AGP Executive Report

PNG–Australia Alliance: The 32nd ministerial forum in Port Moresby focused on putting agreements into action, including a pilot pathway for PNG university students and graduates to join the Australian Defence Force. Australia also pledged support for primary healthcare and the HPV vaccine rollout, while the two governments signed a long-term digital and telecommunications partnership. Bougainville: Australia says independence must be resolved through negotiations between PNG and Bougainville. PNG’s Parliament is debating the referendum result, but it remains unclear whether the debate will lead to a vote. El Niño Crisis: PNG officials warn the severe dry spell is damaging crops and lowering river levels; East New Britain has begun drought-relief measures as water shortages deepen. Public Services: PNG Power chief executive Paul Bayly has resigned, with Noel Mobiha named acting CEO pending formal approval. Government Revenue: Prime Minister James Marape welcomed a K400 million Kumul Petroleum dividend to support the national budget and essential services.

PNG–Australia Alliance: Prime Minister James Marape opened the 32nd Ministerial Forum in Port Moresby, calling for stronger trade, investment and economic integration. The talks are also advancing the Pukpuk Treaty, including a pilot allowing up to 100 Papua New Guineans to join the Australian Defence Force over two years; applications open on November 16. 2027 Elections: Marape says K200 million has been committed to election preparations, with K50 million already provided and another K150 million expected. He urged the Electoral Commission to improve voter rolls, logistics, training and security to deliver credible polls. Public Spending: Cabinet has ordered cuts to nonessential travel, meetings and programmes as El Niño and rising living costs strain households and public finances. Bougainville: MPs are due to debate the referendum and post-referendum process this week, with government leaders urging them to consider the constitutional framework. State Revenue: Marape welcomed a K400 million dividend from Kumul Petroleum, saying it will support the 2026 Budget and essential services.

Gold Sector Reform: Northern Governor Gary Juffa has put 21 proposals before Parliament to tighten enforcement and transparency in the alluvial gold sector and protect benefits for citizens and landowners. Australia-PNG Relations: Ministers meet in Port Moresby today for the first Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum since the Pukpuk Treaty took effect, aiming to turn the new alliance into practical outcomes. Economic Pressures: Prime Minister James Marape says Cabinet has approved cuts to nonessential government spending, including travel and conferences, as El Niño and rising costs strain households. Domestic Investment: Parliament passed securities-market legislation 76-0, which Marape says can help channel local institutional funds into the economy. Sorcery-Related Violence: Marape has pledged action and a working committee to address violence linked to sorcery accusations; the Opposition is seeking K50 million for the 2027 budget and a dedicated coordinating body. Papua LNG: The Tier 1 development agreement has been signed, with further benefit-sharing talks due to conclude in early November.

Sorcery Violence: Prime Minister James Marape says a government working committee will consider funding and coordination to tackle sorcery accusation-related violence. Opposition Leader James Nomane called for K50 million in the 2027 budget and a dedicated secretariat; Marape says the law criminalising sorcery accusations is in force. Papua LNG: The Tier 1 development agreement has been signed, with talks on remaining benefit-sharing arrangements due to conclude in early November. The government says landowners and affected communities must share in royalties, jobs, training and other benefits. Maritime Law: Parliament has ratified 11 international maritime treaties covering marine protection, vessel liability and casualty response. Cost of Living: Marape warned families to prepare for continued pressure from high fuel and import prices, alongside El Niño impacts expected to persist into early 2027. Tourism and Digital Services: At the tourism summit, NuiPay said a government-backed visa system now processes 95% of eligible applications in about four minutes, while the Tourism Minister urged businesses to invest and work with government agencies to grow the industry.

Papua LNG: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina says the signed Tier 1 agreement sets the basis for benefit-sharing talks, with remaining agreements expected in early November. He says landowners and affected communities must share in the project’s benefits. Parliament: Prime Minister James Marape has mourned Maprik MP Libert Kapris, who died on Saturday. Kapris entered Parliament in a 2024 by-election after his father’s death. Tourism and Digital Services: At the PNG Tourism Summit, NuiPay said a digital visa system developed with the Immigration and Citizenship Authority has cut processing times to about four minutes for 95% of applications. The company says easier payments could also help local tourism businesses. Infrastructure: PNG and Japan marked completion of the K270 million Ramu transmission upgrade, which is expected to reduce power outages in Lae and across the Momase region. Law and Governance: Parliament passed capital markets legislation, while the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission continues its nationwide review of the Provincial Health Authorities Act.

