AGP Executive Report

Bougainville & Panguna Security: PM James Marape urged calm after saboteurs torched heavy machinery at the Panguna mine, saying grievances must be handled through ABG processes and warning violence will only drive away needed investment. Mining Policy: Mining Minister Solan Loifa told Chinese investors PNG is “open for business” but reforms must cut delays and protect landowners and the environment, including a one-stop shop for licensing and longer exploration tenures. Local Policing & Independence: Madang police launched a five-day independence security operation, while in NCD hundreds marched in the Unity Parade led by Governor Powes Parkop. Frontline Border Funding: A border commander in Vanimo warned border agencies need urgent resources and logistics to protect PNG sovereignty. Agriculture Support: Marape announced concessional NBC loans for highway-corridor farmers (coffee, cocoa, copra) to build up to a K200 billion economy target. GST Refunds Pressure: Primary industries groups are seeking urgent clarity on long-outstanding GST refunds and tax credits dating back to 2018–2020. Education & Community Upgrades: Australia opened a new library and ECE centre at Sonoma Adventist College (PGK13.7m), and Kokopo Market received PGK3m for practical upgrades.

Bougainville Security: PM James Marape urged calm after an alleged Panguna rampage that torched heavy machinery, saying grievances must be handled through ABG processes and warning violence will only repeat past pain. Panguna Mine Restart: Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama condemned arson at the Lloyds Metals and Energy camp and said the government will press ahead with reopening plans, while police and community leaders work to identify suspects. Law & Order at Borders: Police and PNGDF are strengthening border security through a two-week paramilitary training program for police personnel under the Royal PNG Constabulary’s Border Command. Parliament & Treaties: PNG Parliament ratified the PNG–FSM Maritime Boundaries treaty, permanently setting the sea boundary and enabling cooperation on living and non-living marine resources. Economy Watch: BPNG forecasts PNG growth moderating to 2.5% next year, citing El Niño risks and global energy-price pressures. Mining Policy: Mining Minister Solen Loifa says PNG’s mining and exploration sector is open to Chinese investors, with reforms aimed at reducing delays and improving landowner and national benefits. Community Safety: East New Britain PPC Amanda Kates reported ongoing safety concerns, including a deadly Pomio boat accident and youth altercations spilling into schools. Health & Climate Resilience: A K2m New Zealand-supported project upgraded rural health facilities in Madang with power, water, sanitation and patient improvements. Tourism & Culture: Central Province’s CMACF in Bereina is boosting cultural tourism and small business activity, with government and commodity boards engaging communities. Maritime Operations: Madang Port received the pilot boat Musangu II to improve marine pilotage safety and efficiency. Education & Scholarships: Five PNG Chevening scholars will study in the UK in fields including data science, sustainability, engineering and financial regulation. Sports: Marape congratulated the Rabaul Gurias after their 26–14 grand final win over Mendi Muruks.

Kikori Development Push: Prime Minister James Marape says improved road links, tourism investment and big resource projects are putting Kikori on track for a new era of growth, pointing to the opening of the Kikori Heritage Hotel as proof infrastructure can connect isolated areas. Youth Digital Safety: Experts at the 2026 CIMC forum urged parents to lead responsible phone and social media use at home, warning that youth protection starts in families. Bougainville Security: Reports say armed men set fire to heavy machinery and vehicles at the Panguna mine site, destroying equipment linked to Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited, raising fresh concerns over security and the future of rehabilitation plans. Land and Planning: Deputy PM John Rosso stressed that PNG’s sustainable growth depends on fixing land administration and physical planning systems. Health and Climate Resilience: A K2 million New Zealand-supported project is upgrading Madang rural health facilities with solar power, water storage and building works to help services cope with climate shocks. Education and Values: PM Marape and Opposition Leader James Nomane both called for stronger education—better schools and teachers, plus character and values—while NCD Governor Powes Parkop urged protection of PNG’s biodiversity at the National Orchid and Flower Show. Economy Watch: BPNG set out its 2026 priorities: price stability, foreign exchange reform, stronger finance, and better economic governance as global risks rise. Law and Order Debate: Tribal Foundation president GT Bustin argued PNG should enforce existing community-level laws—especially those targeting sorcery-accusation offences—before talking about the death penalty. Community Updates: Tagana Village in Rigo District received a new solar-powered bore water system, and Porebada Primary School marked 70 years of education.

