AGP Executive Report

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.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th Leaders Meeting runs Aug 30–Sept 1 under “B.E.L.A.U.”, but several key leaders are missing, including Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale (left to face a no-confidence motion) and others from Kiribati, Vanuatu and Samoa, while Fiji’s attendance remains uncertain. Cybercrime crackdown: RPNGC officers began PNG’s first joint cybersecurity and digital forensics course, with US Embassy and training partners, to strengthen handling of digital evidence and fight online scams and cross-border networks. Election integrity push: UNDP and the EU ran a Port Moresby election integrity workshop for media and civil society, stressing ethical reporting ahead of PNG’s 2027 polls. Fuel and El Niño pressure: PM Marape says a forthcoming supplementary budget will prioritise fuel price relief, El Niño response and 2027 election readiness, while the petroleum minister has declared a 30-day emergency to stabilise fuel supply and foreign exchange. Bougainville on Parliament’s agenda: Bougainville referendum results have reached PNG Parliament, with MPs set to debate the independence question and the need for careful consultation. Local governance and services: NCDC reopened Apo Street Market under approval for 75 vendors, and provincial disaster centres face staffing and funding gaps as officials remind provinces of their legal disaster-management duties. Sports and youth pipeline: PM Marape welcomed NRL star Jerome Luai as PNG Chiefs “Player Number 1,” linking rugby league to youth development and sports tourism.

Bougainville Referendum Debate: Papua New Guinea’s Parliament has formally received the 2019 Bougainville independence result and related reports, with PM James Marape stressing the outcome is not self-executing and MPs must study the Melanesian Framework and consult before any vote. Opposition leader James Nomane is pushing for a clear timeline and no more delays, warning the decision is the most consequential question Parliament will ever face. Fuel Crisis Response: Petroleum and Energy Minister Kerenga Kua has declared a 30-day state of emergency over fuel shortages, directing the Bank of PNG to maintain foreign exchange for authorised dealers and ordering Puma Energy to keep supplies moving, while a Supplementary Budget is set to prioritise fuel relief, El Niño response and 2027 election preparations. Election Integrity & Finance Safeguards: UNDP and the EU launched a week-long election integrity workshop in Port Moresby for media and civil society, while Nasfund co-signed the PNG Empower Finance Code with BPNG and other institutions to curb financial abuse and digital exploitation. El Niño Impacts: Bougainville has been placed on drought alert due to El Niño risk, and PNG is also rolling out disaster and drought support measures, including funding releases for provinces affected by El Niño. Health & Community Services: Angau Memorial Hospital in Morobe received 36 portable ventilators to address respiratory equipment shortages, and Simbu police led a community clean-up in Kundiawa to improve town order and safety. Local Economy & Governance: The revised Hidden Valley Mining Project Community Development Agreement has been signed, clearing the way for community benefits in Morobe, while PNG’s Parliament also moved on youth violence deterrence with convictions for students involved in city fight incitement.

Bougainville Referendum in Parliament: Opposition MP James Nomane says the 2019 independence vote is the “most consequential question” PNG MPs will ever face, urging careful national unity and consultations before any decision. Prime Minister Marape told Parliament the result is not self-executing and that MPs must study the referendum documents under Section 342, with the debate adjourned to allow more review. Health Security Upgrade: PNG has completed its first-ever Joint External Evaluation with WHO, assessing capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats, with recommendations feeding into a national action plan. El Niño Support on the Ground: Australia backed the launch of a Provincial Disaster Office capacity report, while coffee farmers in the Highlands say drought is damaging crops and are calling for better water support from district and provincial authorities. Disaster-Ready Funding: The US committed over K15 million for child nutrition in PNG ahead of El Niño. Justice and Order: Port Moresby District Court convicted 70 students over city fight incitement, fining them K200 each and placing them on good-behaviour bonds. Infrastructure and Finance: Bank of PNG set out a reform agenda for stability and inclusion; Nasfund co-signed the PNG Empower Finance Code to curb financial abuse.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Climate and security are set to dominate the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting, with Australia again facing pressure over emissions and fossil-fuel approvals as leaders push for faster action and more control over regional resources. Bougainville referendum next step: PNG Parliament has formally received the 2019 Bougainville referendum result, with Prime Minister James Marape stressing the vote is not self-executing and MPs must follow constitutional process; Opposition leader James Nomane is demanding a clear timeline and no more delays. Court and public safety: Port Moresby District Court convicted 70 students over city fight incitement, fining them K200 each and placing them on six-month good-behaviour bonds, while police say more cases are coming. Health support: Angau Memorial Hospital in Morobe received 36 portable ventilators worth about K1.8m to ease a respiratory equipment shortage, with training and maintenance stressed. El Niño preparation: The US committed over K15m for child nutrition in PNG as El Niño impacts worsen. Finance reform: Nasfund backed the PNG Empower Finance Code to curb financial abuse, calling for stronger regional co-investment frameworks. Energy deal: Papua LNG signed revised gas agreement terms, setting a deadline for Final Investment Decision by 15 December 2026.