Leadership and Parliament: Prime Minister James Marape mourned Maprik MP Libert Kapris, who died on October 17. Parliament also passed a bill to amend the Prime Minister’s Act, while Marape welcomed passage of capital markets legislation. Energy and Infrastructure: ExxonMobil has taken over as Papua LNG operator, with the partners targeting a final investment decision later this year. A Japan-funded K270 million transmission upgrade is also complete, expected to reduce power interruptions across Lae and the Ramu Grid. Disaster Response: Australia is flying up to 10 tonnes of food and water-treatment supplies to drought-hit North Fly communities, at PNG’s request. Health Governance: The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission has completed East Sepik consultations for its nationwide review of the Provincial Health Authorities Act, examining funding, staffing and accountability. Tourism Policy: Tourism Minister Belden Namah called for simpler visitor visas, better connectivity and more private investment to grow the sector.

Disaster Response: Australia is flying up to 10 tonnes of food and water-filtration supplies to drought-hit North Fly, at the request of PNG’s National Disaster Centre. Climate Finance: PNG joined five countries backing a proposed US$500 million fund to provide rapid support to climate-vulnerable economies facing shocks. Health Services: The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission has completed East Sepik consultations on changes to the Provincial Health Authorities Act, including funding, staffing and accountability. Energy Projects: ExxonMobil has taken over as Papua LNG operator, with partners targeting a final investment decision later this year. A Japan-funded K270 million upgrade to the Ramu transmission grid is expected to reduce power outages in Lae and the Momase region. Tourism: Minister Belden Namah is calling for visa reforms, including possible visa-on-arrival, and more investment to grow the sector.

Power Infrastructure: Papua New Guinea and Japan marked completion of the K270 million Ramu transmission upgrade, adding 134 kilometres of lines expected to cut transmission-related outages in Lae to about a quarter of previous levels. Health Services: Health Minister Billy Joseph is exploring a cooperation agreement with Israel covering specialist training, hospital partnerships and emergency care; no deal has yet been finalised. Tourism Policy: Tourism Minister Belden Namah called for visa-on-arrival options, better connectivity and more private investment to grow the sector. Energy Investment: ExxonMobil has taken over as operator of Papua LNG, with project partners aiming for a final investment decision later this year. Health Governance: The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission has completed East Sepik consultations for its nationwide review of the Provincial Health Authorities Act, focusing on funding, staffing and accountability. Disaster Response: Australia is flying up to 10 tonnes of food and water-filtration supplies to drought-hit North Fly at PNG’s request, with local authorities to coordinate distribution.

State-Owned Enterprise: The National Court dismissed a K612 million counterclaim against former Kumul Petroleum chief Wapu Sonk, ruling in his favour on liability; damages will be decided later. Energy Investment: ExxonMobil has taken over as operator of Papua LNG, with the project’s partners still aiming for a final investment decision this year. Economic Reform: Parliament passed the Capital Markets legislation 76–0, which Prime Minister James Marape says will help attract investment and grow the economy. Public Safety: MPs are pressing for violent criminal groups to be declared terrorist organisations, as police report seizing high-powered guns and explosives in the Southern Highlands. Regional Policing: PNG Police Commissioner David Manning was elected inaugural chair of the new Pacific Community of Policing, endorsed by regional police chiefs. Election Readiness: The Electoral Commission faces staffing shortages ahead of the 2027 election, while a governor has raised concerns about errors in electoral boundaries.

Papua LNG: ExxonMobil has formally taken over as operator, with the project’s partners still aiming for a final investment decision later this year. Court Ruling: The National Court dismissed a K612 million counterclaim against former Kumul Petroleum chief Wapu Sonk, ruling in his favour on liability; damages will be considered later. Economic Reform: Parliament passed capital markets legislation 76 votes to nil, which Prime Minister James Marape says is intended to encourage domestic investment and strengthen financial markets. Regional Policing: Pacific police chiefs endorsed a new regional policing body, PACPOL, and elected Police Commissioner David Manning as its first chair. Law and Order: MPs are urging tougher action against violent criminal groups after police seized high-powered weapons and explosives in the Southern Highlands. 2027 Election Readiness: The Electoral Commission faces staffing shortages as preparations continue for next year’s general election.

Parliament: MPs passed the Capital Markets legislation 76–0, backing reforms intended to attract investment and grow the economy. Parliament also approved an amendment to the Prime Minister’s Act to bring the NEC secretary into a central government coordination committee. Public Safety: Pacific police chiefs endorsed PACPOL, a new regional policing body, and elected PNG Police Commissioner David Manning as chair. Separately, police seized explosives, firearms and ammunition in Southern Highlands as MPs called for tougher action against violent criminal groups. Border Development: Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko says work will begin on a K50 million border post in Western Province, near Indonesia, to support trade and access to supplies. Energy: ExxonMobil has taken over as operator of Papua LNG, with project partners targeting a final investment decision by December 15. Tourism: MRDC chief Augustine Mano urged government and private-sector investment in tourism to diversify PNG’s economy beyond mining and petroleum. Election Readiness: The Electoral Commissioner has warned that legal questions over boundaries for six proposed electorates could affect preparations for the 2027 election.