Economic Policy: Bank of Papua New Guinea set out 2026 priorities—price stability, foreign exchange reform, financial-sector strengthening and better economic governance—as it warns global energy/food shocks could raise inflation and pressure demand. Financial Inclusion: Bank of Namibia won an AFI 2026 leadership award in Port Moresby, with PNG-linked participation highlighting the region’s push to improve access to finance. Public Finance Modernisation: PNG signed a K26m TechnologyOne deal to modernise public finance systems, while BPNG and financial institutions backed the Empower Finance Code to strengthen consumer protection and competition. Health & Climate Resilience: New Zealand-backed K2m upgrades are improving power, water and patient facilities at three Madang rural health sites under a climate-resilience programme. Women’s Health: PNG launched HPV vaccination in NCD and Central, starting school-based doses for girls aged 9–14 to prevent cervical cancer. Law & Order Debate: PNG Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin says sorcery-accusation violence must be tackled by enforcing existing laws before any talk of the death penalty. Governance & Development: PM Marape renewed calls for roads and broader investment to drive growth, while education leaders argue values-based schooling should shape the next generation. Regional Diplomacy: PNG highlighted its defence and alliance priorities at the Seoul Defence Dialogue, as Pacific leaders continue to debate security cooperation and partnerships. Sports & Legal Risk: A trademark dispute could force the PNG Chiefs NRL franchise to change its name after New Zealand Rugby threatened court action.

Health & Climate Resilience: New Zealand and Madang’s health authorities launched the K2m BCCR project, upgrading Saussi Health Centre, Usino Health Centre and Yagaum Rural Hospital. Education & Values: PM James Marape says quality education must anchor PNG’s next 50 years, while Opposition Leader James Nomane pushes values-based schooling at IEA’s 50th anniversary in Goroka. Public Health: PNG began HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–14, starting in NCD and Central Province, aiming to reach about 60,000 in the first phase. Economy & Money Rules: BPNG set out 2026 priorities—price stability, foreign exchange reform, stronger financial sector oversight and better economic governance. Finance Sector Abuse Response: BPNG launched the PNG Empower Finance Code with 15 institutions to prevent and respond to financial and economic abuse. Big Infrastructure Push: Marape reiterated that roads and connectivity are key to growth, including Chimbu’s highway investment focus. PNG LNG Update: Marape welcomed revised Papua LNG arrangements, targeting Final Investment Decision by Dec 15, as ExxonMobil takes operatorship and TotalEnergies divests. Sports & Law: The PNG Chiefs’ NRL name faces a trademark fight, with New Zealand Rugby warning it may seek court action. Regional Security Diplomacy: PNG highlighted its foreign policy pillars at the 15th Seoul Defence Dialogue, stressing partnerships for security and economic prosperity. Jerusalem Embassies: AFP reports Pacific nations, including PNG, are opening Jerusalem embassies driven largely by religious conviction.

Roads & Growth: PM James Marape told Eastern Highlands communities that sustained investment in roads and bridges is meant to turn access into jobs, coffee production and higher incomes, urging people to back agriculture and SMEs. Economic Priorities: Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Elizabeth Genia set out 2026 priorities: price stability, foreign exchange reform, stronger financial sector oversight and better economic governance as global risks rise. Public Finance Modernisation: PNG signed a K26m, three-year TechnologyOne deal to modernise the Integrated Financial Management System, expanding cloud-based tracking across provinces, districts and government bodies. Financial Abuse Response: BPNG and 15 institutions launched the PNG Empower Finance Code to help prevent and respond to financial and economic abuse, including abuse linked to GBV. Health Delivery: PNG began HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–14, starting in NCD and Central, aiming to protect against cervical cancer. Energy & LNG: Marape welcomed revised Papua LNG arrangements, with ExxonMobil taking operatorship and TotalEnergies moving to lower its stake as the project targets FID by Dec 15. Sports & Legal Risk: The PNG Chiefs’ NRL name is under threat after New Zealand Rugby warned of court action over trademark concerns ahead of the Port Moresby logo and jersey launch. Independence & Unity Debate: Commentary ahead of Independence Day argues true national unity depends on services and security, not sport alone, while others call for stronger character-based education and tougher action against crime and violence.

