AGP Executive Report

PNG–Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific leaders at the PIF in Palau urged that Bougainville’s referendum remains an internal PNG process, with the PIF chair and secretary general stressing it’s “premature” for regional discussion. LNG Governance: Kumul Petroleum Holdings secured stronger governance protections in its amended Papua LNG marketing agreement with TotalEnergies, including unanimous consent on key pricing matters and tighter safeguards for PNG’s commercial interests. Digital Government: PNG signed a three-year K26m deal with TechnologyOne to support and expand its Integrated Financial Management System nationwide, moving from rollout to long-term operations plus cybersecurity, cloud, and AI-enabled plain-language financial queries. Education Reform: PNG’s proposed 1.6.6 education structure faces a reality check as commentators warn ECE can’t just be renamed from existing elementary schools without safe facilities, trained teachers, and basic services. Roads vs Security: Connect PNG’s push to link the Port Moresby–Lae corridor is praised, but critics warn new connectivity without security upgrades could worsen crime and tribal violence. Regional Security & Aid: Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa list includes PNG, while Australia–Solomon Islands ties appear set to deepen with near-$1b aid promises tied to education and security. Community Safety: NZDF is clearing 400+ WWII explosives in Kiribati’s Betio to reduce long-standing UXO risks to residents. Local Tragedy: Middle Ramu MP Kansol Kamdaru mourned three deaths in a plane crash that disrupted vital transport links for remote communities.

Papua LNG Governance: Kumul Petroleum Holdings says it has locked in stronger PNG protections in the Papua LNG marketing deal with TotalEnergies, including unanimous consent for key pricing decisions and tighter safeguards for state interests, plus a four-year rotation of the marketing company’s general manager to build local expertise. Papua LNG Milestones: TotalEnergies also moved the project closer to final investment decision by completing EPC tendering, cutting estimated capital costs to about US$14b, transferring operatorship to ExxonMobil, and selling a 9.1% stake to partners while keeping 20% and its LNG offtake. Consumer & Competition: PNG’s ICCC launched its 2026–2030 corporate plan, prioritising consumer protection and competition enforcement, with special focus on women and disadvantaged consumers. Digital Government: PNG signed a three-year K26m agreement with TechnologyOne to support and expand its nationwide integrated financial management system, including cybersecurity, cloud services, and an AI “plain language” tool for public servants. Education Reform: Commentary warns PNG’s 1.6.6 education structure will fail if ECE is treated as a simple renaming, stressing the need for safe facilities, trained staff, and realistic rural rollout. Security & Roads: Another warning says Connect PNG must not expand without security upgrades, or new highways could become corridors for crime, weapons, and tribal violence. Bougainville Referendum: A call urges Parliament to respect the 2019 vote while rejecting immediate secession, arguing for a stronger Bougainville inside a united PNG. Urban Pressure: Port Moresby faces rising migration, unemployment, overcrowding and unsafe public spaces, with calls for lawful, humane planning and better enforcement. West Papua Diplomacy: MSG and Pacific leaders increased pressure on Indonesia for a long-awaited UN human rights visit to West Papua, warning membership could be reviewed in 2027 if action stalls. Regional Diplomacy: Naoero (Nauru) opened an embassy in Jerusalem, adding to the growing Pacific-Israel diplomatic footprint.

Papua LNG Push to FID: TotalEnergies says Papua LNG has cleared major hurdles toward a final investment decision, including completion of EPC tendering and nearly US$4bn in savings since 2024, with capex now around US$14bn. Operatorship Shift: TotalEnergies will sell a 9.1% stake to partners and hand operatorship to ExxonMobil, while keeping a 20% stake and its LNG offtake share; Exxon will take over the project as transition work continues. Consumer & Competition Oversight: PNG’s ICCC launched its 2026–2030 Corporate Plan, prioritising consumer protection, competition enforcement and economic regulation, with special focus on women and disadvantaged consumers. Urban Governance Warning: Port Moresby faces mounting pressure from rapid growth, rural–urban migration and overcrowding, with calls for lawful, humane, sustainable planning instead of just removing people. Election Integrity & Media Ethics: A media workshop highlighted misinformation on social media as a major hurdle, urging journalists to verify and share checks internally before publishing. Disaster Readiness: Health and National Emergency Services Minister Dr Billy Joseph says PNG must shift from reactive disaster response to preparedness, early action and risk reduction. Vanimo Green Women’s Council: Vanimo Green District Council of Women elected its executive for the next five years, with an emphasis on training and tackling issues like gender-based violence. Sports & Community: Southern Highlands formed a kickboxing association, while Zimbabwe Women appointed Mark Coles as head coach ahead of a T20I series—small wins, big momentum.

