AGP Executive Report

Electoral Reform: Prime Minister James Marape has appointed Australian election specialist Dr Nicole Haley as Papua New Guinea’s new Electoral Commissioner, with ministers and Enga Governor Peter Ipatas calling it a key step to restore trust ahead of the 2027 election, while the Electoral Commission Appointments Committee process is described as bipartisan and transparent. Public Service Appointments: The PNG Trade Union Congress is pushing for clearer rules on foreign nationals in senior public service roles, pointing to expatriate appointments in policing and raising questions about duties and contract terms. Election Security Prep: An E-Peace workshop in Port Moresby is underway to improve coordination between the Electoral Commission and the Royal PNG Constabulary for safer, more credible polling. Governance Review: The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission has launched a nationwide review of District Development Authority laws, seeking public input to fix long-running performance problems. Community Safety: Community leaders in Madang have completed training to tackle sorcery accusation-related violence, gender-based violence and substance abuse using a “See, Judge and Act” approach. Human Rights Pressure: West Papuan separatist leader Benny Wenda says MSG’s denial of full membership was met cautiously, while urging urgent action over alleged grave human rights violations in Indonesia’s West Papua. Jobs and Growth Reality Check: The World Bank says PNG’s growth is strong, but most people still lack formal jobs and better living conditions, calling for a clearer jobs agenda and improved infrastructure.

Electoral Reform: Prime Minister James Marape has appointed Dr Nicole Haley as Papua New Guinea’s new Electoral Commissioner, tasking her with leading preparations for the 2027 National General Election and restoring public confidence after years of disputed polls. Election Security: A three-day E-PEACE Joint Election Security Workshop in Port Moresby is bringing the Electoral Commission and Royal PNG Constabulary together to tighten coordination for safe, credible polling. Public Service Scrutiny: The PNG Trade Union Congress is urging transparency on foreign appointments to senior public service roles, even as it welcomes Haley’s election expertise. Governance Review: The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission has launched a nationwide review of District Development Authority laws, starting public consultations on how DDAs can work better. Local Development: NCD Governor Powes Parkop opened the Erima-Mambu Road resealing project, while Wau-Waria’s Pinetop community received a new water supply and WASH rollout. Economy & Jobs: The World Bank says PNG’s growth is strong, but formal jobs and living standards lag, with most work staying informal. Health Partnership: PNG and Australia reaffirmed progress on snakebite care, including a transition plan for nationally led management. Sports & Youth: Marape praised kickboxing’s youth impact, and plans for the PNG Chiefs Village include family facilities for players and officials.

Electoral Leadership & Election Security: Prime Minister James Marape has appointed Dr Nicole Haley as PNG’s new Electoral Commissioner, as preparations for the 2027 National General Election intensify, with an E-Peace workshop underway to tighten coordination between the Electoral Commission and the Royal PNG Constabulary. Governance & Public Service Reform: The government has rolled out a new electronic recruitment system for senior public service appointments, aiming to cut paper processes and reduce nepotism and political interference under the “Reset at 50” agenda. Law & Order in Provinces: Hela will run a standalone police recruitment exercise in August to boost local manpower, while Operation Kumul 23 continues intensified patrols in Enga targeting illegal firearms and violent offenders. Local Development & Services: Wau-Waria’s Pinetop community has received a new water supply plus fencing for Pinetop Primary School and a five-year WASH rollout; NCD Governor Parkop also officially opened the Erima-Mambu road resealing project. Integrity & SME Oversight: PNG’s Commerce Minister Win Daki faces renewed resignation pressure over the K200 million SME funding scheme as the government moves to review the programme’s administration amid public trust concerns. Connectivity for Learning: Tubusereia Junior High School in Central Province has its first high-speed internet connection via Starlink, backed by managed data and safer online access. Education Tech: Western Pacific University launched an AI-enabled digital knowledge hub and SmartX tablets to expand learning access.

