AGP Executive Report

Population Policy: PM James Marape says a national family-planning policy will encourage families to have no more than three children, citing pressure on schools, hospitals and household budgets. Critics say it needs clear legal, cultural and service planning before rollout. Diplomatic Fallout: Taiwan has closed its Port Moresby office, withdrawn staff and ended aid and technical programmes after PNG renewed its closure demand. The US has voiced concern; former PM Peter O’Neill warns the split could cost PNG LNG sales. Beijing welcomed the decision and offered to deepen trade. Election Readiness: Transparency International PNG is urging businesses and civil society to help update the common roll ahead of the 2027 election. Energy and Climate: Parliament passed legislative changes needed for the US$14.5 billion Papua LNG project, bringing it closer to a final investment decision. At COP31, climate finance is again a central dispute as PNG works with partners on El Niño measures, including water storage, bores and drought-resilient farming.

Taiwan Ties: PNG’s decision to close Taiwan’s Port Moresby office has ended its aid and technical programmes; Taiwan also says it will stop new spot LNG purchases. Beijing welcomed the move, while the US voiced concern. Writer Paul Kebaija questioned the government’s shifting explanations. Economic Fallout: Former prime minister Peter O’Neill says the lost spot-market gas sales could cost PNG about K1.5 billion a year. Separately, Parliament’s passage of changes needed for Papua LNG moves a US$14.5 billion project closer to a final investment decision, with industry leaders forecasting a wider gas investment pipeline. Family Planning: Prime Minister James Marape says a proposed national policy will encourage families to have no more than three children. Commentators say agencies should first develop its legal, administrative and implementation plans. 2027 Election: Transparency International PNG is urging businesses and civil society to help update the common voter roll and support election preparations.

Diplomatic Shift: Taiwan is closing its Port Moresby office, withdrawing staff and ending aid and technical programmes after PNG renewed its order to shut the mission. Taipei also says it will stop spot-market LNG purchases, blaming Chinese pressure. Washington has voiced concern; Port Moresby says the move follows its One-China policy. Family Planning: Prime Minister James Marape says a national policy will encourage families to have no more than three children, citing rapid population growth and pressure on schools and health services. Critics say the plan needs legal, administrative and rural planning before rollout. 2027 Elections: Transparency International PNG is urging businesses and civil society to help the Electoral Commission update the Common Roll. Preparations face a reported staffing shortfall of about 50 per cent. Parliamentary Accountability: Former prime minister Peter O’Neill accepted Marape’s proposed televised economic debate but said scrutiny belongs in Parliament, renewing criticism of the government’s economic record.

Taiwan Rift: Taiwan has closed its Port Moresby representative office after PNG renewed demands for it to leave, and says it will end technical aid and new spot LNG purchases. Taipei blames Chinese pressure; the U.S. has voiced concern over PNG’s move. Political Accountability: Former prime minister Peter O’Neill has accepted James Marape’s challenge to debate the economy, but says Parliament—not a public forum—is the proper place for scrutiny. Election Readiness: Reports of a 50% staffing gap at the Electoral Commission raise concerns about preparations for the 2027 general election. Health Services: Port Moresby General Hospital has commissioned a CT simulator for cancer treatment; it awaits final verification and clinical approval before use. El Niño Relief: A volunteer network has raised K70,000 for food relief in drought-hit Gumine, with distribution planned for mid-November.

PNG–Taiwan Relations: Taiwan says it is closing its Port Moresby office and ending technical assistance, while reaffirming it will make no new spot LNG purchases from PNG. Taipei blames Chinese pressure; the diplomatic and commercial fallout now needs close attention. Economic Accountability: Former prime minister Peter O’Neill has accepted James Marape’s challenge to debate the economy, but says Parliament—not a televised forum—is the proper place for scrutiny. Port Moresby Services: The General Hospital has commissioned a new CT simulator to support cancer treatment; it awaits final clinical approval before use. Capital Safety: East Sepik leaders have petitioned police and NCDC to address public disorder, unsafe transport hubs and the occupation of roads and footpaths. Election Readiness: Reports of staffing shortages and delays at the Electoral Commission raise concerns about preparations for the 2027 election.

PNG–Taiwan Ties: Taiwan says it will close its Port Moresby office, withdraw staff and end aid programmes, while halting spot LNG purchases. Taipei blames Chinese pressure; PNG ordered the office closed in July. Economic Accountability: Former prime minister Peter O’Neill has accepted James Marape’s proposed public debate on the economy but says Parliament is the proper forum for scrutiny. Capital Safety: East Sepik leaders have petitioned police and NCDC to tackle public-space occupation, disorder, sanitation risks and safety concerns across several Port Moresby suburbs. Energy Policy: Energy Minister Peter Isoaimo says PNG is ready to move from renewable-energy rules to practical solar projects, targeting rural and island communities with limited grid access. Digital Government: An audit of the Civil and Identity Registry recommends upgrades to legacy systems, data protection and disaster recovery as the government advances digital services.