Bougainville Referendum Process: Opposition leader James Nomane says Parliament must set a clear timeline and hold a full debate before voting on the 2019 Bougainville independence result, after the referendum outcome (97.7% in favour) and related reports were formally tabled. Prime Minister James Marape also told MPs the decision is not self-executing and Parliament—not the Executive—must follow the constitutional process, urging careful study and consultation. Public Order in NCD: Port Moresby District Court convicted 70 students for inciting fights, fining each K200 and placing them on six-month good behaviour bonds, while police say more cases are coming. Health Support: Angau Memorial Hospital in Morobe received 36 portable ventilators (about K1.8m) to ease a respiratory equipment shortage, with Australian support. El Niño Response: The US committed over K15m to child nutrition in PNG as El Niño preparations ramp up. Finance & Governance: Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma pushed for a Pacific co-investment framework and Nasfund co-signed the PNG Empower Finance Code to tackle financial abuse. Women Recognition: CPL Foundation’s Pride of PNG Women Awards spotlight long-serving PNG women’s community work ahead of the 2026 awards night. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific leaders head to the Palau summit with security, ocean resources and major-power competition expected to shape the agenda.

Bougainville Referendum Process: Opposition Leader James Nomane says Parliament must set a clear timetable for debating and voting on the 2019 Bougainville referendum result, warning the Government not to “kick the can down the road” as MPs face a decision with major consequences for PNG’s future. Parliament’s Historic Step: The referendum result, the Joint Consultation report and the Melanesian Framework were tabled in National Parliament, with Prime Minister James Marape urging MPs to study the documents carefully and keep peace at the centre of any outcome. Energy & Investment: PNG signed revised Papua LNG agreements, including a pathway to a Final Investment Decision by 15 December 2026, with a temporary, capped fiscal support mechanism aimed at protecting the State’s long-term interests. Governance & Services: PM Marape told Parliament PNG Power is in a “terminal” condition and outlined reforms, including possible provincial partnerships and partial privatisation, to restore reliable electricity. Regional Diplomacy: Australia’s push for a stronger Pacific alliance system is in focus ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ meeting in Palau, with PNG named among key partners. Public Safety: Police and festival organisers in Central Province say security plans for the 2026 Central Music, Arts and Culture Festival will include high-visibility patrols, checks on access routes, and action against dangerous behaviour.

Bougainville Referendum Process: PNG Parliament has formally received the 2019 Bougainville independence vote results (97.7% for independence) along with the Joint Consultation Report and Melanesian Framework, but MPs won’t decide for months, with PM James Marape urging lawmakers to study documents and avoid rushing. Energy & Investment: PNG signed revised Papua LNG agreements setting a clear path to a Final Investment Decision by 15 December 2026, including a temporary risk-sharing price stabilisation mechanism to protect the State’s long-term fiscal interests. Public Finance & Stability: Bank of PNG outlined a financial reform agenda focused on stability, inclusion and investment, including targets for inflation and reforms across banking regulation and payments. Electricity Crisis: PM Marape told Parliament PNG Power is in “terminal” condition, citing ageing infrastructure and weak revenue collection, as government weighs reforms, provincial partnerships and possible privatisation. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Risk: A Pacific report warns governments could face costly investor-state disputes if they tighten deep-sea mining rules, creating a “chilling effect” on environmental protections. Trade & Agriculture: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicked off in Goroka with government support, including a K15,000 sponsorship from the Department of International Trade and Investment. Health Preparedness: PNG completed its first Joint External Evaluation with WHO to strengthen public health emergency preparedness, with recommendations feeding into a national action plan.

Papua LNG Push: PNG signed three landmark agreements with ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies at Government House to keep the Papua LNG project on track for a Final Investment Decision by Dec 15, 2026, with a revised risk-sharing and price stabilisation structure aimed at protecting PNG’s long-term fiscal interests. Bougainville at Parliament: Parliament formally received the 2019 Bougainville referendum result showing 97.7% support for independence, but MPs were adjourned without a full decision; debate continues and a final vote is still months away, with leaders warning the process will test national unity and constitutional democracy. Disaster Readiness: PNG will launch its first national review of Provincial Disaster Offices in Port Moresby today, as officials and partners push for stronger disaster preparedness and response ahead of worsening climate impacts. El Niño Water Warnings: Police Minister Sir John Pundari urged landowners not to profit from privately held water sources during the 2026–27 El Niño period, while the Correctional Service submitted its El Niño response plans focusing on water security, inmate health and escape prevention. Local Benefits Debate: A K76.8m Gurney Airport terminal upgrade in Milne Bay has sparked a public debate over whether big infrastructure spending should come before basic services, even as leaders argue better connectivity can drive tourism and emergency access. Governance & Elections: Port Moresby Police launched a security plan for the 2027 National General Election, and the Registrar will strictly regulate political parties’ behaviour. Agriculture & Trade: The Highlands Farmers and Settlers Association is set to expand the Agriculture and Trade Festival in Goroka, with major government and corporate participation, while NARI and IFPRI continue fresh produce value chain research to support the shift from subsistence to commercial farming.