Election Security & Governance: PNGEC and RPNGC kicked off a three-day joint election security workshop for the 2027 NGE, pushing closer coordination so polling stays safe and credible. Police Operations: Operation Kumul 23 intensified ground patrols in Enga, targeting illegal firearms and violent offenders with intelligence-led tactics alongside Mobile Squads and PNGDF. Local Infrastructure: NCD Governor Powes Parkop officially opened the Erima–Mambu Road resealing project, a K2.3m upgrade meant to unlock follow-on services for the settlement. Electoral Leadership: Australian academic Dr Nicole Haley was appointed PNG Electoral Commissioner, with Prime Minister Marape stressing expertise for a “one person, one vote” 2027 election. Economic Oversight: Government ordered a review of the K200m SME Support Programme after concerns over how funds were administered, aiming to restore integrity and fair access. Health & Community: Baby Sawong Kevin Mitian returned home to Port Moresby after six months in Australia for separation surgery, marking a major medical homecoming. Sports & Youth Pathways: New Ireland Governor Byron Chan pledged K100,000 to AFL PNG and backed the Chiefs’ NRL push as a chance to open pathways for young Papua New Guineans. Business & Finance: BPNG delivered a K76.95m dividend to the National Government after a K384.8m 2025 profit, reinforcing transparency and stability. Industry & Environment: Ok Tedi submitted its ESIA for a new tailings storage facility to PNG authorities, aiming to cut downstream impacts under its Growth 2050 plan.

Kiunga Order and Public Safety: North Fly MP James Donald says he will use Vagrancy Act powers to expel people in Kiunga township accused of vagrancy and unlawful conduct after deadly drink-driving incidents, with protests contained by police and the PNG Defence Force. Digital Government Hiring: Prime Minister James Marape says PNG has launched an electronic recruitment system for senior public service appointments to cut paper work, speed shortlisting, and reduce nepotism and political interference under “Reset at 50.” Education Tech Push: Western Pacific University officially opened an AI-enabled digital knowledge hub (LearnX) and rolled out SmartX tablets, aiming to expand learning access for rural students. Food Safety in the City: NCDC ran a food safety workshop in Port Moresby urging shared responsibility among regulators and food businesses to protect public health. Road Access for West Sepik: The Governor-General executed contracts for the Sepik Highway works, including design and construction for the Warasikau Bridge to Lumi-Karaitem Road section under Connect PNG. Central Bank Dividend: BPNG delivered a K76.95 million dividend to the National Government after a K384.8 million net operating profit for 2025. Election Rules for Public Servants: DPM reminds public servants intending to contest the 2027 election they must resign by 29 October 2026. Remote Health by Air: Australia and Adventist Aviation Services launched a partnership to keep medical evacuations and essential supply flights running for isolated communities. Regional Policing Support: INTERPOL’s Project Blue Pacific handed over equipment to PNG’s Interpol NCB to strengthen cross-border investigations. Bougainville Tax Compliance: Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd was urged to update its taxpayer registration to ensure Bougainville revenue is correctly attributed to the autonomous region.

Vanuatu-Australia Security Deal: Vanuatu has finally signed the long-delayed Nakamal Agreement with Australia in Canberra, locking in a A$500m partnership and making Australia the key policing and disaster-response partner, with new consultation rules over any third-party role in critical infrastructure. BPNG Dividend to State: Papua New Guinea’s central bank, BPNG, has paid a K76.95m dividend to the National Government after a K384.8m net operating profit for 2025, with the rest moved to general reserves. Public Service Election Rule: The Department of Personnel Management says public servants who want to contest the 2027 National General Election must resign by 29 October 2026, six months before writs are issued. Regional Policing Support: INTERPOL’s Project Blue Pacific has handed over equipment worth over K60,000 to the RPNGC Interpol NCB in Konedobu to strengthen cross-border investigations. Mining Cooperation: PM James Marape says PNG will share mining policy and resource governance experience with Solomon Islands as both sides push for a modern resource regime that protects long-term benefits. Education & Tech in Provinces: Western Pacific University launched its AI-enabled LearnX digital hub with SmartX tablets, while Markham’s education status is reported to be improving due to better access to services and roads. Health & Safety: Authorities in Australia report a fifth bird flu case in migratory seabirds with no sign of mass mortalities, while PNG deep-sea mining groups warn about possible radioactive risks to the food chain. Community Development: BSP’s 50 for 50 Givim Back initiative will fund a multipurpose hall for Tubusereia Junior High, and Wau-Waria has reopened formal banking access through a Mama Bank Access Point.