Taiwan Ties: Taiwan says it will close its Port Moresby office, withdraw staff and end assistance programs, blaming Chinese pressure after PNG renewed its closure demand. Taipei also says it will stop buying PNG spot-market LNG, a potential blow to commercial ties. Economic Debate: Prime Minister James Marape has challenged former PM Peter O’Neill to debate their economic records; O’Neill accepts, saying Parliament is the proper venue. Election Readiness: PNG’s 2027 election preparations face a staffing crisis, with the Electoral Commission reportedly operating at half strength as it pursues voter-roll reforms. Digital Government: An audit of the Civil and Identity Registry has called for upgrades to aging systems, data protection and disaster recovery to reduce the risk of losing vital records. Port Moresby Investigation: Police confirmed a seized object is a 130mm military projectile and say the investigation is ongoing. China’s embassy denies links to the shell and disputes its characterization.

Diplomacy and LNG: Taiwan says it will close its Port Moresby office, withdraw staff and end spot-market LNG purchases and technical assistance, blaming Chinese pressure after PNG renewed its demand for the office to shut. Economic Debate: Prime Minister James Marape has challenged former PM Peter O’Neill to a televised debate on their economic records. O’Neill accepted, saying Parliament is the proper venue, and accused the government of damaging investor confidence. Election Readiness: PNG’s Electoral Commission faces a reported 50% staffing gap as preparations for the 2027 election lag; Transparency International PNG is urging businesses to give workers time to vote. Security and Accountability: Police confirmed a seized shipping-container item is a 130mm military projectile and warned against speculation as investigations continue. Separately, 16 officers from oversight bodies completed anti-corruption and integrity training.

Security Investigation: Police have confirmed that a 130mm military projectile found in a Port Moresby shipping container was genuine, contradicting the Chinese Embassy’s claim that it was a wine bottle. Four Chinese nationals have been detained as investigators trace the shipment; the police commissioner warned against speculation. Election Readiness: The Electoral Commission faces a 50% staffing gap ahead of the 2027 election, while Commissioner Nicole Haley says mobile registration and facial biometrics will help tackle voter-roll manipulation and form shortages. Integrity and Oversight: Sixteen officers from PNG accountability agencies have completed anti-corruption training to strengthen institutional safeguards and ethical decision-making. Digital Governance: Officials are urging stronger data protection, cybersecurity and regulation as PNG adopts AI and expands digital services. Mining and Revenue: Ok Tedi says it contributed about K32 billion to PNG’s economy over the past decade and is seeking approvals to extend operations beyond 2050.

Election Readiness: Papua New Guinea’s 2027 election preparations face serious risks, with about half of key Electoral Commission posts vacant or held by staff past retirement age. Commissioner Nicole Haley is pushing smartphone registration and facial biometrics to clean up the voter roll, while 25 public servants have resigned to contest the polls. Port Moresby Security: Four Chinese nationals have been detained after police identified a 130 mm artillery shell in a shipping container; China says it was a wine bottle, while US personnel have engaged with PNG bomb-disposal experts. Mining and Investment: Ok Tedi plans to extend operations beyond 2050, subject to government approvals. A separate K5 billion China-backed portfolio covers nine proposed projects in health, education, energy and infrastructure. UPNG Leadership: The university council has ordered an independent investigation into leadership allegations after Vice-Chancellor Ian Findlay’s resignation; Chancellor Sir Robert Igara is on voluntary leave, and Prime Minister James Marape has called for him to resign.

Mining and State Enterprises: Mining Minister Solen Loifa praised Ok Tedi’s leadership, saying the state-owned miner should set an example and leave a sustainable legacy. UPNG Leadership: The university council has ordered an independent investigation into allegations surrounding its administration, appointed acting leaders and accepted Chancellor Sir Robert Igara’s leave of absence. The crisis follows Vice-Chancellor Ian Findlay’s resignation and Prime Minister James Marape’s call for Igara to step aside. Development Ties: PNG and China have signed agreements covering a portfolio of nine proposed and approved projects worth about K5 billion, including health, telecommunications, education and energy initiatives. Security and Diplomacy: Police are investigating a 32kg object found in a Port Moresby shipping container and have arrested four Chinese nationals; China says it is a harmless wine bottle, while PNG authorities have not confirmed the final findings. Government Workforce: Twenty-five public servants have resigned to contest the 2027 national election.

