AGP Executive Report

Bougainville Independence Vote Looms: PNG Parliament is set to consider the 2019 non-binding referendum after a writ is scheduled to be tabled, with MPs debating ratification and a three-quarter majority requirement; leaders say the decision is historic, while Parliament’s sitting was briefly delayed by lack of quorum. PM Marape’s Call for Unity: Ahead of the Bougainville debate, Marape urged prayer, reconciliation, and a “reset” of hearts, minds, and leadership, warning against threats or division. Governance and Education Moves: Parliament unanimously passed the Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026, modernising its legal framework; separately, RPNGC launched its first formal financial literacy training for women linked to police. Public Safety and Election Readiness: NCD Metropolitan Police unveiled a security plan for 2027, including major operations and reminders that evictions require court orders. Tech and Investment Signals: Datec PNG launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s sovereign cloud and AI data centre; Pacific Pearl is also preparing to open what would be PNG’s first casino in Port Moresby pending licensing. Police Support Boost: Japan donated 60 vehicles to strengthen frontline policing nationwide.

Parliament & Education: Papua New Guinea’s National Parliament passed the Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026 unanimously (62-0), replacing the 1997 Act to modernise governance, strengthen accountability, and give the university clearer autonomy. Elections & Policing: NCD Metropolitan Police Command rolled out a security plan for 2027, including major quarterly operations and reminders that eviction enforcement follows court orders. Frontline Support: Japan donated 60 vehicles (K12.8m grant) to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to boost mobility ahead of the 2027 election. Digital Government: Datec PNG launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s sovereign cloud and AI data centre, with Telikom PNG and CloudSigma. Business & Regulation: Telikom received a Payment Service Provider Licence from the Bank of PNG, paving the way for nationwide digital wallet services. National Unity Message: PM Marape urged a “reset” of hearts, minds and leadership during the National Day of Prayer and Repentance. Bougainville Watch: MPs are set to debate whether to ratify Bougainville’s 2019 97.7% independence vote, with Marape warning against threats or hostility. Deep-Sea Mining Risk: A Pacific report warns investor-state dispute rules could expose PNG and other Pacific governments to costly legal claims if they tighten deep-sea mining protections. Health & Infrastructure: Milne Bay’s upgraded Gurney Airport terminal opened, with Marape urging landowners to keep customary land and use it for tourism and small business. Women & Skills: The RPNGC ran its first formal financial literacy training for 16 women linked to police families, focusing on budgeting and long-term planning.

National Leadership Reset: PM James Marape urged a PNG “reset” of hearts, minds and leadership at the National Day of Prayer and Repentance, saying change must start with people and leaders—not just policies. Bougainville Independence Vote: Parliament resumes debate on whether to ratify Bougainville’s 2019 independence referendum result (97.7%); Marape warned MPs and the public against threats or division. Parliament Agenda: MPs return to a packed sitting covering election laws, Connect PNG, infrastructure, public sector reform, Bougainville consultations and log export monitoring. El Niño Response Funding: Cabinet approved K10m for every province and K5m per district to lead drought response as drought conditions worsen, with the National Disaster Centre coordinating. Police and Election Integrity: Police Minister Sir John Pundari told RPNGC to resist political interference ahead of 2027, stressing impartial policing during campaigning, polling and counting. Frontline Policing Boost: Japan donated 60 vehicles (K12.8m grant) to improve police mobility and reach communities. Financial Inclusion: Telikom received a Bank of PNG licence to launch nationwide digital wallet services. Education Law Passed: Parliament unanimously passed the Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026, replacing the 1997 Act to modernise governance. Community and Welfare: RPNGC held its first financial literacy training for 16 women and police families at Morata Barracks. Gun Amnesty: A national firearms amnesty is underway, with the grace period ending Sept 16 and more than 200 guns already surrendered. Infrastructure Debate: A discussion piece questions whether PNG should prioritise major projects like the K76.8m Gurney Airport terminal upgrade over basic services. Deep-Sea Mining Warning: A report warns Pacific governments could face costly investor lawsuits if they restrict deep-sea mining under Investor-State Dispute Settlement rules.

El Niño Response: Cabinet approved K10m for every province and K5m per district to tackle drought impacts, with the National Disaster Centre coordinating local efforts as NCD and Gulf face extreme conditions and many provinces on severe alert. Parliament Resumes: Parliament returns with election-law amendments, Connect PNG updates, Bougainville consultation reports, and log export monitoring on the agenda. Election Integrity: Political Parties Registrar Emmanuel Pok says party behaviour will be strictly regulated, while Police Minister Sir John Pundari warns officers against political interference ahead of 2027. Police Capacity: Japan handed over 60 vehicles to the RPNGC to improve patrol reach and incident response. Financial Inclusion: Telikom received a Payment Service Provider Licence to expand mobile money nationwide. Governance Appointments: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in for Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security/Correctional Services, and Culture and Tourism. Public Safety: Gun amnesty grace period ends Sept 16, with calls for community support. Local Hardship: Central Province and NCD report severe drought, water outages and school closures, with K5.3m allocated and more needed. Women & Families: RPNGC held its first financial literacy training for women linked to police families. Digital Education: Port Moresby Business College launched a new website as part of PNG’s education digital push.