Pacific diplomacy: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau ended with a joint rebuke over a July Chinese missile test, after intense US, Australia and New Zealand pressure; several leaders skipped the summit, and the communique backed calls for 24 hours’ notice for ICBM tests. PNG LNG governance: Opposition Leader James Nomane urged the Government to stop “compromising” the Papua LNG Development Forum and return consultations to project provinces and districts, saying the process must follow Section 48(1) of the Oil and Gas Act and include landowners properly. Digital economy: NICTA has cleared the way for commercial 5G by making 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz spectrum available for licensing, with rollout expected to start in urban areas. Infrastructure & unity: Prime Minister James Marape led PNG’s first road convoy on the newly named Pangu Highway, linking Port Moresby to Lae via Gulf and Morobe. Anti-corruption: ICAC arrested and charged RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of travel account funds. Disaster planning: Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph said an IOM-led multi-agency El Niño assessment is underway to identify the communities most in need across water, food, health, shelter and protection. Sports & youth: Applications opened for Wāhine Toa Oceania, a Pacific women-in-sport leadership programme, while PNG also backed youth kickboxing initiatives promoting discipline and character.

5G Rollout: PNG’s telecom regulator NICTA has cleared the way for commercial 5G, confirming spectrum is ready for licensing in the 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz bands, with initial focus on urban areas and operators expected to start deployments after years of legal and technical work. Digital Justice & Integrity: The RPNGC and US partners completed a joint cyber security workshop on digital evidence, while ICAC charged Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of police travel funds. Road & Independence: Prime Minister James Marape led PNG’s first-ever road convoy on the newly completed Pangu Highway, linking Port Moresby to Lae, and says he will personally drive the route to mark Independence celebrations. El Niño Response: Health and emergency officials, with IOM and the National Disaster Centre, are rolling out a multi-agency assessment to map El Niño impacts and target help where it’s most needed. Energy & LNG Politics: Opposition Leader James Nomane demanded the Papua LNG Development Forum return to project provinces, arguing consultations must follow the Oil and Gas Act. Regional Diplomacy: Fiji PM Rabuka will push a “Zone of Peace” vision at the Pacific Islands Forum, aiming to keep the region free of military threats and able to work with both major powers.

Pangu Highway Launch: Prime Minister James Marape led PNG’s first-ever road convoy on the newly completed Transnational Highway, now named the Pangu Highway, linking Port Moresby to Lae through Gulf and Morobe for the first time in history. Opposition & LNG: Opposition Leader James Nomane demanded the Papua LNG Development Forum be relocated back to project provinces, saying consultations must follow the Oil and Gas Act and not sideline landowners. Digital & Telecom: NICTA cleared the way for 5G by confirming 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum is ready for licensing, with Vodafone PNG targeting rollout in NCD and another city within 18 months. Anti-Corruption: ICAC arrested and charged RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of travel account funds. El Niño Response: Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph said a multi-agency El Niño assessment led by IOM will map impacts across water, food, health, shelter and protection to guide urgent support. Energy Deadline: PNG offered TotalEnergies a pathway to Papua LNG FID only if partners commit by 15 December. Independence Safety: Madang police urged peaceful 51st Independence celebrations as police operations ramp up ahead of Sept 16. Governance & Justice: Law Society and Public Prosecutor Helen Roalakona pushed for stronger, evidence-based anti-graft prosecutions as women’s leadership in justice grows.

