AGP Executive Report

Superannuation & finance reforms: ASFPNG urged the Government to fast-track long-standing superannuation reforms to protect workers’ savings and strengthen PNG’s financial stability. Power reliability debate: PNG’s power sector is under renewed scrutiny after estimates put the cost of unreliable electricity at K6–K8 billion a year (6–8% of GDP), with critics asking why hundreds of millions in partner funding since 2021 hasn’t fixed outages. Private power model explained: Independent Power Producers (IPPs) say they now generate about 70% of grid power and argue PNG Power’s limited capacity makes private investment essential. NCD growth & compliance: NCDC Building Authority Seminar 2026 pushed “building compliance” to rein in unregulated construction and support Port Moresby’s long-term planning. Governance shake-up: Reports say NEC has suspended 70+ senior public officials ahead of GE27—raising accountability hopes but also legal and service-delivery concerns. Election readiness: Government and security agencies are already coordinating for the 2027 National General Election, with police stressing transparency and public confidence. Digital leadership change: NICTA welcomed new ICT minister Robert Naguri and credited outgoing Timothy Masiu for digital reforms. Foreign ties & LNG pressure: Taiwan suspended PNG spot LNG purchases after Port Moresby closed Taipei’s representative office, while long-term supply remains. Court in Vanimo: Supreme Court circuit in West Sepik is hearing 14 criminal appeals, with judgments expected by Friday. Morobe scholarships: Morobe Province completed K6m in tertiary scholarship payments for 2026. Port Moresby investment push: NCD Governor Parkop invited China’s R&F Properties to invest in Paga Hill SEZ and Portside Gardens.

Diplomacy & Trade: India’s External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met PNG’s Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko in a bilateral push on regional security, maritime enforcement, energy diversification and technology cooperation. Digital Governance: NICTA welcomed new ICT minister Robert Naguri and credited outgoing Timothy Masiu’s digital reforms, including the Digital Government Act, cyber security strategy and Starlink licensing. Public Service Accountability: Reports say PNG’s government has suspended 70-plus senior public servants and agency heads ahead of GE27—sparking hopes for accountability but raising legal and administrative concerns over due process and service disruption. Elections Readiness: Government and security agencies are stepping up early planning for the 2027 National General Election, with police stressing transparency and long-term coordination. One-China Fallout: Taiwan suspended PNG LNG spot purchases after Port Moresby moved to close Taipei’s representative office, while PNG and China also announced fresh commitments to deepen cooperation. Local Governance & Compliance: NCDC urged strict building compliance to support Port Moresby’s growth as urban expansion accelerates. Investment & Development: NCD Governor Powes Parkop invited China’s R&F Properties to invest in Paga Hill SEZ and Portside Gardens, while PNG also took a 13% stake in the Central Lime Project. Justice: PNG’s Supreme Court circuit in Vanimo is hearing 14 criminal appeals, with judgments expected by Friday.

Education & Community Support: Bank South Pacific’s 50for50 Givim Bek is funding a new double classroom at Lealea Village in Central Province, restoring proper learning space for early childhood students. National Budget Planning: Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey says a PNG supplementary budget will be tabled on 3 September, factoring unbudgeted oil revenue ahead of GE27. Governance & Accountability Debate: A call is renewed to restore constitutional independence to provincial and local governments, arguing centralisation has blurred accountability and weakened service delivery. Human Rights Push: UN praises PNG’s soft launch of the National Human Rights Policy, stressing the real test is implementation with clear budgets, timelines and reach to provinces and villages. Trade, Diplomacy & LNG Tensions: Taiwan says it will suspend spot LNG purchases from PNG after Taipei’s move to close its representative office, while PNG’s Taiwan trade office closure is criticised as shortsighted. Investment & Projects: PNG takes a 13% stake in the Central Lime Project for US$16.3m, and officials court R&F Group for potential tourism, hospitality and real estate investment. Security & Justice: Police boost PNG University of Technology campus patrols; the Supreme Court officially opens circuit sittings in Vanimo after nearly 50 years, with the Chief Justice urging West Sepik to maintain law and order. Defence Updates: PNGDF recruitment training is expected to resume in September, and PM Marape outlines a pathway for qualified citizens to enlist in Australia’s ADF under the mutual defence treaty. Regional Security Watch: A security expert warns Pacific priorities risk being sidelined as alliances multiply and the regional security “architecture” grows more complex.

