AGP Executive Report

Extractives Transparency: Prime Minister James Marape has pledged stronger government engagement with EITI, renewing commitments to transparency and accountability in managing PNG’s mineral and petroleum resources. Defence Payments: The Department of Defence has switched from cheques to electronic transfers, becoming the 15th national agency on the system as government departments prepare to transition by year-end. Port Security: Police and PNG Defence Force investigators are tracing a suspected smuggling network after an unexploded artillery shell was intercepted at a Port Moresby port facility. Public Service Reform: Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu has outlined plans to introduce AI tools across government, with agency heads expected to lead the rollout and deliver results. Bougainville: Parliament’s landmark debate on the independence referendum is drawing renewed calls for leaders to respect the vote and address outstanding steps in the peace agreement. Public Revenue: Customs collected K1.48 billion in the latest quarter, up 42 per cent, as Marape urged economic leaders to focus on raising government revenue.

Public Service Reform: Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu has outlined plans to introduce AI tools across government, starting with a pilot and potentially expanding agency-wide. Department heads will be accountable for the rollout. Cancer Care: A new Port Moresby training institute will help build local expertise for the Comprehensive Cancer Centre, including oncology nurses and radiation specialists. Local Development: Afore LLG launched a K12.5 million community-led five-year plan. Governor Gary Juffa says he will seek national funding for projects including crop-processing facilities, mini-hydro power and upgraded airstrips. Public Accountability: Prime Minister James Marape urged district leaders to turn public funds into practical services at the opening of new facilities in Menyamya. Separately, a parliamentary committee is pursuing long-delayed health-sector recommendations and questions over provincial health authority accountability. Bougainville: PNG Parliament is expected to consider next month whether to grant independence to Bougainville, following the region’s overwhelming vote to secede.

Public Service Reform: Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu says the Government plans to roll out AI tools across the public service, building on a Department of the Prime Minister pilot to improve productivity and service delivery. District Development: Prime Minister James Marape urged district leaders to turn public funding into visible results as he opened new facilities in Menyamya. In Oro, Afore LLG launched a community-designed K12.5 million, five-year development plan, with Governor Gary Juffa seeking national funding. Regional Cooperation: PNG and Tonga signed an agreement to share aviation investigation expertise, training and resources. Law and Order: Kimbe and nearby areas have been declared fighting zones, with police directed to enforce laws against group violence. Bougainville: PNG’s Parliament is expected to vote next month on whether to grant independence to Bougainville, following the islands’ overwhelming 2019 referendum result. Resource Projects: Parliament has passed four LNG bills, clearing a step toward the proposed US$14.5 billion project.

Public Service Delivery: Prime Minister James Marape challenged district leaders to turn public funds into visible services, pointing to new administration, police, market and water facilities opened in Menyamya. In Oro, Afore LLG launched a K12.5 million, five-year plan built from priorities set across its 18 wards. Government Modernisation: Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu announced plans for the gradual use of artificial intelligence across the public service. Parliament and Bougainville: Parliament passed four LNG bills and opened a landmark debate on Bougainville’s independence referendum, keeping the region’s political future and the 2019 vote in focus. Law and Order: Kimbe and nearby areas were declared fighting zones after escalating group clashes; police have been directed to enforce the Inter-Group Fighting Act, which provides for prison terms for those convicted of fighting.

Port Moresby Security: Governor Powes Parkop says 400 AI-supported cameras and a proposed night bus service will help the capital host evening NRL games ahead of the PNG Chiefs’ 2028 debut. Kimbe Crackdown: West New Britain authorities have declared Kimbe and nearby areas fighting zones after deadly violence. Police will enforce the Inter-Group Fighting Act, which carries prison terms of two to four years. Resource Revenue: Prime Minister James Marape has assured Papua LNG landowners their benefits will be protected as the Government targets a December 15 final investment decision on the US$14.5 billion project. Customs revenue also rose 42 per cent year-on-year to K1.48 billion in the latest quarter, Marape said. Bougainville’s Future: Parliament’s debate on the independence referendum has highlighted calls to respect the 2019 vote while ensuring a peaceful, constitutional process and practical foundations for self-government. Climate Resilience: PNG is among 14 Pacific countries covered by a US$250 million Green Climate Fund grant for resilient infrastructure and essential services.

Bougainville Debate: Parliament is weighing the next steps on Bougainville’s independence referendum. Health Minister Billy Joseph stressed the need for effective institutions, accountability, disarmament and reliable services, while other leaders urged the Government to honour the referendum result through a peaceful constitutional process. Papua LNG: Prime Minister James Marape told about 800 landowner representatives their benefits would be protected as the K70 billion project advances. With a final investment decision targeted for December, calls for transparent financing and independent scrutiny highlight the need to balance potential returns against public debt and project risks. Public Finances: Customs collected K1.48 billion in the latest quarter, up 42 per cent year on year. The Internal Revenue Commission has collected K16.5 billion toward its revised K20.3 billion target for 2026. Public Safety: Twelve men died in a police shootout after an alleged armed robbery in Kimbe. West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel says residents are frustrated by violent crime and that innocent people have also been hurt. Cost of Living: A call for action on rising PMV fares urges the Government to consult operators and passengers and publish a plan addressing affordability, fare transparency and passenger safety.