Road & Independence Build-up: PM James Marape says he will personally drive from Port Moresby to Kaintiba in Gulf Province at 2am tomorrow, and revealed the new Lae–Port Moresby link will be named the Pangu Highway, tying it to national unity ahead of the 51st Independence anniversary. Public Order for 51 Years: Madang police have urged residents to celebrate peacefully, with Superintendent Robert Baim warning against misinformation, hate and violence as police step up operations leading to Sept 16. Digital & Telecom: PNG has cleared the way for 5G, with NICTA confirming 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum is ready for licensing to qualified mobile operators, starting with urban rollouts. Anti-Corruption: ICAC has arrested and charged RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of police travel account funds. Health & Disasters: An IOM-led multi-agency El Niño assessment is underway to map impacts across water, food security, health, shelter and protection, to guide provincial and district responses. Finance & Inclusion: Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma received the King’s Medal for 25 years of service, while PNG’s financial inclusion push continues with calls for safe, trusted systems. Regional Security: Pacific leaders condemned China’s ICBM test and demanded at least 24 hours’ notice for future tests. Culture & Sports: Air Niugini and other sponsors back the Hiri Moale/Hanenamo celebrations, while PNG’s youth kickboxing and football pathways keep developing.

Digital Government & Telecom: PNG has cleared the way for 5G, with NICTA confirming 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum is ready for licensing to qualified mobile operators, aiming to boost speeds and capacity in urban areas. Anti-Corruption & Justice: ICAC has arrested and charged RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of police travel account funds, with the case set to return to court on 11 September. National Leadership & Governance: Helen Roalakona has been sworn in as PNG’s first female Public Prosecutor, with the Law Society stressing the need for competent, ethical prosecution and the hard realities of proving graft cases. Public Finance & Inclusion: Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma received the King’s Medal for 25 years of service, while Bank of PNG and regional partners renewed calls for a safe, trusted financial system that reaches rural communities. Energy & Investment: PNG says TotalEnergies-led Papua LNG can move toward a final investment decision only if partners commit by 15 December, calling it a “drop-dead deadline.” Regional Security & Diplomacy: Pacific leaders condemned China’s missile test and demanded at least 24 hours’ notice for future ICBM tests. Culture & Youth: Air Niugini and WR Carpenters Group are backing the Hiri Moale Festival, and NYDA supported youth kickboxing focused on discipline and character.

Diplomacy: DR Congo has renewed plans to relocate its Israel embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem after talks between President Félix Tshisekedi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, with no timeline given. Digital Economy: PNG cleared the way for 5G as NICTA confirms spectrum in the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands is ready for licensing, with Vodafone PNG targeting rollout in NCD and another city within 18 months. Governance & Justice: ICAC arrested and charged RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of police travel funds; he faces abuse of office and misappropriation counts. Anti-Corruption & Law: PNG Law Society says fighting corruption needs competent, ethical lawyers, while Public Prosecutor Helen Roalakona warned graft cases are hard without evidence. Public Service/Leadership: Helen Roalakona was sworn in as PNG’s first female Public Prosecutor, hailed as a milestone for women in the legal profession. Energy Policy: PNG offered TotalEnergies-led Papua LNG partners improved terms only if they take the final investment decision by 15 December. Health: HIV services remain out of reach in remote areas due to staffing and capacity gaps at lower-level facilities. Regional Security/Politics: Pacific leaders condemned China’s missile test and urged at least 24 hours’ notice for future ICBM tests. Culture & Sports: Air Niugini backs the Hiri Moale Festival and Hiri Hanenamo quest; PNG tourism minister Belden Namah supports Jarome Luai as a Pacific tourism ambassador.

Police Accountability: RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua has been arrested and charged by ICAC over alleged misuse of official travel funds, including payments for family domestic travel (K14,692.50) and facing one abuse-of-office and nine misappropriation counts. Regional Diplomacy: Indonesia says a UN human rights commissioner visit to West Papua is “on track,” as MSG countries push for action and warn Indonesia’s MSG status could be reviewed if the visit isn’t facilitated by 2027. Pacific Ocean Agenda: Forum leaders in Palau backed stronger Pacific unity on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, and tasked the Pacific Ocean Commissioner’s office to prepare for the 2027 BBNJ talks. Economic & Jobs Cooperation: PM James Marape and NZ PM Christopher Luxon agreed to deepen ties on education, technical training, jobs and transport links to prepare more Papua New Guineans for work at home and overseas. Budget Pressure: DPM John Rosso says 2026 supplementary “belt-tightening” is necessary amid rising prices, fuel pressures and El Niño impacts, including a K150m top-up for 2027 election preparations. Governance Capacity: Kumul Consolidated Holdings and Australia’s AICD delivered governance training for PNG State-owned enterprise and NICTA leaders, with mentoring to follow. Trade & Borders: Customs Chief Commissioner David Towe urged tighter government-private teamwork, highlighting progress on the National Single Window and intelligence-led border targeting. Health Support: Catholic Church Health Services received eight portable ventilators for rural facilities, with training for staff and support from Australia and a charity partner.