Digital Government & DPI: Telikom PNG and the ICT Department signed an MoU to speed up Papua New Guinea’s digital modernisation, pushing Digital Public Infrastructure like digital identity and e-government services. Human Rights Policy: The UN praised PNG’s soft launch of a National Human Rights Policy, urging government to move fast on implementation with clear budgets, timelines and monitoring. Public Safety & Justice Access: Police in Lae say poverty is driving a rise in crime, including attacks on basic needs, and warn residents not to take justice into their own hands. In West Sepik, the Supreme Court officially opened circuit sittings in Vanimo for the first time in nearly 50 years, with the Chief Justice linking any future resident judge to sustained local law and order. Education & Campus Security: PNG University of Technology says there was no campus breach after a weekend security scare, while Lae authorities delivered a dedicated police vehicle and extra night patrols to strengthen campus safety. Defence & Appointments: Defence Minister Elias Kapavore says suspended PNGDF recruitment training should resume in September, and PM Marape says PNG is setting up a pathway for qualified citizens to enlist in Australia’s ADF under the Mutual Defence Treaty. Diplomacy & Trade: Taiwan says CPC will suspend spot LNG purchases from PNG over plans to close Taiwan’s representative office, while PNG’s government continues to court investment after a visit by Chinese property billionaire Zhang Li. Governance & Integrity: A commentary warns against “cola-money” and political favouritism in public services, calling for merit-based appointments and stronger accountability.

Digital Identity & DPI: PNG’s SevisPNG push is moving SevisPass (digital ID) into more services, with DICT working with banks, telecom regulators and professional bodies to speed eKYC and citizen access. Public Service Reform: PM Marape’s suspension of 70-plus senior public service leaders is drawing fresh worry about disruption and whether accountability is being measured by paperwork instead of service delivery. Urban Land & Evictions: Concerns are rising over Seven-Mile evictions and Gordon Market pressure, with calls for stronger protection of customary land rights and fair, transparent market management. Parliament Online: Australia and UNDP support helped launch a new National Parliament website to make legislation and committee work easier to follow nationwide. Security & Education: Deputy PM John Rosso moved to tighten security at Unitech after an alleged armed break-in at a girls’ dorm, including more patrols, lighting and CCTV. Maritime Cooperation: PNG and New Zealand signed a defence cooperation intent covering patrols, training and disaster response; meanwhile, Solomon Islands opposition leaders are warning against a US shiprider deal as a sovereignty risk. Health Leadership: PM Marape honoured medical pioneer Sir Isi Kevau at a public farewell for decades of service and training. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Work continues on Jackson’s airport redevelopment to position Port Moresby as a regional hub, and Misima Minerals signed to operate Misima Aerodrome with upgrades targeted before end-2026.

Parliament Digital Push: Australia and UNDP-backed support helped Papua New Guinea Parliament launch a new official website, billed as a “digital front door” to make legislation, committee work and reports easier for citizens to follow. Security at Unitech: Deputy PM John Rosso moved to tighten safety at PNG University of Technology after an alleged armed break-in at a girls’ dorm, ordering more police patrols, lighting upgrades, CCTV and a review of weak campus areas. Aviation for Misima: Misima Minerals signed an MoA with Milne Bay to lease and operate Misima Aerodrome, with runway and safety upgrades aimed at restoring commercial flights before end-2026. Agriculture Support: East Sepik cocoa farmers began receiving Ferti-Bio organic fertilizer after Cocoa Board training, with 320 five-kilogram bags distributed in the first phase. Maritime Safety Warning: Morobe police warned small craft operators to follow NMSA safety advisories after a deadly capsize near Sialum left two dead and two missing. Regional Diplomacy: Indonesia and PNG agreed to hold a Joint Ministerial Commission meeting in Jakarta in September to review cooperation and plan future initiatives. Defence Cooperation: PNG and New Zealand’s new defence statement of intent points to more joint training and maritime patrols, while PNG’s sovereignty and control remain key themes.

