. The reporting frames the decision as a win for immigration control, and it references Australia’s long-term resettlement payments to Nauru—though this is not a PNG domestic development, it is the clearest “hard” legal outcome in the most recent window.

Looking to the broader 7-day context, there is continuity around election and institutional credibility ahead of 2027. Former PM Peter O’Neill warned PNG risks flawed 2027 polls without urgent action, including funding and leadership gaps at the Electoral Commission. Prime Minister Marape, in turn, emphasized delivering services rather than early campaigning and highlighted steps to strengthen electoral readiness and security neutrality. There is also ongoing scrutiny of governance and compliance, including PNG PM Marape ordering a review into a reported K20 million Defence Force-related transaction, and opposition calls to suspend the transfer pending inquiry—suggesting that the “governance performance” narrative is building rather than fading.