El Niño & Disaster Readiness: Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology says the El Niño now looks set to surpass past record extremes, with UN warnings of major hits to communities and economies—raising pressure on PNG’s El Niño relief and fuel support plans. Budget & Cost of Living: Deputy PM John Rosso defends 2026 supplementary “belt-tightening” as necessary to manage rising prices, the fuel crisis and El Niño impacts, including a K150m top-up for 2027 election preparations. Election Integrity & Media: UNDP-backed election integrity training is pushing ethical, objective reporting ahead of the 2027 general election, while debate continues on how to protect democracy as PNG considers biometric voter verification. Digital Government: PNG begins a first large-scale digital ID rollout for public servants, aiming to strengthen payroll integrity and cut “ghost employees” under the One Person, One Position, One Pay push. Security & Policing: PNG rejects a proposal to operate under Australia for a Solomon Islands deployment, saying PNG police will operate under RSIPF arrangements. Health & Services: Catholic Church Health Services receives portable ventilators for rural facilities, and NCDPHA promotes lifestyle medicine to tackle non-communicable diseases. Governance & Law: Justice Minister Pila Niningi tables anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing bills to improve PNG’s compliance and enforcement. Regional Diplomacy: PNG and Niue sign a framework agreement for development and technical cooperation on trade, education, labour mobility, renewables and digital connectivity.

Anti-Money Laundering Push: Justice Minister and Attorney-General Pila Niningi tabled three bills in Parliament to strengthen PNG’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws, with MPs linking reforms to getting off the FATF “grey list” and protecting jobs and services. Public Service Accountability: PM Marape faced questions in Parliament over the legal basis for suspending more than 70 agency heads, while Finance defended the K3 billion supplementary budget aimed at fuel relief, El Niño response and election preparations. Digital Government Rollout: PNG set a December 31 deadline for every public servant to receive a digital ID, with agencies preparing records by October 31 to tackle ghost employees and improve payroll integrity. Justice Leadership: Helen Roalakona was sworn in as PNG’s first female Public Prosecutor, saying the office must step up amid law-and-order pressures and the country’s grey-list attention. Security and Crime: Police are investigating one of PNG’s biggest robberies after armed men stole 25 gold bars and K315,000 cash from a Port Moresby security convoy. Regional Diplomacy: Melanesian leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum urged Indonesia to allow a UN human rights visit to West Papua or face review of its MSG status. Energy and Cooperation: Marape and Niue signed a framework agreement on development and technical cooperation, while PNG’s fuel and climate concerns dominated Pacific leaders’ talks in Palau.

Pacific diplomacy: PM Marape urged Pacific unity at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, warning that geopolitics and climate shocks are hitting small economies hard. Public prosecution reform: Helen Roalakona was sworn in as PNG’s first female Public Prosecutor, saying the office must step up amid law-and-order pressures and the country’s “grey list” concerns. Justice and accountability: In Parliament, DEI Open MP Desmond Kipa pressed Marape on the legal basis for suspending more than 70 public agency heads; Marape pointed to constitutional and statutory reporting duties. Security and crime: Police are investigating one of PNG’s biggest robberies after armed men seized 25 gold bars and K315,000 cash from a Port Moresby security convoy. Regional crime-fighting: Pacific leaders heard calls to strengthen political backing, funding and legal frameworks to speed up intelligence-sharing against transnational organised crime. Health crisis: Government declared PNG’s HIV situation a public health crisis, citing about 130,000 people living with HIV and major gaps in treatment for pregnant women. Trade and borders: Customs Chief Commissioner David Towe called for unified public-private collaboration to secure borders and facilitate trade. Energy and infrastructure: PNGDF’s CASA aircraft will return to service after 10 years grounded, funded through the K3 billion supplementary budget. Local governance and services: A review of PNG’s off-grid mini hydropower sector highlights how community ownership and local skills keep systems running, using Kudjip Nazarene Hospital as a case study. Media and elections: EU-UNDP backed a week-long workshop in Port Moresby training journalists on ethical election reporting and investigative work.