Infrastructure & Tourism: PM Marape officially opened upgraded Gurney Airport in Milne Bay, positioning it as PNG’s first “tourism airport” and an international gateway, with ADB-backed works including a new terminal, runway upgrades and cargo facilities. Public Safety & Elections: Police Minister Sir John Pundari urged officers to resist political interference ahead of 2027, stressing the oath, discipline and impartial policing during campaigning, polling and counting. Gun Violence Push: A national gun amnesty is underway, with the grace period ending Sept 16, and Pundari calling on provinces, churches and communities to help remove illegal firearms. Health: Port Moresby General Hospital received PNG’s first Halcyon Linear Accelerator, moving the Comprehensive Cancer Centre closer to nationwide radiation treatment services. Governance & Justice: Bougainville is training magistrates and court staff as it prepares to roll out its Community Court system under the Bougainville Community Court Act 2024. Economy & Reform: Westpac says PNG’s second-half 2026 outlook is stronger on commodity prices and IMF-backed reforms, but growth must reach livelihoods and services. Tech & Connectivity: Telikom PNG and Vodafone PNG signed a network-sharing pact to cut costs and expand coverage, including a “bill and keep” model for cross-network calls/texts. Environment: Central Province and NCD are struggling under El Niño drought, with Central allocating K5.3m for response and warning more funding is needed. Education & Skills: Port Moresby Business College launched a new website as part of its digital transformation push, while UPNG hosted a science fair showcasing local research and solutions. Corruption Case: NFACD charged a former UPNG bursar over alleged USIS and accounting fraud, including K602,785 in transfers and de-registration of 194 students.

Telecom Reform: Telikom PNG and Vodafone PNG signed a landmark co-location and network-sharing pact, including a “bill and keep” interconnection model aimed at cutting costs and expanding coverage. Justice & Governance: Bougainville is rolling out training for magistrates, clerks and peace officers as it prepares to launch its Community Court system under the Bougainville Community Court Act 2024. Health Upgrade: Port Moresby General Hospital received PNG’s first Halcyon Linear Accelerator, a major step toward nationwide cancer radiation treatment later this year. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Gurney Airport in Alotau officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade supported by the Asian Development Bank, improving safety and capacity for Milne Bay. Public Finance Oversight: The ABG renewed its partnership with PNG’s Auditor-General’s Office through an MOU to strengthen accountability and public financial management. Education & Science: UPNG hosted a two-day science fair showcasing research and innovations, with support from major sponsors. Politics Ahead of GE27: Greater Sepik ministers Richard Maru and Belden Namah signed an agreement to pool resources as they campaign for the 2027 election. Sports Governance: PNG Rugby Union interim president Vincent Karawa warned the prolonged suspension is pushing players toward rugby league. Correctional Service Funding: Enga’s Mukurumanda Correctional Institution received K4m to complete works, with an opening targeted for September.

El Niño Drought Watch (Bougainville): The ABG says there’s an 80–90% chance of below-normal rainfall across Bougainville until year-end, with Nissan Atolls and other outer-island communities flagged for drought monitoring. Power Crisis (Morobe): Bulolo MP Sam Basil Jnr says Morobe is facing daily blackouts of 4–5 hours for months, pushing businesses to buy generators and hitting health and education services. Infrastructure Openings (Aviation): Gurney Airport in Alotau officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade under CADIP II, with new terminal, runway, lighting and cargo facilities. Governance & Finance (Bougainville): ABG and PNG Auditor-General renewed a partnership to strengthen public financial management, accountability and transparency. Anti-Fraud (UPNG): NFACD charged a former UPNG bursar over alleged K602,785 fraud and cyber/database manipulation involving student registrations and fee credits. Politics Ahead of 2027: PNG Party and the newly launched Nesenel Unity Party signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement, while Richard Maru formed the Nesenel United Party. Media Policy Debate: New Ireland deputy governor Sammy Missen urged government to respect mainstream media’s watchdog role before finalising a National Media Development Policy. Economy Outlook (Westpac): PNG’s second-half 2026 outlook is stronger than expected, but reforms must still translate growth into livelihoods and services.

Women’s World Cup 2027 Play-Offs: PNG has been drawn against Chinese Taipei in the preliminary phase, with matches set for the Nov 24–Dec 5, 2026 international window. Power Crisis in Morobe: Bulolo MP Sam Basil Jnr says daily blackouts of 4–5 hours have dragged on for months, forcing businesses to run generators and hitting health and education services. Aviation Upgrade: Gurney Airport in Alotau officially opens after a K76.8m upgrade backed by the Asian Development Bank, improving safety, capacity and connectivity for Milne Bay. Bougainville Governance: ABG and PNG’s Auditor-General renew a partnership to strengthen public financial management, accountability and transparency. UPNG Fraud Case: NFACD charges a former UPNG bursar over alleged K602,785 fraud and USIS database manipulation, including alleged fraudulent student registrations. New Political Alliance: PNG Party and the newly launched Nesenel Unity Party sign a Memorandum of Agreement ahead of the 2027 election. Tech & Data Sovereignty: Datec launches Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre. Media Policy Debate: New Ireland deputy governor Sammy Missen urges government to respect mainstream media’s watchdog role while drafting a National Media Development Policy.