MSG Push: Prime Minister Matthew Wale says the Melanesian Spearhead Group must become “effective and not a pushover” after talks with PM James Marape in Port Moresby, with both leaders calling for stronger processes to tackle regional priorities including West Papua. Airport Upgrade: PNG has launched the K2.5 billion Port Moresby International Airport redevelopment, rolling out in four phases over 6½ years to expand terminals and upgrade runways to boost trade, tourism and connectivity. Cybercrime Crackdown: Police say cybercrime is outpacing capacity, with the Cybercrime Unit operating with fewer than 10 officers and calls for more specialists, better tools and reforms to the Cybercrime Act. Mining Cooperation: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 framework to deepen cooperation on mining governance, trade, security and development, with PNG offering mining reform experience to help Solomon Islands maximise benefits. Health & Infrastructure: Construction is progressing on the K65 million Koroba Level 4 District Hospital, while Hela has started El Niño awareness and preparedness planning through a newly formed provincial disaster committee. Youth & Sport: The National Gaming Control Board backed the PNG Kickboxing Federation with K300,000 for a nationwide “Last Man Standing” series, aiming to build discipline and pathways for young athletes.

Aviation & Growth: Papua New Guinea has launched the K2.5 billion Port Moresby International Airport redevelopment, rolling out runway upgrades and expanded terminals in four phases to boost trade, tourism and connectivity. Regional Security: PM James Marape says PNG is vital to strengthening regional security with Solomon Islands, including joint work against illegal fishing, drug trafficking and transnational crime. Melanesian Cooperation: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 framework covering trade, mining governance, fisheries, policing and development, with PNG offering mining legal and technical support. Mining Governance: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale urged Pacific leaders to improve resource governance, citing PNG’s experience as a model for stronger national benefit. Cybercrime Push: PNG’s police leadership warns cybercrime is outpacing capacity, calling for more specialist officers, better tools and Cybercrime Act reforms. Health Infrastructure: Construction of the K65 million Koroba Level 4 District Hospital is progressing, with Australia, PNG and ADB backing specialist care for remote communities. Disaster Preparedness: Hela has started El Niño awareness and set up a provincial disaster committee to coordinate water mapping, vulnerability checks and contingency planning. Digital Learning: Western Pacific University launched an AI-enabled digital knowledge hub, aiming to expand access to digital learning nationwide. Sports & Youth: The National Gaming Control Board backed PNG kickboxing with K300,000 for a nationwide “Last Man Standing” series. Community Safety: Authorities restored calm in Kiunga after a crowd targeted Highlanders following fatal road incidents, with police urging legal channels over violence.

Youth Sport Funding: The National Gaming Control Board backed the PNG Kickboxing Federation with K300,000 for the “Last Man Standing” series, with Prime Minister James Marape calling sport a pathway for discipline and youth development. Volunteer Deployment: National Volunteer Service inducted 14 volunteers and supervisors in Morobe after a week-long pre-service orientation for health and education roles. Food Security Support: Korea, via KOICA, handed over eight modern tractors to the Norikori Rice Project in Eastern Highlands, with PNG funding additional farming machinery to push rice self-sufficiency. Urban Inclusion: NCD Governor Powes Parkop launched Asian Community Day in Port Moresby to strengthen social cohesion and celebrate Asian communities’ contribution to city life. Water-Energy Crisis: Sirinumu Dam is running low under El Niño; PNG Power Ltd urged careful use of water and electricity while managing reduced hydro generation and protecting minimum city water supply. Rural Health Breakthrough: PM Marape hailed Pomio District Hospital’s first emergency caesarean section, saving a mother and twin babies and highlighting progress in rural health services. Regional Diplomacy: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 framework agreement covering trade, infrastructure, security and regional cooperation, as both leaders stressed Melanesian unity. Election Integrity: A Port Moresby ward councilor welcomed the start of biometric and photo roll updating, saying it should curb double voting and false enrolment. Family Violence Data: Military wives were briefed on family and sexual violence statistics, with calls for stronger awareness and reporting.

Rule of Law & Security: A Port Moresby editorial warns against mob justice after a security employee was allegedly beaten to death, stressing that suspects must face arrest, investigation and court prosecution—not violence. Public Safety & Health: PNG Power Ltd urges Port Moresby and Central residents to conserve water and electricity as Sirinumu Dam runs low under El Niño, cutting hydro generation and affecting both power and city water supply. Bougainville Fiscal Planning: Acting ABG President and Treasury Minister Albert Punghau launches the “Cost of Services” report for Bougainville’s independence push, arguing true governing costs are currently hidden across budgets. Regional Diplomacy: PM James Marape and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale sign a 2026–2030 framework to deepen cooperation on trade, investment, infrastructure and security. Healthcare Delivery: Marape hails Pomio District Hospital’s first emergency caesarean for twin babies as proof rural health upgrades are working. Sports & Youth: NGCB backs PNG Kickboxing Federation’s “Last Man Standing” Kumite with a K300,000 grant for a Port Moresby tournament. Electoral Integrity: A Vabukori ward councillor praises PNGEC’s biometric and photo roll pilot as a safeguard against double voting.