NRL–PNG Chiefs Legal Storm: New Zealand Rugby has warned the NRL it may drag the PNG Chiefs to court over the “Chiefs” name and matching colours, putting next month’s Port Moresby jersey/logo launch at risk. Papua LNG Update: ExxonMobil is set to take over operatorship of Papua LNG and increase its stake to 34.1%, while TotalEnergies also moves to sell 9.1% to partners as the project heads toward a December 15 push for final investment decision. Economic Priorities: BPNG outlined 2026 focus areas—price stability, foreign exchange reform, stronger financial sector oversight and better economic governance—warning of new global risks from energy/food prices and weaker demand. Public Finance Modernisation: Government signed a K26m, three-year TechnologyOne deal to modernise the Integrated Financial Management System across provinces and districts. Women’s Safety & Finance Abuse: BPNG launched the PNG Empower Finance Code to tackle financial abuse, while police enforcement failures continue to leave GBV and SARV offenders unpunished. Health for Girls: PNG began HPV vaccination in NCD and Central, aiming to protect girls aged 9–14 from cervical cancer. Roads for Growth: PM Marape urged provinces to turn highway investment into jobs, farms and coffee production, arguing connectivity is the path to growth. Independence & Unity Theme: Marape marked PNG’s 51st Independence year with a call to connect the country, educate people and diversify the economy.

Public Finance Reform: BPNG and 15 financial institutions have signed the PNG Empower Finance Code, a voluntary push to stop financial abuse and protect customers, with BPNG saying abuse is widespread and linked to gender-based violence. Digital Government: PNG signed a K26m, three-year TechnologyOne deal to modernise the Integrated Financial Management System using cloud and AI, expanding real-time public finance tracking across provinces and districts. Roads for Growth: PM James Marape urged Eastern Highlands communities to turn highway investment into coffee, jobs and household income, commissioning a bridge and launching a four-lane road push. Independence Focus: As PNG marks 51 years, Marape framed the next chapter around connecting communities, education and a diversified economy. Banking & Markets: National Banking Corporation is pursuing an IPO on the PNG Stock Exchange in late 2027 after raising over K200m and planning to reduce government ownership. El Niño Impacts: Climate hazards are disrupting schooling worldwide, with PNG students reporting flooding that forces early departures; El Niño is expected to worsen risks. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau reaffirmed priorities amid strategic tensions, while Naoero (Nauru) opened a Jerusalem embassy, drawing condemnation. Sports & Sponsorship: BSP signed a landmark NRL sponsorship with the PNG Chiefs, becoming principal foundation partner through at least 2030. Community Safety: A call is growing for provinces and districts to take more ownership of law and order so development can proceed.

Infrastructure & Unity: PM James Marape says the newly opened Pangu Highway is proof government spending can connect communities and boost productivity ahead of Independence Day, urging people to use roads for markets, schools and clinics. Roads to Growth: Marape also frames PNG’s growth around agriculture and connected communities, arguing infrastructure only matters when it helps farmers move coffee and food to buyers. Law & Order Focus: A call is made for provinces and district development authorities to take more ownership of local policing needs, including fuel, transport and communications, so development doesn’t stall where security is weak. Elections Readiness: Police and PNGDF told a parliamentary elections committee they have not yet received election-preparation funding, warning of delays in tenders and planning. Sports Sponsorship: BSP and the PNG Chiefs sign a landmark NRL deal, making BSP the principal foundation partner through at least 2030. Education Access: DWU is praised for expanding higher education access while maintaining standards for thousands of Grade 12 leavers. Climate Impact on Schooling: UNICEF reports climate hazards disrupted schooling for 171m students globally in 2025, with PNG students facing flooding that forces early departures. Gender & Violence Response: Australia’s inaugural domestic violence commissioner joins PNG NGO Femili PNG’s board to strengthen frontline support for survivors. Digital Economy Push: A proposal urges the PNG government to engage Meta meaningfully so local businesses and creators can monetise and get fair digital services.

