AGP Executive Report

El Niño Preparedness Gap: Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa says his province is “unprepared” for severe El Niño impacts, citing no communication from the national government, drying rivers and looming harm to livestock and livelihoods. Financial Reform & Inclusion: PNG’s central bank stresses stability as the base for kina convertibility and exchange-rate reform, ahead of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion Global Policy Forum in Port Moresby (1–4 Sept). Health System Push: Interim council members for PNG’s standalone University of Medicine and Health Sciences are sworn in, with K2 billion committed for infrastructure and major tenders expected this year. Rural Training: Medical students from UPNG and Divine Word University begin rural clinical placements in Aitape with Catholic Church Health Services. Public Safety at Hagen Show: Police set up patrol posts and managed crowds during the 66th Mt Hagen Culture and Agriculture Show, responding to clashes and restoring order. Trade & Markets: NCD formally recognises Apo Street Market as an approved marketplace, giving vendors more secure operations under NCDC rules. Humanitarian Access: World Vision says humanitarian workers in the Pacific face major access and logistics challenges, especially during climate-driven disasters. Mining Leadership Change: K92 Mining announces CEO succession at Kainantu Gold Mine, with David Medilek taking over from John Lewins on 1 Oct 2026. Youth & Data: NSO National Statistician Alfred Mokae urges evidence-based investment in PNG’s youth, with major surveys underway ahead of the next census. Corruption Watch: ICAC warns of aggressive anti-corruption enforcement, with heightened scrutiny during election periods.

Pacific Diplomacy: Japan is stepping up engagement across the Pacific, deepening ties with Fiji and the Solomon Islands through development finance, climate resilience, disaster support and growing security cooperation. Education Support: Australia’s Direct Aid Program backs a Siassi Lutheran Secondary School mess hall refurbishment in Morobe with supplies and upgrades to improve safety and learning facilities. Debt and Budget Pressure: Opposition leader James Nomane warns PNG is in a debt “death spiral,” calling for full loan disclosure and updated fiscal reporting as Parliament resumes. Solomon Islands Pension Governance: PNG-linked regional attention grows as Solomon Islands opposition urges broader financial and commercial expertise for remaining SINPF Board appointments beyond legal backgrounds. Working Holiday Visa Pause: Australia’s pause on working holiday applications from 24 countries is flagged as a threat to agriculture and regional communities that rely on the visa holders. Health Delivery: UNICEF and partners move PNG’s first 100,000 HPV vaccine vials, with rollout planned from September 2026 to protect girls aged 9–14. Law and Order: New Ireland welcomes Tonga-born Commonwealth police officer Chief Supt George Fanamanu as provincial police commander, focusing on community relationships. Electricity Theft Crackdown: PNG Power rolls out smart meters and monitoring to tackle electricity theft and meter tampering as loss rates remain high. Business and Investment: PNG and Solomon Islands prime ministers will open the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands investment conference in Honiara, aiming to turn political ties into real trade and investment. Mining Leadership Change: K92 Mining appoints David Medilek as CEO from Oct 1, 2026, as John Lewins moves to non-executive chair.

Anti-Corruption Crackdown: ICAC says it will aggressively enforce anti-corruption laws against public officials, private citizens and political candidates, with heightened scrutiny during election periods. Power Sector Reform: PNG Power is rolling out smart meters and upgraded monitoring to tackle electricity theft and meter tampering, as it targets a high loss rate and seeks stronger accountability for long-running offenders. Election Integrity & Governance: A fraud case hits higher education, with a former UPNG bursar charged over an alleged K602,785 scheme involving unauthorised access to the student database and manipulation of student fee credits. Defence Alliance in Action: Australia and PNG’s defence ministers met in Port Moresby to push practical delivery of the Pukpuk Treaty, including a recruitment pathway for PNG citizens to join the Australian Defence Force. Resource Benefits for Citizens: Mining Minister Solen Loifa cleared the way for signing the revised Hidden Valley CDA, including royalty distribution details, after concerns were raised. Local Content for Gas: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina approved the Pasca A Gas National Content Plan to expand PNG worker and locally owned business participation. Youth Participation: A report highlights gaps between PNG’s National Youth Policy and how youth councils function on the ground, despite efforts to boost participatory governance. Health Delivery: UNICEF says PNG has received the first 100,000 HPV vaccine vials for a national rollout starting in September 2026, targeting girls aged 9–14 in initial provinces. Regional Security & Connectivity: All PIF members are now connected to undersea cables, improving digital access, while Australia also backed maritime border infrastructure for the Solomon Islands.