Public Finance: Prime Minister James Marape says the Internal Revenue Commission has collected K16.5 billion so far in 2026, while Customs revenue is up 42 per cent year-on-year. Bougainville: As Parliament considers the referendum outcome, Rabaul MP Allan Marat urged MPs to use the Melanesian Framework to guide a peaceful future relationship; NCD Governor Powes Parkop says the result must be respected. Climate Policy: PNG’s new 2025–2035 plan targets a 29 per cent cut in energy-sector emissions and 80 per cent renewable on-grid power by 2035. Officials say delivery will depend on accessible climate finance and technology. Public Safety: Twelve armed men died after a Kimbe store robbery, vehicle crash and exchange of gunfire with police; one suspected ringleader is in custody as investigations continue. Health Oversight: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee will inspect provincial health authorities and hospitals from November 16, checking progress on recommendations from its 2020 inquiry.

Health Oversight: Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee will begin inspecting provincial health authorities and hospitals on Nov. 16, checking whether six-year-old recommendations on medicines, procurement and health services have been implemented. Public Safety: Police say 12 armed men died after a robbery and shootout in Kimbe; investigations are continuing, with a report to go to the Coroner. Bougainville Debate: NCD Governor Powes Parkop urged Parliament to respect Bougainvilleans’ choice on their political future as MPs debate the 2019 referendum result. Climate Action: PNG has launched a K44.68 million project to help rural farmers in Enga, Milne Bay and New Ireland adapt to climate change and strengthen food security. Resource Revenue: Prime Minister James Marape praised K92 Mining’s K230.9 million tax payment and said the Government would pursue benefits for landowners and host communities.

Bougainville Debate: NCD Governor Powes Parkop says Parliament must respect Bougainvilleans’ overwhelming vote for self-determination, while weighing it against PNG’s sovereignty. MPs continue to debate the referendum’s next steps. Resource Projects: Parliament has unanimously passed four LNG bills, clearing a step toward the proposed US$14.5 billion project. Prime Minister James Marape has also assured Papua LNG landowners that their revenue entitlements will be protected. Policing: Twelve armed men died after an alleged store robbery in Kimbe ended in a vehicle rollover and gunfire with police. One suspected ringleader is in custody; investigations are continuing. Election Readiness: Electoral Commissioner Nicole Haley warns PNG’s lack of agreed electoral boundaries threatens preparations for the 2027 general election, including voter registration. Justice Access: The Supreme Court has returned to New Ireland for the first time in 30 years, holding a week-long sitting in Kavieng.

Bougainville Decision: Parliament’s debate over the 2019 independence vote continues, with Prime Minister James Marape urging a peaceful constitutional process. MP Sir Puka Temu backs independence, while others are calling for a national referendum or questioning whether peace agreement conditions have been met. Election Readiness: Electoral Commissioner Nicole Haley warns PNG lacks an authoritative electoral map, complicating preparations for the 2027 election and voter registration. Economic Policy: Parliament unanimously passed four bills linked to the US$14.5 billion Papua LNG project. Marape has also set a K200 billion economy target for 2030 and directed agencies to grow non-resource industries. Public Safety: Twelve armed men died in a shootout with police in Kimbe after an alleged robbery. A new commander, Fijian-born Chief Superintendent Vakaruru Uraia, has taken over Madang’s police command. Digital Partnership: PNG and Australia signed an agreement to expand cooperation on telecommunications, cybersecurity and digital government. Drought Emergency: Prolonged dry conditions are damaging gardens, drying water sources and fuelling bushfires, with communities facing growing food and health risks.

Election Readiness: Electoral Commissioner Nicole Haley says PNG lacks an agreed national electoral map, complicating voter registration and threatening preparations for the 2027 election. She also questioned the legality of the 2021 boundaries review. Bougainville Debate: Parliament has opened a landmark debate on the independence referendum. MP Richard Masere is calling for a nationwide vote before MPs decide, though the Bougainville Peace Agreement sets a specific process for the issue. Energy Investment: MPs unanimously passed four bills linked to the US$14.5 billion Papua LNG project, clearing a step toward a final investment decision. Frieda River: The Government and China’s Guangdong Rising Holdings signed a cooperation agreement to advance feasibility work and prepare for formal negotiations on the major mining and hydropower project. Economic Growth: Prime Minister James Marape launched a new reform committee and set targets to grow the economy to K200 billion by 2030, with a stronger non-resource sector at the centre. Dry-Season Crisis: Prolonged drought is worsening water shortages, crop losses and bushfires across PNG, with communities facing food and health risks.