UPNG Leadership: The university council has ordered an independent investigation into allegations of misconduct after Vice-Chancellor Ian Findlay’s resignation. Chancellor Sir Robert Igara is on voluntary leave, with acting leaders appointed to keep operations running. China Development Deal: PNG has secured a development portfolio valued at about K5 billion, covering nine projects including a surgical centre at Port Moresby General Hospital, solar power, schools and telecommunications. Port Moresby Security: Police are investigating a 32kg object found at a construction site and have arrested four Chinese nationals. China’s embassy says it is a shell-shaped wine bottle; authorities have not confirmed the object’s identity. PNG-Australia Ties: Prime Minister James Marape welcomed new Australian High Commissioner Jamie Isbister, with talks covering the Pukpuk Treaty and bilateral cooperation. Fisheries and GBV: Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong called for regional investment and cooperation, while advancing a strategic partnership with the FAO. Separately, provincial leaders and the government called for coordinated action and sustainable funding to address gender-based violence.

UPNG Leadership: Chancellor Sir Robert Igara has stepped aside as the university council moves to address a crisis sparked by Vice-Chancellor Ian Findlay’s resignation. Findlay cited bullying and governance disputes; Prime Minister James Marape had called on Igara to resign. Port Moresby Investigation: A 32kg object found at a construction site has triggered a police and military inquiry. China’s embassy says it is a shell-shaped wine bottle, while ABC, citing sources familiar with a police report, identifies it as an undetonated artillery projectile; four Chinese nationals were arrested. Land and Resources: The Land Commission says it is prioritising long-running customary ownership cases in Kainantu and Gobe, with funding for hearings awaiting Cabinet approval. Papua LNG is targeting a December 15 final investment decision. Transparency and Digital Services: Marape has pledged action on 27 corrective measures after PNG’s EITI review rated the country’s progress “Limited.” Separately, concerns are growing that digital ID may become necessary for some government services despite being described as voluntary. Connectivity: Digicel, Vodafone and Telikom have agreed to share towers, a move expected to improve coverage and affordability, including in remote areas.

UPNG Leadership Crisis: Chancellor Sir Robert Igara has stepped aside after Prime Minister James Marape called for his resignation following Vice-Chancellor Ian Findlay’s departure. Findlay cited alleged bullying and disputes over university governance; the university council is working to stabilise leadership. Election Preparations: Twenty-five public servants have resigned to contest the 2027 general election, including 13 from the National Capital District, the Department of Personnel Management says. Resource Governance: Marape has renewed PNG’s commitment to EITI transparency after the country scored 63.5 points and received 27 corrective actions, including calls for greater disclosure of contracts and resource revenues. Foreign Relations: At CHOGM in Antigua, Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko proposed a Commonwealth Pacific regional office and presented PNG’s bid to host a future summit. Development and Connectivity: The US$14.5 billion Papua LNG project is targeting a final investment decision by December 15, while Digicel, Vodafone and Telikom have agreed to share towers to help extend coverage and lower connectivity costs.

UPNG Leadership: Chancellor Sir Robert Igara has stepped aside after Prime Minister James Marape called for his resignation over Vice-Chancellor Ian Findlay’s departure and allegations of bullying and governance disputes. The university council says it is working to stabilise leadership. 2027 Election: Twenty-five public servants have resigned to contest next year’s general election, including 13 from the National Capital District. The statutory resignation deadline closed on October 29. Commonwealth Relations: Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko has pressed for PNG to host a Commonwealth Pacific regional office and a future CHOGM, pitching the country as a regional centre for governance, climate resilience and maritime security. Economic Oversight: A parliamentary committee plans to investigate the foreign-exchange shortage and PNG’s FATF grey-listing, examining causes, policy responses and possible reforms.

University Governance: Prime Minister James Marape has called on UPNG Chancellor Sir Robert Igara to resign after Vice-Chancellor Ian Findlay’s departure, which he linked to alleged bullying and intimidation. Financial Oversight: Parliament’s economic affairs committee plans to investigate the foreign-exchange shortage and PNG’s FATF grey-listing, examining their causes, impacts and the government’s response. Election Politics: As the 2027 election approaches, Marape has urged voters to choose on merit, not tribal or family loyalties, while welcoming International Trade Minister Richard Maru’s new Nesenel Unity Pati. Law and Order: Calls are growing for an independent investigation into the deaths of 12 young men in Kimbe, including whether police used force lawfully and proportionately. Papua LNG: With a government decision expected in December, CELCOR has warned ExxonMobil that the project could threaten 27 at-risk species, including the rare Bulmer’s fruit bat. Australia–PNG Relations: Jamie Isbister has taken up the post of Australian High Commissioner after presenting his credentials to Marape. Gender-Based Violence: Government and provincial representatives are meeting in Port Moresby to review 2026 work and shape provincial action plans for 2027.