Pacific Rugby League Partnership: Fiji has formally joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, signing in parliament with Australia’s ARLC backing and joining PNG, Samoa and Tonga, with $250m for grassroots school programs and violence-prevention youth work, plus support for Pacific-hosted NRL and NRLW matches. Health & Women’s Rights: UNICEF delivered PNG’s first 100,000 HPV vaccine vials for a national rollout to prevent cervical cancer, with 180,000 more expected and the first phase targeting about 60,000 girls aged 9–14 in two provinces from September. Defence & Jobs: Australia and PNG are moving to turn the Pukpuk Treaty into practical programs, including a recruitment pathway for PNG citizens to join the Australian Defence Force, starting with a pilot and scaling toward “thousands” over the decade. Law & Order: New Ireland’s police command welcomed Chief Superintendent George Fanamanu as the new Provincial Police Commander, continuing Commonwealth police partnership support for local policing. Anti-Corruption: A former UPNG bursar has been charged over alleged K602,785 fraud involving unauthorised access to the student database and manipulation of fee credits. Resource Governance: Mining Minister Solen Loifa cleared the revised Hidden Valley CDA for signing, rejecting calls for delay after reviewing royalty and other concerns. Election Security: Police Minister Sir John Pundari says more than 300 Pacific police officers are expected to support PNG’s 2027 National General Election security operations. El Niño Response: K92 Mining committed PGK3m in in-kind support for El Niño impacts across Eastern Highlands, Morobe and Usino-Bundi, coordinated with provincial and district authorities.

PNG–Australia Defence Partnership: Defence Ministers Richard Marles and Elias Kapavore met in Port Moresby to operationalise the Pukpuk Treaty, including a planned pathway for up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans to join the Australian Defence Force, starting with a pilot in 2026-27. Hidden Valley CDA: Mining Minister Solen Loifa cleared the way for the revised Hidden Valley Community Development Agreement signing, rejecting calls for further delay and confirming royalty distribution details. Bougainville Independence Pressure: Bougainville’s independence push is heating up after a Joint Supervisory Body meeting, with a major parliamentary debate set for August 27. Gas Sector Local Benefits: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina approved the Pasca A Gas Project National Content Plan to boost PNG jobs, training and locally owned supplier participation. Digital Connectivity Boost: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to undersea cable networks, with PNG set to strengthen telecom resilience via a second international connection. Election Security Planning: PNG police say more than 300 Pacific officers will support security for the 2027 National General Election. Cocoa Downstream Processing: Marape backed Paradise Foods’ expanded Queen Emma chocolate factory, aiming to process more cocoa in-country and sell higher-value products overseas. Governance Watch: Marape ordered verification of allegations over National Gaming Control Board payments tied to his name, warning improper claims will be referred to police. Earthquake Alert: A 5.8 quake struck PNG’s north coast with no immediate damage reports.

Earthquake Watch: A 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Papua New Guinea’s north coast at 8:59pm AEST, with no immediate damage reports. Defence & Diplomacy: Australia’s Deputy PM Richard Marles met PNG Defence Minister Elias Kapavore in Port Moresby to operationalise the Pukpuk Treaty, including a recruitment pathway for PNG citizens to join the ADF, as both sides push ahead with joint defence initiatives. Regional Security: Marles also announced travel to PNG and Solomon Islands, while Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi is set to fly to Australia amid renewed focus on security cooperation and the wider Indo-Pacific agenda. Governance & Integrity: PM James Marape ordered verification of National Gaming Control Board payment allegations tied to his name, warning that any improper claims must be checked through proper channels and referred to police if warranted. Local Administration: Education functions are being transferred from the National Department of Education to NCDC in Port Moresby, covering 92 schools and thousands of teachers and students. Economy & Jobs: PNG launched and expanded cocoa processing at the Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, boosting downstream production capacity and linking farmers to overseas markets. Public Safety Infrastructure: Works and Highways launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges to improve earthquake resilience. Election Security Planning: PNG’s Police Minister says more than 300 Pacific police officers are expected to support security operations for the 2027 National General Election. Environment: Motu-Koitabu coastal communities raised urgent concerns over rising rubbish and plastic pollution affecting health, marine life and livelihoods.