Electoral Commission: PNG’s vacant electoral commissioner’s seat is still not filled properly after Dr Nicole Haley’s June appointment, with officials saying statutory steps are being completed before she is sworn in, while acting arrangements remain unclear. Public Service Payroll: The Government has launched a major payroll reset, moving the payroll office back under the Department of Personnel Management and upgrading the Alesco system to improve transparency and accountability. Budget Pressure: Finance Minister Thomas Opa says public servants’ salaries cost the state more than K6 billion a year (about K280 million every fortnight), pushing calls to tighten value for money. Cybercrime & AI: A renewed push to tackle AI deepfakes and digital impersonation is underway, alongside debate over whether broader reforms are moving too fast. SME Funding Probe: Commerce Minister Wake Goi has suspended most SME funding transactions over alleged K200 million in irregularities, while the Opposition demands a fully independent investigation. Regional Defence & Security: PNG is taking part in Australia-led exercises and defence cooperation, including hydrographic surveying support and wider regional war games. Bougainville Independence: Bougainville leaders endorsed the Final Bougainville Position and recommend 1 September 2030 for the independence declaration. Maritime Tragedies: Searches continue for people missing after multiple PNG boat capsizes, with bodies recovered in East New Britain and other incidents. Diplomacy & Taiwan: PNG’s closure of Taiwan offices continues to trigger political and diplomatic fallout, including renewed debate over PNG’s “one China” stance and ties with Taipei. Commonwealth Games: Team PNG has arrived in Glasgow for the Games, with athletes competing in boxing, weightlifting, swimming, athletics and women’s basketball 3×3. NRL Chiefs Build: Zac Lomax has signed for the PNG Chiefs’ 2028 debut, with more high-profile recruitment rumours adding momentum.

NRL & Sports Diplomacy: Zac Lomax has signed with the PNG Chiefs for their 2028 debut, joining a star-studded roster that already includes Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston and Connor Watson—PNG says he’ll stay with Super Rugby Pacific’s Western Force while injured, then link up for pre-season in late 2027. Aviation Safety: Papua New Guinea has been ranked the safest aviation country in the South Pacific outside Australia, with an ICAO effective implementation score of about 80%, ahead of New Zealand and Canada. Police Welfare & Infrastructure: The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary has opened new staff housing at the Bomana NCOE, a K2.3m project setting a new standard under the Special Police Assistance Program. Immigration Reform: Deputy PM John Rosso says the passport backlog is cleared and new digital systems are in place after handing over Immigration and Border Security to William Bando. China-Taiwan Foreign Policy: China’s ambassador praised PNG’s closure of the Taipei economic office as a “one-China” decision, while foreign minister Justin Tkatchenko frames it as an NEC-backed sovereign move. Public Service Pay Systems: Government payroll operations are being upgraded under DPM, with PM Marape pushing digital accountability as public servants’ salaries total over K6b a year. Elections & Voting: An Electoral Commission official warns biometric voting is unlikely next year due to funding and preparation gaps, with only biometric enrolment and photo-roll work planned. Maritime Tragedies: Searches continue for people missing after multiple PNG boat capsizes, including up to 27 missing off East New Britain. Commonwealth Games: Team PNG has arrived in Glasgow for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with PNG competing in boxing, weightlifting, women’s basketball 3×3, swimming and athletics.

Public Service Payroll Reset: The government has upgraded the Alesco payroll system (version 12 to 24) as the payroll office moves back under the Department of Personnel Management, aiming for more transparent and accountable payments to public servants. Budget Pressure on Salaries: Finance Minister Thomas Opa says 140,000 public servants take more than K6 billion a year, about a quarter of the national budget, as the transition begins. Elections Tech Delays: An Electoral Commission official warns biometric voting is unlikely next year due to shortfalls in time, funding, and technical expertise, though biometric enrolment for the photo-roll is continuing. SME Funding Suspension: Commerce Minister Wake Goi has suspended most SME funding transactions over alleged corruption involving about K200 million, while the Opposition calls for a fully independent investigation. Bougainville Independence Roadmap: Bougainville leaders endorse the Final Bougainville Position and recommend 1 September 2030 for the independence declaration, reaffirming the Peace Agreement pathway. Maritime Disaster Response: Searches continue after two boats capsized off East New Britain, with 12 bodies recovered and more missing; separate incidents are also being handled across PNG waters. Regional Diplomacy & Security: Indonesia seeks PNG clarification after a reported fishing boat shooting; Australia and Pacific partners continue defence and security engagement amid wider regional tensions. Digital Transformation in the Pacific: PNG hosts Pacific ICT Ministers, pushing cooperation on AI, online safety, and digital transformation priorities.