Economic Reform: Prime Minister James Marape has directed senior officials to focus on revenue generation and grow non-resource industries, launching a coordinating committee with a target of a K200 billion economy and K50 billion budget by 2030. Community Safety: Hela Governor Philip Undialu says Kopiago’s gun surrender program will begin on October 30, with communities urged to hand in illegal firearms before the amnesty ends on December 25. Bougainville Debate: Parliament continues weighing the 2019 independence referendum. Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso urged respectful debate, while former prime minister Peter O’Neill said he would abstain, citing unresolved constitutional questions. Election Readiness: Public servants planning to contest the 2027 election face an October 29 deadline to resign. UPNG Simbu students are also seeking K60,000 to fund education and election-awareness visits across the province. Resource Development: Marape witnessed a cooperation agreement with China’s Guangdong Rising Holdings to advance studies and prepare state negotiations for the Frieda River project.

Public Safety: Hela Governor Philip Undialu says Kopiago’s gun surrender program will begin October 30, with the state amnesty running until December 25. Talks are also under way on by-elections for Kopiago and Hewa LLGs. Bougainville Debate: Parliament remains divided over ratifying the 2019 independence referendum. Deputy PM John Rosso urged MPs to debate respectfully; Peter O’Neill said he would abstain, while East New Britain consultations leaned toward independence and East Sepik opposed it. MPs also warned that unequal resource sharing and weak services threaten national unity. 2027 Elections: Public servants planning to contest next year’s election face an October 29 resignation deadline. Major Projects: Parliament unanimously passed four amendments intended to unlock an estimated US$14.5 billion for Papua LNG. PM James Marape also witnessed a cooperation agreement with China’s Guangdong Rising Holdings to advance the Frieda River project. Disaster Response: Firefighters, PNG Defence Force personnel and communities continue efforts to contain Lou Island’s damaging bushfires.

Bougainville Debate: Parliament remains divided over ratifying the 2019 independence referendum. Deputy PM John Rosso urged MPs to debate respectfully, while Peter O’Neill said he would abstain. East New Britain reported majority support for independence among consultation participants; East Sepik opposes it. MPs also warned that unequal resource sharing and weak services could deepen discontent and threaten national unity. Election Rules: Public servants planning to contest the 2027 election have until October 29 to resign. Resource Projects: PNG and China signed a cooperation agreement to advance studies and prepare negotiations for the Frieda River project. Parliament also passed four amendment bills tied to the Papua LNG project, which the government says could unlock US$14.5 billion in investment. Public Revenue: Kumul Petroleum presented a K400 million interim dividend, taking its 2026 contribution to the State above K1 billion. Education: Cabinet has approved a new TESAS arrangement, with government covering 70 per cent of eligible tertiary fees and families paying 30 per cent.

Bougainville Debate: Parliament is weighing the 2019 independence referendum, with Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso urging MPs to proceed respectfully and consider continuing the debate in November. Former prime minister Peter O’Neill says he will abstain, while East New Britain Governor Michael Marum says provincial consultations found most participants supported independence, with conditions or without. National Unity: East Sepik Governor Allan Bird and Wabag MP Lino Tom warned that unequal resource-sharing, corruption and neglect could deepen provincial grievances. Election Preparations: The Government says K150 million has been transferred to the Electoral Commission for the 2027 election. A proposal to delay polling until June or July because of drought is also being raised. Investment and Education: Parliament unanimously passed four amendments aimed at advancing the Papua LNG project and attracting US$14.5 billion in investment. The Government also approved a revised TESAS arrangement under which it will cover 70 per cent of eligible tertiary fees, with families responsible for 30 per cent.

Papua LNG: Parliament unanimously passed four amendments that Prime Minister James Marape says clear a major step toward attracting about US$14.5 billion in project investment. Bougainville: MPs are debating whether to ratify the 2019 independence referendum, in which 97.7% voted for independence; the debate is due to resume in November before a final vote. Marape says a peaceful, workable outcome must respect Bougainville’s choice while addressing national unity. 2027 Election: The government has transferred K150 million to the Electoral Commission for preparations. Public servants planning to contest must resign by October 29, six months before the writs are due. Higher Education: Cabinet has approved a revised TESAS arrangement under which the government will cover 70% of eligible students’ fees, with families paying 30%; the HELP scheme may assist those unable to pay. State Revenue: Kumul Petroleum’s K400 million interim dividend brings its reported contribution to the state to K1 billion this year, adding funds to the national budget as El Niño pressures grow.