AGP Executive Report

Fuel Relief Holds Steady: PNG’s consumer watchdog says June fuel prices will stay at March 2026 levels under the Fuel Relief Assistance, with Port Moresby petrol at K4.39/litre, diesel K4.44/litre and kerosene K4.09/litre. Education Funding Boost: PM Marape told Parliament the tuition fee subsidy has reached 2.5 million students, with about K877 million invested, plus support through HELP and classroom upgrades. Health Oversight Upgrade: A four-day internal audit training is building risk-based financial control capacity across 21 Provincial Health Authorities and Bougainville, backed by Australia/NZ and Gavi. Airport Expansion: Government launched a Port Moresby International Airport redevelopment program costing up to K2.5 billion to modernise the gateway and support growth. Marine Protection Move: PNG will protect about 200,000 km² of ocean in western Manus with a total fishing ban as part of a wider Melanesian Ocean Corridor plan. Governance & Accountability: TIPNG warns civic space is under pressure and calls for a clear government stance on supporting civil society. Parliament Watch: Deputy PM John Rosso says ILG registration reforms are coming to cut delays and abuse in the lengthy land-group registration process. NCD Climate Push: NCD Governor Parkop calls for urgent climate action and announced six environmental science scholarships for next year. EU Business Link: The EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby drew 300+ participants to discuss investment in energy, water, digital and sustainable extractives.

Health Oversight: PNG is building stronger internal audit capacity across 21 Provincial Health Authorities, with a four-day training in Port Moresby to improve financial oversight, risk-based assurance, and ensure funding reaches frontline services. Performance & Governance: PM James Marape used his 7-year performance report (2019–2025) to argue the government is “asserting ownership” of PNG’s economic direction, while civil society groups are pushing for clearer government responsiveness. NCD Climate Push: NCD Governor Powes Parkop marked World Environment Day with urgent calls for climate action and announced six new environmental science scholarships for next year. Airport Upgrade: Government has launched a major redevelopment of Port Moresby International Airport, targeting modernisation and growth with a project cost up to K2.5 billion. Marine Protection: PNG plans to protect about 200,000 km² of ocean in western Manus with a strict fishing ban, moving toward legal backing under a wider Melanesian Ocean corridor. Digital & Media Trust: ICT officials say Digital Public Infrastructure could help PNG’s media sector by supporting digital identity for verification, safer data sharing, and new online revenue models. Parliament Watch: Deputy PM John Rosso told MPs ILG registration reforms are coming, admitting the process is still too lengthy and open to abuse. EU Trade Compliance: Pacific fisheries officials in Suva trained on new EU freezer-vessel food-safety rules that could affect 97% of eligible Pacific vessels exporting to the EU.

NCD Climate Push: NCD Governor Powes Parkop used World Environment Day in Port Moresby to call for urgent climate action, warning PNG’s forests, coral reefs and biodiversity face irreversible damage, and announced practical steps like tree planting and waste management. Education & Skills: Parkop also announced six new NCD scholarships next year for environmental science—marine biology, botany and entomology—aimed at building future local expertise. Aviation Infrastructure: Government has launched a major Port Moresby International Airport redevelopment, with a cost up to K2.5 billion, as PM Marape flags the airport’s role in PNG’s growth. Marine Protection: PNG moves to protect about 200,000 km² of ocean in western Manus with a total fishing ban, as part of a wider Melanesian Ocean conservation plan. Public Service Accountability: TIPNG is urging government to clarify its stance on civil society after a report says civic space is under pressure and citizen participation is weakening. Land Administration Reform: Deputy PM John Rosso told Parliament ILG registration remains too lengthy, and said reforms are being developed to reduce delays and abuse. Connect PNG Delivery: Works and Highways Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr says Connect PNG has K7 billion in active road contracts, with payments and verification processes underway.