Bougainville Independence Roadmap: Bougainville leaders have endorsed the Final Bougainville Position and recommended 1 September 2030 for a Declaration of Independence, reaffirming the Peace Agreement and a staged pathway through self-government to independence. Maritime Disaster Response: PNG authorities are managing multiple boating tragedies, including the East New Britain search for up to 27 missing after two boats capsized, with 12 bodies recovered so far, while other incidents off New Ireland and Alotau are also under search. Public Service Payroll Reform: The Government has launched an upgraded public service payroll system under the Department of Personnel Management, aiming for more transparency and accountability, as Finance says public servants’ salaries cost over K6 billion annually. SME Funding Probe: Commerce Minister Wake Goi has suspended most SME funding transactions amid allegations involving about K200 million, with Opposition leader James Nomane calling for a full independent investigation. Digital Governance in the Pacific: PNG is hosting Pacific ICT Ministers, pushing stronger regional cooperation on digital transformation, AI and online safety. Elections Readiness: An Electoral Commission official warns biometric voting is unlikely next year due to time, funding and technical shortfalls, focusing instead on biometric enrolment and photo-roll work.

Public Service Reset: Prime Minister James Marape says a Cabinet-endorsed crackdown has suspended 70-plus public service chiefs for missing mandatory reporting deadlines, warning no one will get special treatment. Payroll Upgrade: The government launched a Public Service Payroll Office under DPM, upgrading the Alesco payroll system to version 24 to improve transparency, while Finance Minister Thomas Opa says public servants’ salaries cost over K6 billion a year. Elections Tech Debate: An Electoral Commission official says biometric voting can’t be done in 2027 due to short time, funding and technical gaps, though biometric enrolment/photo-roll work is continuing. SME Funding Probe: Commerce Minister Wake Goi suspended most SME funding transactions over alleged K200 million in irregularities; Opposition Leader James Nomane calls for a full independent investigation. Digital Transformation (Pacific): PNG’s ICT Minister Robert Naguri chairs Pacific ICT talks, pushing regional cooperation on digital transformation, AI and online safety. Maritime Tragedy: Search and recovery continues after a boat disaster off East New Britain, with more bodies recovered and families still waiting. Regional Security & Diplomacy: PNG’s Taiwan office closure draws renewed international attention, while Australia signals possible South China Sea patrols amid regional tensions. Commonwealth Games: Team PNG has arrived in Glasgow for the opening, competing in boxing, weightlifting, women’s basketball 3×3, swimming and athletics. Aviation & Connectivity: Misima Minerals signs to operate the Misima aerodrome, aiming to restart commercial flights after upgrades.

Public Service Reset: Marape has launched a crackdown on non-compliant agencies, suspending 70-plus public service chiefs for missing mandatory reporting deadlines, while also rolling out an upgraded Alesco payroll system (version 12 to 24) after moving the payroll office back to DPM to improve transparency and accountability. Budget Pressure: Finance Minister Thomas Opa says 140,000 public servants cost the state more than K6 billion a year, about a quarter of the national budget, as reforms aim to cut inefficiency. Cybercrime & Elections: A new push to tackle AI deepfakes and digital impersonation is being debated, and an Electoral Commission official warns biometric voting is being put on hold due to short funding and lack of technical capacity, with only biometric enrolment and registration continuing. Digital Governance in the Pacific: PNG is hosting Pacific ICT Ministers, urging regional leadership on digital transformation, AI and online safety, while experts say power—not internet—remains the biggest barrier for remote communities. SME Funding Probe: Commerce Minister Wake Goi has suspended most SME funding transactions over alleged K200 million in irregularities, with Opposition Leader James Nomane calling for a fully independent investigation. Maritime Tragedy: Search and recovery continues after two boats capsized off East New Britain, with more bodies recovered and families still waiting for the missing. Aviation & Connectivity: Outgoing Civil Aviation Minister Wake Goi highlights reforms and progress, while Misima Minerals signs to operate the Misima aerodrome to restart commercial flights before end-2026. Geopolitics: PNG’s closure of Taiwan’s office draws fresh reaction from China and Taiwan, as defence ties with New Zealand deepen under a 2026–2029 cooperation roadmap. Commonwealth Games: Team PNG has arrived in Glasgow for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with athletes ready to compete across multiple sports.

Public Service Crackdown: PNG PM James Marape has suspended 70-plus public service chiefs nationwide after a compliance review found many missed mandatory annual reporting deadlines, warning the action is non-discriminatory and takes immediate effect. Electricity Woes: PNG Power Limited’s financial troubles remain rooted in “stubborn” arithmetic—costs of supplying power exceed what consumers pay—while officials point to US-dollar power purchase agreements but critics stress long-running tariff freezes, weak revenue collection, theft, and losses. Local Development & Transport: Misima Minerals has signed an MoA with Milne Bay to upgrade Misima aerodrome to functional status, aiming to restart commercial flights by end of 2026 and improve mobility for health and services. Digital Connectivity Reality Check: Pacific connectivity efforts are being held back less by satellite access and more by reliable power; one provider is pairing Starlink with portable solar to keep schools and basic services running. Regional Security: New Zealand and PNG signed a 2026–2029 defence cooperation statement to expand dialogue, training, exercises, and personnel exchanges as regional strategic competition grows. Governance & Ports: MRDC directors received governance training via PNGID, while PNG Ports declared a K22.5m interim dividend for FY2025. Diplomacy Shock: China commended PNG for closing Taiwan’s economic office, as Taiwan reviews possible economic steps including LNG purchases.