Marape’s People-Focused Push: Prime Minister James Marape says government spending is aimed at improving lives, pointing to his road trip along the Trans National Highway and new links to show infrastructure investment is meant to unite the country and grow the economy. Development Finance: The Asian Development Bank says it has committed about K23.96 billion (US$5.4b) to PNG since 1971, with a new Port Moresby office to deepen support for agriculture, education, and water and sanitation. Election Readiness Funding Gap: Police Commissioner David Manning tells a parliamentary elections committee that police and PNGDF have not received substantial election-preparation funding, warning that processes like tenders and warrants need money now. Law and Order for Delivery: A government call urges provinces and districts to take ownership of local law-and-order, arguing development can’t move fast where security is weak. Port Moresby Safety Drive: The capital’s police chief says strategies are shifting toward proactive community policing to make the city more liveable ahead of next year’s election. PNG Chiefs, BSP Deal: Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko hails a “world-class” BSP sponsorship for the PNG Chiefs, while the club announces the biggest NRL jersey deal in history as it prepares for 2028 entry. Health Services: HPV vaccination begins in NCD and Central, with free shots for girls aged 9–14 to prevent cervical cancer, and Marape commissions a K130m University of Goroka education upgrade. PNG LNG Revenue Fight: Central Province rejects a proposed benefits split for Papua LNG, demanding a near-equal share across legislated and negotiated benefits. Regional Security Warning: Fiji’s justice minister warns Pacific prisons could be exploited by organised crime unless safeguards improve. Women in Maritime: PNGWIMA completes leadership training to strengthen governance and advocacy for women in the maritime sector. Human Rights Pressure: Human Rights Watch renews criticism of Australia’s offshore detention system, saying it caused grave abuses over 25 years. Education Benchmarks: A Pacific reading report finds fewer than half of Year 4 students meet minimum reading standards, with PNG data not used in regional averages. Disaster Response: PNG’s earthquake death toll rises to seven as officials assess damage in East Sepik’s Chambri Lakes, while opposition leader Joseph Lelang urges immediate relief funding. Other Notables: PNG misses the 2026 Oceania Sevens due to administrative delays; a mysterious seafloor “megalith” claim sparks debate; and Save the Children reports hundreds of separated or missing children after Nepal floods.

NRL & Sponsorship: PNG Chiefs have locked in the richest NRL club sponsorship in history, with Bank South Pacific (BSP) signing on as front-of-shirt Principal Foundation Partner for a three-year deal into the 2030 season, worth about $15m (around $5m a year), with BSP also taking on official banking and financial services roles. Health: The HPV vaccination push has officially started in NCD, with phase one rolling out for girls aged 9–14 via schools and health facilities, targeting 60,000 girls, as government and partners move to cut cervical cancer deaths. Education: PM James Marape commissioned the University of Goroka’s new K130m Central Administration Building and student forum square, stressing that infrastructure must lift teacher training and learning outcomes. Governance & Security: Police Commissioner David Manning warns there is no substantial funding for 2027 election security, creating a major logistics bottleneck for preparations. Digital Regulation: NICTA is consulting on three new bills to expand PNG’s digital rules, including data protection, digital identity, and emerging technologies.

NRL Franchise Momentum: The PNG Chiefs have locked in a record sponsorship with Bank South Pacific, a three-year front-of-shirt deal worth about $15m (reported over $20m AUD in another account), supporting the club’s build-up ahead of its 2028 NRL debut. Education Infrastructure: PM James Marape officially commissioned the University of Goroka’s new K130m Central Administration Building and Humilaveka Student Forum Square, calling it a major commitment to quality education. Highlands Highway Push: Marape told Eastern Highlanders the multi-billion-kina Highlands Highway investment must deliver more coffee, jobs and SME growth, as he commissioned the Bena Bridge and launched road works toward Korofeigu. Digital Regulation Reform: NICTA is developing three new Bills to expand PNG’s digital rules, including data governance and protection and digital identity, after a two-day stakeholder consultation in Port Moresby. Health Delivery: NCDPHA and partners launched the HPV vaccine program at New Erima Primary School to protect girls aged 9–15 in NCD from cervical cancer. Conservation Research Partnership: TKCP and PNG University of Technology will partner on field-based conservation research in the YUS area, with training and community benefits. LNG Governance Update: KPHL says an amended Papua LNG marketing agreement with TotalEnergies strengthens PNG’s governance and protections, including unanimous consent for key pricing matters. Regional Diplomacy Watch: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau urged members to keep Bougainville’s referendum as PNG’s internal process, not a regional issue.

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.