Port Moresby International Airport Redevelopment: The National Government and National Airports Corporation have launched a major PMIA upgrade, targeting modernisation and future growth, with a project cost up to K2.5 billion. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Works and Highways Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr says Connect PNG has K7 billion in active road contracts, with payments and verification processes in place, while sealing works on the Ramu Highway continue under the programme. Marine Protection: PNG will protect about 200,000 km² of ocean in western Manus with a total fishing ban, as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, with legal steps still to be completed. Digital Government & Cybercrime: Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr says the Sevis PNG Digital ID system will help authorities identify people behind fake social media accounts and online abuse, responding to concerns raised in Parliament. Land Administration Reform: Deputy PM John Rosso told Parliament ILG registration remains lengthy and unmanageable, and reforms are being developed to reduce delays and abuse, including possible moves toward decentralisation and digital links. EU Trade Compliance: Fisheries officials in Suva trained on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect 97% of Pacific vessels exporting to the EU, after concerns about freezing temperatures. Bougainville Independence Debate: Parliament continues debate on whether PNG will ratify the 2019 referendum outcome, with leaders warning the process could test independence arrangements. Education Accountability: PM Marape presented the 7th Year Government Performance Report on education, urging parents to reinforce discipline and values at home alongside government support.

Digital Governance & Identity: Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr says PNG will use the new Sevis PNG Digital ID platform to help police and regulators identify people behind fake Facebook accounts, online harassment and misinformation, after Wewak MP Stanley Samban raised concerns in Parliament. Cybercrime & Enforcement: The minister also flagged earlier limits from Meta on identity checks, but said Sevis tools will strengthen enforcement of the Cybercrime Code Act. Public Service Delivery & Accountability: Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) is urging government to clarify its support for civil society after an EU SEE report warned civic space is under pressure and government responsiveness is declining. Parliament & Governance Reform: Deputy PM and Lands Minister John Rosso admitted ILG land registration is still too lengthy and unmanageable, with reforms planned to reduce delays and abuse. Media & Trust: ICT officials say Digital Public Infrastructure could rebuild trust in information by supporting digital identity for media verification, safer data exchange, and new revenue models. Education & Values: PM Marape used his 7th year education performance report to urge parents to reinforce discipline and values at home alongside government free education support. Economy & Infrastructure: Marape says PNG is set for a decade of growth driven by Papua LNG and other major projects, while Connect PNG road works continue with billions in active contracts. Bougainville: Parliament debate on Bougainville’s independence mandate continues, with warnings it will test the independence process.

Education & Home Discipline: PM James Marape urged parents to back government free-education support with discipline and values at home as he tabled his 7th Year Government Performance Report (2019–2025). Civil Society Pressure: Transparency International PNG says government responsiveness to civil society is declining, warning civic space is under strain. Correctional Services Support: Australia backed safer, more effective correctional services in PNG, citing growing demand and ageing facilities. Elections Under Strain: A parliamentary committee report highlights how election funding limits and security concerns keep recurring as major obstacles. Connect PNG Progress: Works and Highways Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr says Connect PNG has over K7b in active road contracts, with K3.1b paid and K238.24m still outstanding. Religion & Public Life: Morobe Governor Renbo Paita asked whether PNG should create a standalone religion ministry with a screening board for church workers. Digital ID vs Online Abuse: Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr says Sevis PNG Digital ID will help identify fake Facebook account operators and strengthen cybercrime enforcement. Bougainville Independence Debate: Bougainville leaders warn PNG Parliament’s handling of the 2019 referendum report could test the independence mandate. Health System Clarity: Health Minister Elias Kapavore clarified Port Moresby General Hospital is now Level Six under the national health standards. EU Seafood Rules: Pacific fisheries officials trained in new EU freezer-vessel requirements that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels exporting to the bloc. Marine Protection Move: PNG announced a major new marine protected area in the Melanesian Ocean Corridor, including Western Manus.