PNG–New Zealand Defence Deal: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a Statement of Intent on Defence Cooperation 2026–2029 in Port Moresby, expanding defence dialogue, joint exercises, training and personnel exchanges as regional strategic competition grows. Security & Regional Talks: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar pushed “zero tolerance” against terrorism and urged stronger maritime security and disaster resilience at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila, while New Zealand’s Winston Peters said the region is dealing with global turbulence and needs closer coordination. Parliament Travel Rules: An extended sitting has blocked some lawmakers’ overseas trips, with a lower house rules committee vetoing requests for certain ruling MPs. State Enterprise Update: PNG Ports declared an interim K22.5 million dividend for FY2025, with a final dividend due after audited statements. Mining Investment Push: PNG unveiled regulatory, legislative and digital reforms to attract long-term mining investment and improve community returns. Governance Training: MRDC strengthened directors’ governance skills through PNGID training for trust company directors and senior executives. Digital Inclusion Drive: A Pacific digital inclusion and online safety challenge is underway in Port Moresby, bringing university teams from Tonga and across the region. Illegal Gambling Crackdown: Police in Western Highlands and Jiwaka arrested 65 people in an operation targeting unauthorised gambling, confiscating machines and related equipment. National Remembrance Day: PM James Marape and Opposition Leader James Nomane urged Papua New Guineans to honour wartime sacrifices and renew national values.

Defence Cooperation: New Zealand and Papua New Guinea signed a Defence Co-operation Statement of Intent for 2026–2029, expanding defence dialogue, training, military exercises and personnel exchanges as Pacific security competition grows. One China Fallout: PNG Prime Minister James Marape rejected claims PNG’s One China stance and the closure of Taiwan’s representative office were driven by pressure, while China’s officials praised the move and Taiwan said it may “exercise discretion” on spot LNG purchases. Digital Push: PNG’s Digital Transformation Summit 2026 in Port Moresby put AI, cybersecurity and digital government front and centre, with Australia funding governance and risk-management AI toolkits for Pacific governments. Governance & Access: Parliament launched a new website to make proceedings, legislation and committee reports easier to access in real time. Anti-Corruption & Data: Police froze K4 million in suspected stolen DDA funds, and the National Research Institute urged a single national database to stop agencies and donors duplicating data collection. Justice & Safety: Opposition Leader James Nomane called for the immediate swearing-in of newly appointed Electoral Commissioner Prof Nicole Haley ahead of the 2027 election, and law and justice leaders reaffirmed work to improve community safety and access to justice. Community Safety: Police in Jiwaka and Western Highlands arrested 65 in an operation targeting illegal gambling, confiscating machines and equipment. Human Security: A sorcery-accusation violence victim was airlifted from Chimbu, highlighting renewed efforts to respond faster and protect people.

Taiwan-Office Fallout: PNG has ordered the immediate closure of Taiwan’s representative office in Port Moresby, with Taiwan protesting and China praising the move—while PM Marape insists it was a sovereign decision, not pressure. Defence & Security: New Zealand and PNG signed a 2026–2029 defence cooperation statement, and work is underway to recruit qualified PNG citizens into Australia’s ADF under the Pukpuk Treaty. Cyber & Digital Governance: PNG is urged to strengthen cybersecurity and digital resilience as AI use grows; Australia also announced near PGK1.3m for AI governance and risk-management toolkits for PNG and Pacific governments. Public Access & Transparency: Parliament launched a new website to make proceedings, legislation and committee reports easier to access in real time. Corruption & Data Systems: A push for stronger anti-corruption compliance and for a single national database aims to stop duplicated data collection and improve service delivery. Community Safety: A sorcery-accusation violence victim was airlifted from Chimbu, and a Catholic priest calls for grief-focused community education to reduce SARV. Maritime Tragedy: Police and aviation continue searching for 27 missing after two boats capsized off East New Britain, including 11 children. Business & Services: Police froze K4m in suspected stolen DDA funds, while NDB support helped a Milne Bay entrepreneur expand.