Gender-Based Violence Data: New figures shared at PNG’s 9th Biannual Military Wives Convention show family and sexual violence remains a major crisis, with 6,900+ criminal cases and 3,500+ civil matters reported in 2025, and thousands more already logged this year. Public Safety & Rule of Law: A call to stop mob justice follows reports of alleged killings and excessive force by security personnel, stressing that suspects must face due process through courts. Bougainville Fiscal Readiness: The ABG launched its “From Here To There” cost-of-services report, warning that independence’s 97.7% vote must be matched by fiscal readiness and clearer budgeting of hidden government costs. Water/Energy Crisis: Port Moresby and Central are urged to conserve as Sirinumu Dam runs low under El Niño, cutting hydro generation and affecting city water supply. Regional Diplomacy: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a new 2026–2030 framework agreement covering trade, infrastructure, security and regional cooperation, with leaders pushing stronger Melanesian unity. Health in Rural PNG: Prime Minister Marape hailed Pomio’s first emergency twin delivery caesarean as proof district hospitals are improving access to life-saving care. Youth & Sports: Eastern Highlands completed NYDA youth empowerment socialisation, while the NGCB backed a nationwide kickboxing “Last Man Standing” tournament with K300,000. Education & Inclusion: Asian Community Day was launched in Port Moresby to strengthen social cohesion and celebrate the city’s Asian communities.

Bougainville Labour Mobility: 136 Bougainvilleans have been sent to Australia and New Zealand under the Pacific Labour Mobility and NZ Recognised Seasonal Employer schemes, with the ARoB Recruitment Hub set to transition from the Bougainville Partnership to ABG operation. Water & Power: Port Moresby and Central are urged to conserve as Sirinumu Dam runs low under El Niño, cutting hydro generation and forcing extra diesel backup to avoid load shedding while protecting minimum city water supply. Regional Diplomacy: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation, covering trade, investment, infrastructure and security, as PM Matthew Wale urged stronger Melanesian leadership. Rural Health: PM Marape hailed Pomio District Hospital’s first emergency caesarean for twin births as proof of rural health transformation. Youth & Education: Eastern Highlands became the first Highlands province to complete NYDA’s NYES Socialisation Programme, while Ialibu’s Western Pacific University launched an AI-powered Digital Knowledge Hub. Sports & Youth: NGCB backed PNG Kickboxing’s Last Man Standing Heat #03 quarter-finals with a K300,000 grant in Port Moresby. Public Safety & Governance: PNGEC biometric and photo roll updating began in Vabukori LLG to curb double voting and fraud. Health Warnings: Military wives were urged to prioritise cervical cancer screening, and family/sexual violence figures show thousands of cases reported in 2025.

Youth Development: Eastern Highlands became the eighth province to complete NYDA’s National Youth Empowerment Scheme socialisation, signing its joint implementation plan and confirming Kainantu as a pilot district. Party Politics: PM James Marape praised Pangu Pati’s 28th national convention in Port Moresby as policy-focused, reaffirming leadership and endorsing constitutional reforms including two-term limits. Mental Health & Drugs: PNG’s rising youth mental health strain is linked to growing drug and alcohol use, stigma, weak counselling support, and limited access to services. Rule of Law: A Port Moresby case involving alleged mob violence over a small theft highlights calls to stop taking the law into one’s own hands and strengthen lawful arrest and prosecution. Security & Safety: NZDF joined a multinational operation to safely destroy about 2,200 WWII explosives in East New Britain, disposing of thousands of kilograms of remnants. Family Violence Data: Military wives’ convention reports thousands of family and sexual violence cases recorded in 2025 and early 2026, urging stronger awareness and reporting support. Health Services: Cervical cancer prevention is expanding through LLETZ training led by Western Highlands, while village volunteers in Gulf completed leprosy-focused PHACE workshops. Regional Diplomacy: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 framework for development, trade, security and infrastructure, with Solomon PM Wale urging stronger Melanesian leadership. Elections Integrity: Vabukori ward councilor welcomed PNGEC’s biometric and photo roll update as a safeguard against double voting and false voting.