Timber Legality Roadmap: PNG Forest Authority says building a credible Timber Legality Verification System can’t be done alone, calling for tight coordination with agencies, industry, landowners, civil society and partners. Digital ID & Cybercrime: Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr says Sevis PNG Digital ID will help law enforcement verify users and tackle fake Facebook accounts and anonymous online abuse. Bougainville Independence Clash: Bougainville leaders warn PNG Parliament’s debate is “foolish and premature” and say ratification steps must follow agreed processes; MPs are set to vote on August 30. Health System Clarity: Health Minister Elias Kapavore confirms Port Moresby General Hospital is now Level Six under the National Health Service Standards. Censorship & Pride Night: Office of Censorship orders The Cosmopolitan Night Club to cancel “Pride Night” and remove promotions, citing offences under the Censorship Act. El Niño Preparedness: Disaster Minister says provinces under El Niño watch haven’t received specific response funding yet, despite warnings of a possible “super” event. Infrastructure & Transport: Kagamuga Airport runway rehab starts June 4 to enable larger aircraft by end-2026, while a transport committee flags long-running legislative and funding gaps. Ocean & Climate: PNG pushes major no-take marine sanctuary plans for Western Manus and advances steps toward ratifying the BBNJ ocean biodiversity agreement.

Bougainville Peace Process: President Ishmael Toroama says Bougainville’s 2019 independence mandate is now facing a “critical test” as Parliament debates the bipartisan referendum report, while Bougainville leaders warn the process is being pushed too fast and dispute whether key post-referendum steps are complete. Parliament & Health Services: Health Minister Elias Kapavore clarified Port Moresby General Hospital is now classified as a Level Six National Referral Hospital under the 2021 six-level health standards, after MPs raised confusion over earlier Level Seven references. Censorship & Rights: The Office of Censorship issued a stop notice ordering Port Moresby’s Cosmopolitan Night Club to cancel its “Pride Night” event and remove promotions, citing offences under the Classification of Publication (Censorship) Act. Disaster Preparedness: Parliament heard provinces under El Niño watch have not received specific preparedness funding, with the Highlands facing heightened food security risks. Economy & Governance: The Treasurer said PNG export earnings hit a record K51 billion since 2022, while separate commentary warns debt is unsustainable and implementation systems remain weak. Transport & Infrastructure: Work has started on Mt Hagen Kagamuga Airport runway rehabilitation to enable larger aircraft by end-2026. Digital Policy: DICT is developing a national AI strategy to tackle misinformation and AI-generated content risks. Environment: PNG plans the Western Manus largest no-take marine sanctuary in Melanesia, as part of regional ocean protection efforts.

Solomon Islands–China security reset: Newly elected PM Matthew Wale says he will review the secretive 2022 security pact with Beijing after admitting he only saw the text days before his Australia trip, while Australia and the US worry it could enable a Chinese navy presence. Bougainville peace process row: PNG Parliament debate heats up as PM Marape urges unity and constitutional process, while Bougainville VP Ezekiel Masatt calls the ratification push “foolish and premature,” arguing key post-referendum steps and the Melanesian Agreement are not finished. EU investment push in Port Moresby: PM Marape opens the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum, pitching PNG as a sustainable investment destination and highlighting a major water project for 400,000 people. El Niño funding gap: PNG’s disaster minister says provinces under El Niño watch have not yet received specific preparedness funding, even as MPs warn of severe drought impacts. Media resilience and AI strategy: DICT officials call for stronger media resilience against misinformation and reveal PNG is developing a national AI strategy with transparency and safeguards. Education reform uncertainty: Pilot provinces still await clear instructions on whether national exams will proceed under the 1-6-6 reform. Transport committee reconvenes: The CIMC Transport and Infrastructure Sectoral Committee meets in Port Moresby to tackle long-running transport and infrastructure problems.

Bougainville Peace Process: Parliament debate heats up as Bipartisan Committee chair Dr Allan Marat tables the report from nationwide referendum consultations, while Bougainville VP Ezekiel Masatt warns MPs are moving too fast and says ratification can’t happen until the Melanesian Agreement and Post-Referendum Consultations Report are finalised. Constitutional Clash: Opposition MP Belden Namah urges Parliament to reject ratification, arguing constitutional conditions on arms disposal and governance under the Bougainville Peace Agreement were not met. National Unity & Governance: PM James Marape calls for wisdom, respect and unity as Parliament takes up the “historic” Bougainville decision. Economic & Investment Push: Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey says PNG export earnings have reached a record K51b since 2022, citing improved fiscal control and IMF-backed stabilisation. EU Business Forum: In Port Moresby, the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum draws 300+ participants and announces major water funding—EIB Global loan plus EU grant—to expand potable water to 400,000 more people. Aviation Modernisation: PNG moves toward space-based air traffic management via NiuSky Pacific and Skykraft, with further links to ENAV. Solomon Islands Pivot: New PM Matthew Wale in Canberra says he will review the 2022 China security pact and pursue a new comprehensive treaty with Australia, including stronger police cooperation. Public Services Watch: Concerns continue over PNG’s health system strain, with Port Moresby General Hospital facing shortages and management failures.