Security & Diplomacy: Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles is set to meet PNG’s new Defence Minister Elias Kapavore in Port Moresby as the Pukpuk Treaty is pushed forward, while Marles also heads to Solomon Islands to meet PM Matthew Wale and open the Western Border Outpost. Regional Policing: PNG’s Police Minister Sir John Pundari says more than 300 Pacific police officers will support security for PNG’s 2027 National General Election, with officers training together in Australia. Governance & Integrity: PM James Marape orders the National Gaming Control Board to verify public allegations over payments and alleged misuse of his name, warning no one has authority to claim he directed transactions without proper records. Downstream Jobs: Marape inaugurates the expanded Queen Emma Chocolate factory, boosting capacity from 10 to 200 tonnes a month and backing the push for cocoa value-add in-country. Infrastructure Safety: Works and Highways launches a revised seismic design manual for bridges to improve earthquake resilience. Local Service Delivery: NCDC takes over education functions in Port Moresby, moving 92 schools and thousands of teachers and students under NCDC management. Culture & Faith: Bougainville welcomes Cardinal Tagle for the Catholic Diocese’s 125th Jubilee Anniversary. Sports Administration: OFC confirms 2027 Pro League teams and backs FIFA’s withdrawal of the Forward Enterprise plan, calling for transparency.

Downstream Jobs Boost: Prime Minister James Marape inaugurated Paradise Foods’ upgraded Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, backed by the EU-STREIT PNG Programme and FAO, lifting capacity from 10 to 200 tonnes a month and aiming to help thousands of cocoa farmers capture more value locally. Election Security: Police Minister Sir John Pundari says more than 300 police officers from across the Pacific will support PNG’s 2027 National General Election, working alongside the Royal PNG Constabulary as part of wider regional policing cooperation. NCD Education Shift: Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra says education functions are being transferred from the National Department of Education to the NCDC, with 92 schools and about 2,290 teachers moving under NCDC management in Port Moresby. Infrastructure Safety: Works and Highways launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges, updating earthquake risk guidance to improve public safety and engineering standards. Local Governance & Health: Motu-Koitabu coastal communities are calling for action over rising rubbish and plastic pollution along the Port Moresby coastline, linking it to public health and marine impacts. National Integrity: PM Marape ordered verification of allegations involving NGCB payments and use of his name, warning any improper conduct will be referred to police. Bougainville Jubilee: Bougainville welcomed Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and a Catholic delegation for the 125th Jubilee Anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Bougainville. Architecture Awards Return: PNGIA revived the Dulux Design Excellence Awards after an eight-year break, with the event set for October 17 at Hilton Port Moresby.

Downstream Cocoa Boost: Prime Minister James Marape inaugurated Paradise Foods’ upgraded Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, backing PNG’s push to process cocoa locally. The K18.6m expansion (EU-STREIT PNG Programme via FAO plus company funding) adds 12 new machines, lifting capacity from 10 to 200 tonnes a month and aiming to sell higher-value products overseas. Gaming Integrity Move: Marape ordered the National Gaming Control Board to verify public allegations about payments and alleged unauthorised use of his name, warning that any improper conduct will be referred to police. Education in NCD: Education functions for general schooling have been transferred from the National Department of Education to the NCDC, bringing 92 schools and about 2,290 teachers under NCD management. Infrastructure Safety: Works and Highways launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges to improve earthquake resilience and public safety, updating standards last set in 1985. Coastal Waste Pressure: Motu-Koitabu coastline communities raised urgent concerns over rising rubbish and plastic pollution, calling for stronger government support to protect health and marine life. Regional Security & China: Pacific leaders and ministers continue grappling with China-related security tensions, while the U.S. holds a second Pacific summit to counter growing influence. Sports Administration: OFC confirmed the 2027 Pro League line-up, with PNG Hekari among the eight original clubs returning.