Health & Justice: Western Highlands is expanding cervical cancer prevention by training O&G doctors from six Provincial Health Authorities and Port Moresby General Hospital on the LLETZ procedure, as PNG continues to lose about 1,500 women a year to the disease. Sports & Youth: The National Gaming Control Board has granted K300,000 to the PNG Kickboxing Federation to stage a nationwide “Last Man Standing” tournament aimed at youth participation and talent identification. Rural Services: Australia and the Adventist Aviation Service launched a partnership in Lae to keep aircraft operating for life-saving health services to remote communities. Law & Order: A Highlands Eastern End police commander condemned bribery and “outside deals” that compromise criminal cases, warning officers will be heavily punished. Governance & Procurement: NICTA has sworn in a Special Procurement Committee to speed up ICT and Universal Access Service project delivery and reduce delays from external approvals. Regional Diplomacy: Solomon Islands’ PM Matthew Wale met PNG leaders in Port Moresby, signing the MOCOR 2026–2030 pact and a development framework agreement. Economy & Energy: Marape welcomed TotalEnergies and Petronas’ offshore drilling campaign near Kupiano, citing US$100m–US$200m investment and renewed confidence in PNG’s petroleum sector.

Health & Services: Prime Minister Marape hailed Pomio’s first-ever Emergency Obstetric Surgery at Pomio District Hospital, delivering twin babies and saving the mother—held up as proof of rural health transformation. Public Finance & Governance: The Department of Personnel Management launched an Electronic Recruitment System as part of the public service “Reset At 50” push toward a more transparent, merit-based system. Police Integrity: Highlands Eastern-end commander Clement Dalla condemned bribery and “kangaroo court” practices, warning officers will be heavily punished. Bougainville Process: Marape reiterated that Bougainville’s political future must follow constitutional and parliamentary mechanisms, while ABG President Ishmael Toroama outlined a three-stage pathway to self-government by 1 Sept 2027 and independence in 2030. Climate & Food Security: Oxfam PNG warns El Niño impacts are among the worst in the Pacific, with frost and drought threatening Highlands harvests and up to 3 million people at risk. Procurement Reform: NICTA swore in a Special Procurement Committee to speed up ICT and Universal Access Service project delivery. Energy & Investment: Marape welcomed TotalEnergies and Petronas starting offshore drilling near Kupiano, signaling confidence in PNG’s energy sector. El Niño Preparedness: PM directed nationwide preparedness as PNG braces for a prolonged dry season. Aviation/Defence: PNGDF and Australian forces teamed up in joint exercises to sharpen combat skills. Environment & Reforestation: Hela signed an MoU with the National Forest Authority to kick off the National Deforestation and Afforestation Program. Sports & Youth: PNG Hunters plan another Hostplus Cup country round across PNG, with venues including Kokopo, Mt Hagen and Lae.

Local Governance Push: DPLGA Secretary Philip Leo urged Central Province’s 16 LLG presidents to rebuild governance from ward level up, saying the system has “lost the way” after decades of weak implementation. Youth & Jobs Pressure: Opposition MP James Nomane warned PNG’s youth bulge could deepen poverty unless government fixes failing schools, medicine shortages, safety and clean water access. Faster ICT Delivery: NICTA has sworn in a Special Procurement Committee to speed up ICT and Universal Access Service projects, cutting delays caused by approvals for procurements above K1 million. Military Families Focus: At the 9th Military Wives Convention in Port Moresby, Defence Force leaders and police family-violence officers urged better health, stress management, and reporting of abuse. Bougainville Status: PM James Marape reiterated that Parliament has the final say on Bougainville’s political future, stressing constitutional steps can’t be bypassed. El Niño Food Security: Oxfam PNG warned El Niño frost and drought are driving severe harvest losses, with up to 3 million people at risk of hunger and malnutrition. Petroleum Investment: Marape welcomed TotalEnergies and Petronas’ offshore drilling campaign near Kupiano, citing US$100m–US$200m investment and renewed confidence. FATF Grey List: Treasury Minister Ian Ling-Stuckey said PNG needs about two more years to clear FATF conditions, with 18 actions still outstanding and agency attendance criticised. Sports Development: PNG sport leaders completed a course to strengthen governance and commercial skills as the country prepares for the National Rugby League entry in 2028. Bird Flu Watch: Australia expanded H5N1 surveillance after new cases in wild birds, while PNG continues poultry import restrictions amid the regional risk.