Consumer Protection & Accountability: PNG citizens are raising alarms over “excessively expensive” mobile data charges, including forfeited credits, unwanted top-ups, and unexplained losses—urging NICTA and regulators to investigate and force fair, transparent reforms. Governance & Integrity: A fresh call is made for leaders and public servants to face scrutiny properly, cooperate with Ombudsman/ICAC processes, and avoid legal delays—because “no one is above the law.” Health System Under Strain: Port Moresby General Hospital is described as struggling with basic services due to underfunding and weak management, with procurement and oversight gaps worsening shortages and equipment failures. Climate & Food Security: East Sepik Governor Allan Bird warns Parliament to prepare for El Niño’s likely severe impacts on water and food, urging early action and drought-resistant crop support. Public Service Leadership: DPLGA has appointed its first permanent female Deputy Secretary, Robyn Ata, as part of a wider push for gender equity and stronger digital integration. Infrastructure & Services: EIB Global and the EU back a $25m loan to expand drinking-water networks, targeting an extra 400,000 people and reduced water losses in Port Moresby. Elections & Education: PNGEC roll display and verification in Port Moresby is reported “going smoothly,” while 92,596 Grade 10 students prepare for the June 4 Written Expression exam. Bougainville: Parliament receives the Bipartisan Parliamentary Committee’s Bougainville report from consultations, with Bougainville Affairs Minister Mannaseh Makiba calling it the single most important issue. Aviation Modernisation: PNG is set to implement space-based air traffic management via NiuSky Pacific and Skykraft, with additional cooperation talks with ENAV.

Bougainville in Parliament: The Bipartisan Parliamentary Committee on Bougainville Matters tabled its report after nationwide public consultations, with Bougainville Affairs Minister Mannaseh Makiba calling the issue “the single most important” facing PNG. Defence and sovereignty: PM James Marape told AFP PNG will not allow foreign military bases, even as Australia expands its presence at Lombrum, stressing PNG ownership and sovereignty. Elections debate: Former PM Peter O’Neill questioned PNG’s readiness for free and fair elections next year, while Dr John Momis urged voters to choose experienced, qualified leaders. Digital push: PNG joined the 50-in-5 campaign to accelerate digital public infrastructure, linking its SevisPNG digital ID, wallet and data exchange to wider interoperability goals. Climate warning: East Sepik Governor Allan Bird urged government to prepare for an El Niño food security threat. Public health: Governors launched the GEM malaria coalition to eliminate malaria by 2035, with provinces set to lead local action. Sports and media: New softball facilities are set to start at UPNG, and sports media participants completed gender-equity and fair reporting training. Governance staffing: Senior Provincial Monitoring Officers signed contracts under the Reset@50 agenda to strengthen accountability and service delivery.

El Niño & Food Security: East Sepik Governor Allan Bird urged MPs and the Prime Minister to prepare for a mid-2026 El Niño that could bring drought and threaten PNG’s food supply. Digital Identity & DPI: PNG joined the 50-in-5 digital public infrastructure push, linking its SevisPNG ecosystem to wider interoperability goals; meanwhile, DPI experts warned that centralized identity systems can concentrate power and risk sovereignty. Connectivity & Telecom: Telikom is now an authorised Starlink reseller, expanding internet access for households, government and business; NICTA also inducted 18 officers into public service to strengthen accountability. Health & Malaria: Governors launched the GEM Coalition to accelerate malaria elimination to 2035, with provincial leadership at the centre. Governance & Security: Police officers completed an intelligence training program in Lae with Australian support. Environment & Conservation: NCD Governor Powes Parkop renewed support for endangered tree kangaroos via conservation fundraising. Economy & Infrastructure: PM Marape said Connect PNG will be reviewed to better link island communities after Cyclone Maila isolation impacts in Milne Bay. PNG LNG Equity Dispute: Marape told Parliament Kroton equity is policy-based, not an entitlement by law, as debate continues over additional shares.