Downstream Cocoa Boost: PM James Marape inaugurated Paradise Foods’ upgraded Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, backed by the EU-STREIT PNG Programme and FAO, lifting capacity from 10 to 200 tonnes a month and aiming to keep more cocoa value in-country. Anti-Corruption Push: Marape ordered the National Gaming Control Board to verify public allegations over NGCB payments tied to his name, warning improper conduct will be referred to police. Infrastructure Safety: Works and Highways launched a revised seismic design manual for bridges, updating earthquake risk guidance to improve public safety and engineering standards. Gas Sector Local Benefits: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina approved the Pasca A Gas Project’s National Content Plan, setting out training, jobs and greater PNG business participation. Education Devolution in NCD: Education functions moved from the National Department of Education to NCDC, bringing 92 schools and thousands of teachers and students under the commission. Coastline Waste Concerns: Motu-Koitabu coastal communities urged stronger government action as rubbish and plastic pollution worsen public health and marine impacts. Regional Digital Policy: Pacific foreign ministers backed AI rules and safer digital spaces as connectivity expands across undersea cables. PNGDF Readiness: PNGDF and ADF engineers continue joint work in Exercise Pukpuk 2026 in Lae, strengthening regional defence engineering ties. Elections Leadership: Professor Nicole Haley was welcomed into the PNG public sector as Electoral Commissioner, with a mandate focused on the 2027 national general elections.

Electoral Leadership: Professor Nicole Haley has been officially welcomed into PNG’s public sector as the new Electoral Commissioner, with her mandate focused on planning and delivering the 2027 National General Elections. Anti-Corruption: Acting ICAC Commissioner Don Sawong says investigations will continue despite threats and intimidation, warning anyone obstructing ICAC officers will be arrested and prosecuted. Public Sector & Governance: The Parliamentary Committee on Communications tabled part three of its recommendations, flagging media capacity gaps, misinformation risks and the need for stronger oversight and journalist support. Economic & Industry: PNG inaugurated upgraded cocoa processing at Paradise Foods’ Queen Emma Chocolate factory in Port Moresby, backed by EU-STREIT PNG and FAO support, pushing more downstream value locally. Defence & Security: PNGDF and ADF engineers are working together in Lae for Exercise Pukpuk 2026, while PNGDF also plans a new forward operating base in Pomio to strengthen patrols in the eastern economic zone. Regional Diplomacy: Australia’s Albanese says AUKUS is “full steam ahead” after an overnight call with US President Trump, and discussed new security alliances involving PNG and Fiji. Health & Social Impact: Kumul Petroleum Holdings invested in licensed out-of-home care centres for vulnerable children, supporting shelter and protection across multiple provinces. Climate Resilience: IOM is working with Iagain communities in Bougainville’s Carteret Islands to identify locally driven solutions to sea-level rise, erosion and food insecurity.

Visa Reciprocity Review: PM James Marape says PNG will consider matching other countries’ visa rules, including possible visa-on-arrival or charges, after the U.S. made a refundable visa bond permanent for PNG travellers. Fuel Subsidy Pressure: Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey confirms PNG’s fuel subsidy will run to December, with total costs now estimated at about K1.5b. Digital ID Laws: PNG opens public consultation on data protection, cybersecurity, and verifiable credentials bills, covering biometric safeguards and identity trust services. Anti-Corruption Push: ICAC acting commissioner Don Sawong warns threats and obstruction against investigators will be met with arrest, charges and prosecution. Defence Aviation Funding: Government commits K40m to complete work on the PNGDF CN 235 aircraft, with other aircraft and rotary capability also targeted. Health & Education Administration: NCD takes control of education services in Port Moresby, while KPHL invests over K500,000 to support child care centres. Road Safety Reminder: RTA responds to media criticism, stressing road safety is its core function and highlighting cashless enforcement steps. Regional Business Links: Fiji-PNG Business Council plans to re-launch operations and renew its membership drive. Sports & Community: Kira-Kira Cricket Oval in Port Moresby gets an upgrade into a mini stadium via BSP’s 50for50 Givim Bek.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: The US and several Pacific partners have publicly challenged China’s nuclear-capable missile test over alleged short notice, after PIF foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint condemnation. Cost of Living & Energy: PNG’s fuel subsidy is set to rise to about K1.5 billion by year-end as pump prices climb again. Social Protection: New Ireland Governor James Byron Chan has restored the Old Age and Disability Pension, with payments already reaching beneficiaries. Health Support: Lutheran Health Services in Lae received a donation of medical supplies shipped via an Australian Navy vessel. Climate Impacts on Services: El Niño is forcing schools in parts of PNG to shorten hours, with some closing as early as 12pm due to heat and water limits. Government & Accountability: PM Marape has ordered Unitech to provide acquittals for K141m in past government funding, while the IPPCC urges parties to obey the code of conduct ahead of GE27. Digital Governance: PNG has opened public consultation on data protection, cybersecurity and verifiable credentials bills. Public Safety: Authorities are urged to crack down on illegal street sales of prescription medicines. Disaster Readiness: A PNG-U.S. disaster management training exercise is underway in Morobe to strengthen province-level emergency response.