Election Integrity Training: Journalists in Port Moresby are strengthening skills in ethical election reporting and investigative journalism, with UNDP and the EU funding a week-long workshop focused on accuracy, fairness, voter education, and tackling misinformation, intimidation, and vote-buying. Bougainville Decision Pressure: Opposition leader James Nomane is urging PNG MPs to slow down before debating Bougainville’s 97.7% independence vote, saying lawmakers need time to study the result and implications carefully. Consumer Protection Push: The ICCC says it plans to place agents in every province over the next five years to bring complaints handling and market monitoring closer to people. Public Health Crisis: PNG has reaffirmed HIV as a national crisis, citing about 130,000 people living with HIV and calling for stronger prevention and treatment coverage. Sports Security: Police are ramping up security at remaining Digicel ExxonMobil Cup finals after spectator violence, with zero tolerance and prosecutions for offenders. Regional Diplomacy Tensions: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau is off to a shaky start, with multiple leaders absent and China reportedly furious over Taiwan’s participation. Pacific Safety Cooperation: New Zealand and Kiribati police are working to dispose of WWII unexploded ordnance, reducing risks to communities in Betio.

Pacific Diplomacy: The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau is already tense, with China objecting to Taiwan’s participation and warning of “consequences,” while several leaders are absent and Australia says the Pacific bloc decides who attends. Bougainville Unity: Bougainville marks Patriotism Day with parades and speeches stressing unity as the region’s future heads to PNG’s National Legislature. Public Health Crisis: PNG says HIV is a national public health crisis, citing about 130,000 people living with HIV and calling for renewed mobilisation as treatment coverage still lags. Consumer Protection Push: The ICCC plans to place agents in every province under a five-year plan to boost complaint handling and market monitoring. Police and Sports Security: Police will increase presence at the Santos National Football Stadium after spectator violence at the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, with zero tolerance and criminal prosecution. Health System Accountability: Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph calls for stronger Provincial Health Authorities and a 120-day plan to fix gaps in leadership, supplies, and services. Labour Mobility Watch: Commentaries highlight risks for PNG workers abroad, urging clearer responsibility for welfare, pay, and safety. Bougainville Vote Process: Parliament is still set to decide Bougainville’s future, with leaders and officials continuing to debate timing and national unity.

Pacific Diplomacy: Australia says Pacific leaders decide who attends the Palau-hosted Pacific Islands Forum after China warned of “consequences” over Taiwan-linked side events and several leaders skipped key talks. Election Integrity: UNDP and EU election integrity training in Port Moresby is in its second day, focusing on ethical, objective reporting and financial transparency ahead of PNG’s 2027 polls. District Governance: The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission has begun public consultations on the District Development Authority Act in Gulf, after complaints about weak accountability, poor financial management and procurement irregularities. Police Accountability: A renewed call to restore integrity in the police force follows allegations of extortion at checkpoints, especially around “lose week” paydays. Energy Crisis: Commentators press the government to move from criticism to a clear plan for PNG Power as the utility faces mounting public pressure. Disaster Readiness: UN officials and the Health Minister highlight gaps in provincial disaster centres and remind provinces they already carry legal duties under the National Disaster Act. Consumer Protection: The ICCC launched its 2026–2030 corporate plan to strengthen consumer rights, competition oversight and enforcement across PNG. Cyber Capacity: RPNGC officers started PNG’s first joint cyber forensics training with the US Embassy to improve handling of digital evidence. Local Economy: NCDC has reopened Apo Street Market under approval for 75 informal vendors, with conditions on cleanliness, waste and fees.