PNG LNG Equity Clash: Parliament erupted over Marape-Rosso handling of the 4.27% Kroton equity linked to PNG LNG, with MPs questioning renegotiation of the US$240m-per-1% price and fears of political control via a special purpose vehicle. Health Leadership: Governors backed the 2026–2030 Governors Ending Malaria coalition, putting provincial governments at the centre of malaria control to hit elimination by 2035. Wildlife & Environment: NCD Governor Powes Parkop renewed calls to protect endangered tree kangaroos, highlighting community fundraising ideas and conservation programmes. Policing Capacity: Twenty-four officers from Northern Command provinces graduated after intelligence training in Lae with Australian Federal Police support. Connectivity & Digital Services: Telikom is now an authorised Starlink reseller, promising broader satellite internet access for government, business and remote customers. Climate Finance: PNG launched a $63.4m Green Climate Fund project to protect forests and fund community livelihoods. Infrastructure & Trade: NCD’s city-improvement plan got PM backing ahead of PNG Chiefs and NRL 2028, while PNG also pushed stronger EU business ties and prepared for a PNG–China business forum in October. Regional Security: Pacific customs leaders meet in Fiji to scale up border protection against drugs, organised crime and illicit trade.

Judicial Access: New Ireland’s Namatanai District welcomes the return of National Court circuit hearings after seven years, with provincial leaders urging more young people to study law and bring justice closer to communities. City Planning: NCDC’s plan to transform Port Moresby into a safe, modern capital for the PNG Chiefs and NRL 2028 gets PM James Marape’s backing, with a “One Plan” approach running to 2040. Green Finance: BPNG rolls out new green loan standards after training with banks and Pacific regulators, aiming to embed environmental and social risk checks into lending. Health & Accountability: Provincial Health Authorities and Bougainville join a four-day internal audit training in Port Moresby to strengthen compliance, reporting, and transparency in health spending. Rural Connectivity: The US announces US$30m for satellite internet to reach remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres. Community Support: Rugby star Justin Olam delivers K30,000 in medical supplies to Chuave’s Monono and Wangoi health centres. Regional Security: Pacific customs leaders meet in Fiji to scale up border protection against drugs, organised crime and other cross-border threats. International Spotlight: Sir Ian McKellen leads London’s “Commonwealth Walk of Shame” protesting anti-LGBTQ+ laws still in force across many Commonwealth countries, including calls for Papua New Guinea to repeal colonial-era bans.

LGBTQ+ Rights Protest: Sir Ian McKellen joined the “Commonwealth Walk of Shame” in London, urging Commonwealth countries to repeal anti-LGBTQ+ laws, including in 29 states where same-sex relations remain illegal and where some face life imprisonment or the death penalty. Pacific Infrastructure & Security: The Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan) announced plans to jointly develop port infrastructure in Fiji, with Australia calling it a major Pacific investment and a potential new flashpoint in US-China competition. Connectivity Boost: Telikom Limited became an authorised Starlink reseller in PNG, aiming to extend high-speed satellite services to government, enterprise, mining, finance and SMEs. US Internet Funding for PNG: The US pledged US$30 million for satellite internet to connect remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres. Health Policy Push on TB: PNG’s Parliamentary TB Caucus and the Special Parliamentary Committee on Health Matters launched a TB Advocacy Media Strategy after high-level training, with over 50 MPs signing a declaration backing stronger TB action. Climate Finance Implementation: Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu said PNG is moving from green finance policy to practical rollout, highlighting reforms through the Bank of PNG and the Green Finance Centre. Legal System Pressure: Solicitor General George Akia warned the State faces nearly K500 million in legal claims tied to weak case defence and poor coordination, launching Highlands client outreach to improve court representation. Trade & Investment: Ahead of the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum, EU and PNG officials pushed for more European investment, including support for renewable energy, transport and digital connectivity, while PNG urged expansion of agricultural exports to Europe. Rabaul Port & Green Port Plans: EU–PNG forum updates are expected to include progress on Rabaul Port redevelopment into a “green port.”