Disaster Response Training: The U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby and PNG civil-military partners have launched a four-day disaster management and humanitarian assistance field exercise in Morobe (Lae), led by U.S. Pacific Command’s CFE-DM with PNGDF, the National Disaster Centre and maritime agencies, to strengthen province-level coordination for floods, landslides and maritime emergencies. El Niño Funding: PNG’s Treasurer says the World Bank has agreed in principle to unlock up to K300m for El Niño damage, including a US$50m catastrophe deferred drawdown option (about K220m) and possible additional support streams. Border Security Upgrade: PNG Customs officers in Port Moresby completed a Canada-led course to better target suspicious air cargo and postal shipments, aiming to intercept illegal goods without slowing legitimate trade. Digital ID Laws: PNG is seeking stakeholder feedback on proposed digital identity laws covering a national ID and digital wallet, plus new regulators and rules for digital government services. Bougainville Economy: Lloyds Metals & Energy has been authorised to begin preparatory and feasibility work to assess restarting the Panguna copper mine, a major long-closed asset tied to Bougainville’s development push. Public Finance Reform: Bank of PNG governor Elizabeth Genia outlined a reform agenda at a Brisbane investment conference, focusing on price stability, financial stability, exchange-rate management and financial inclusion.

Election Integrity Watch: The Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC) has urged all 44 registered parties to obey a strict code of conduct ahead of GE27, with the Electoral Commission set to review and update the rules for parties, candidates, scrutineers and supporters. Public Service Accountability: A Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing questioned the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification over SBD21.69m in advanced warrants tied to the Tina River Hydropower project, seeking Parliament’s approval to regularise spending already made. El Niño Response Funding: PNG Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey says the World Bank has opened access to up to K300m for El Niño damage, including a US$50m Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option and possible additional disaster-linked support. Border and Customs Capacity: PNG Customs officers in Port Moresby completed a Canada-led course to better target suspicious air cargo and postal shipments, aiming to intercept illegal goods without slowing legitimate trade. Digital ID Feedback Sought: PNG is asking stakeholders for input on proposed digital identity laws covering the national ID, digital wallet, new regulators and rules for digital government services. Security and Law & Order: Police Minister Sir John Pundari warned El Niño could be the worst on record and ordered police to crack down on anyone exploiting the crisis, while also pushing tougher penalties for illegal firearms after the amnesty ends. Energy Skills Push: Prime Minister Marape launched Unitech’s new School of Petroleum Engineering, with the first intake due in 2027 to build local expertise for the oil, gas and energy sector.

Pacific Security Rift: China’s July nuclear-capable missile test into the Pacific has reignited divisions, with PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko calling it “totally inappropriate” and noting Beijing gave notice but no landing details, while Pacific foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint condemnation. El Niño & Public Order: Police Minister Sir John Pundari warned PNG could face its worst El Niño on record and ordered a crackdown on anyone exploiting shortages, as agencies coordinate a unified security response. World Bank El Niño Lifeline: Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey confirmed PNG can access up to K300m in World Bank disaster financing, including a US$50m catastrophe drawdown option and additional contingency funding. Governance & Elections: PNGEC work continues with Southern Highlands preparing for the 2027 vote, including a new Mendi Central open electorate and a K500,000 Common Roll update contribution. Energy Skills Push: The International Solar Alliance will set up STAR-C training at Don Bosco Technological Institute in Port Moresby to expand solar deployment capacity. Sports Funding Standstill: PNGFA says it will not assemble the 2026 MSG Prime Minister’s Cup national team until outstanding player and tournament obligations are paid. Police Reform & Welfare: Border Command officers completed a leadership sergeant course, while Chimbu received 10 police duplexes under the special police assistance programme.