Election Readiness: Electoral Commissioner Nicole Haley says legal questions over the boundaries of six proposed electorates could affect voting in 2027. The warning adds to concerns about errors and staffing shortages at the Electoral Commission. Disaster Relief: MPs say El Niño funds remain difficult to access because money is held in an NBC trust account while payment instructions require BSP accounts. In North Fly, the drying Fly River is also blocking relief deliveries; the government says its proposed National Emergency Authority is nearing Cabinet. Security and Law: Prime Minister James Marape wants tougher firearms laws, including life imprisonment for illegal possession and gun trafficking. Police say a raid in Southern Highlands uncovered explosives, six firearms and ammunition as they target suspected criminal networks. Papua LNG: ExxonMobil has taken over as project operator, with a final investment decision due by December 15 under the revised gas agreement. The project’s progress will depend on government and provincial partners as well as its co-venturers.

El Niño Response: MPs say districts cannot access K304 million in relief funds because payment instructions direct suppliers to BSP while the money sits in an NBC account. In North Fly, drought has also left relief supplies stranded as the Fly River dries, prompting calls for a properly equipped national emergency authority. 2027 Election Readiness: The Electoral Commission faces staffing shortages and is planning digital enrolment tools, while election officials across the Pacific meet to tackle shared challenges. Policing and Accountability: PM James Marape has ordered stronger Highlands Highway patrols and asked the Police Commissioner to explain delays in vehicles promised to Madang, which contributed K2.4 million toward police resources. Tourism Investment: The government is targeting K3.6 billion in annual tourism output by 2028; MRDC is urging incentives for landowners, community enterprises and small businesses. Climate Diplomacy: PNG warned that the UN sea-level rise declaration falls short on protections for vulnerable states, but joined the consensus adopting it.

Disaster Response: With the Fly River too low for boats and no aircraft available, 500 tonnes of relief cannot reach North Fly. Disaster Services Minister Billy Joseph told Parliament a proposed National Emergency Authority is in its final stages and will go to Cabinet. Public Safety: Prime Minister James Marape ordered stronger Highlands Highway patrols and told the Police Commissioner to explain delays in sending vehicles to Madang, despite the province’s K2.4 million contribution. 2027 Election Readiness: East Sepik Governor Alan Bird warned that boundary errors may affect more than half of PNG’s seats, while the Electoral Commission faces staffing shortages ahead of the vote. Climate and Sovereignty: PNG backed the UN sea-level rise declaration but warned its protections for vulnerable states were weakened during negotiations, as Pacific leaders press for stronger legal safeguards against rising seas. Defence Accountability: Finschhafen MP Rainbo Paita challenged the resumption of PNGDF recruitment before Parliament receives findings from an independent inquiry into the process.

Election Readiness: East Sepik Governor Alan Bird says flawed electoral boundaries may affect more than half of PNG’s parliamentary seats and is calling for urgent government action. Electoral Commissioner Nicole Haley also warned of staffing gaps ahead of the 2027 poll: 33 of 105 established posts are vacant and 12 staff are past retirement age. Law and Security: Police arrested 24 men in a Porgera operation after tribal violence killed nine people; two armed suspects died. Northern Governor Garry Juffa has separately urged the government to designate violent criminal groups as terrorist organisations. Public Spending: Prime Minister James Marape defended equal K2.5 million El Niño relief allocations for every district, saying further support will depend on reports on how the money is spent. The PNG Defence Force is set to use K22.5 million for election security, training and air support. Port Moresby: Police arrested and charged 36 PMV drivers and crew over alleged unlawful fare increases. Diplomacy: PNG and China marked 50 years of diplomatic relations with congratulatory messages from President Xi Jinping and Governor-General Bob Dadae.

Porgera Security: Police say 24 men have been arrested and two armed suspects killed in an operation following deadly tribal violence in Enga. Commissioner David Manning urged people to surrender illegal firearms, as allegations about earlier killings and house burnings continue to raise concern. Election Readiness: Electoral Commissioner Nicole Haley told MPs that 33 of the Commission’s 105 positions are vacant, 12 staff are past retirement age and many others are on casual contracts. The PNG Defence Force says K22.5 million is planned for election security, training and air support, though funding and procurement are behind schedule. Bougainville’s Future: Parliament faces a pivotal debate on the 2019 referendum, in which 97.7 per cent voted for independence, and a proposed phased transition from autonomy. El Niño Relief: Prime Minister James Marape defended equal K2.5 million allocations to each district, saying further aid will depend on reports of need and spending. Climate Diplomacy: PNG is pressing COP31 leaders for climate finance that reaches vulnerable communities, with grants, simpler access and practical action. China Ties: President Xi and Governor-General Bob Dadae marked 50 years of diplomatic relations, pledging to deepen cooperation.