Political Alliances: PNG Party and the newly launched Nesenel Unity Party signed a Memorandum of Agreement ahead of the 2027 election, with leaders promising stronger governance and a “God first” policy direction. Aviation & Infrastructure: Gurney Airport in Milne Bay officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade under CADIP II, aiming for full operational certification and higher safety standards. Justice & Corrections: Work has finally started on high-security fencing at Bekut Prison on Buka Island, funded through Australia’s Law and Justice Program, with new facilities planned for male, female and juvenile detainees. Media & Governance: New Ireland deputy governor Sammy Missen says PNG’s National Media Development Policy must respect mainstream media’s watchdog role and avoid restricting or “oppressing” journalists. Tech & Data Sovereignty: Datec PNG launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre, positioning onshore data storage and processing for government and business. Economy & Regional Trade: Westpac says PNG’s 2026 second-half outlook is stronger, but reforms must translate into better livelihoods; meanwhile Marape and Wale push a PNG–Solomons growth corridor to turn political ties into investment and jobs. Security & Public Safety: Police Minister Sir John Pundari announced a gun amnesty with surrender payments (K2,000–K30,000) ending Sept 16, warning illegal gun holders face life sentences after the grace period. Health & Services: KPHL reports progress on PMGH cancer and heart facilities, while ordering a review of a stalled surgical ward project. Business & Skills: CEFI and CGC signed an MoU to boost MSME financial literacy and access to finance, including referrals into credit guarantees. International Pressure on Visas: Reports from the Pacific highlight US visa bond requirements, with some visitors facing bonds up to US$27,000.

Political Alliances: Minister Belden Namah says the PNG Party and the newly launched Nesenel Unity Party have signed a Memorandum of Agreement aimed at reshaping the 2027 election landscape, with both sides stressing God-first governance and promises of transparency and accountability. Aviation & Infrastructure: Gurney Airport in Milne Bay officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade under CADIP II, targeting full operational certification and aviation safety standards. Justice & Corrections: Work has started on K6.6m high-security fencing at Bekut Prison on Buka Island, funded through Australia’s law and justice program, with new works planned for male, female and juvenile areas. Media & Governance: New Ireland deputy governor Sammy Missen urges the government to respect mainstream media’s watchdog role while drafting a National Media Development Policy, warning against restricting or “moulding” journalists. Tech & Data Sovereignty: Datec PNG and Telikom launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre, positioning onshore data storage and processing for government and business. Security & Public Safety: Police Minister Sir John Pundari announced an illegal gun surrender push ending Sept 16, with life sentences for anyone caught after the grace period. Economy & Jobs: Westpac says PNG’s second-half 2026 outlook is stronger on commodity prices and reforms, but growth must translate into wider household benefits. Regional Trade: PM Marape and Solomon Islands leaders are pushing a “growth corridor” to turn political ties into investment, trade and downstream jobs.

Sovereign tech push: Datec PNG and Telikom PNG launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre, built for onshore data storage and AI workloads, with resilience designed for PNG’s power realities. Infrastructure safety: PNG released a revised seismic design manual for bridges, updating earthquake risk information and engineering requirements using newer science and Geoscience Australia support. Economy watch: Westpac says PNG’s 2026 second half looks stronger on commodity prices, resource activity and Connect PNG spending, but warns reforms must translate into better livelihoods. Regional trade drive: PM James Marape and Solomon Islands leaders are pushing a “growth corridor” after the PNG–Solomon Islands Business Investment Forum, aiming for more investment, jobs and downstream processing. Health facility progress: KPHL reports movement on PMGH’s cancer treatment and national heart centre projects, while ordering a review of a stalled surgical ward. Politics ahead of 2027: Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru left People First Party to form the Nesenel United Pati (NUP), signalling new party activity for the 2027 election. Law and order: Police Minister Sir John Pundari announced an end to the gun amnesty on Sept 16, with life sentences for illegal firearm possession after Sept 17. Local governance and justice: Enga ward councillor Steven Harris says a councillor was charged with accessory after the fact to wilful murder linked to killings in Laiagam District. Business support: CEFI and CGC signed an MoU to boost MSME financial literacy and access to finance through training and credit guarantee referrals.

Infrastructure & Standards: PNG has launched a revised Seismic Design Manual for Bridges (2025 revision), updating earthquake risk data and engineering requirements to guide safer bridge planning, design and construction nationwide. Economy & Reforms: Westpac says PNG’s economy is stronger in the second half of 2026, helped by higher commodity prices, more resource activity and ongoing reforms—while warning growth must better reach households and services. Regional Trade: PNG and Solomon Islands are pushing a “growth corridor” after a PNG–Solomons Business Investment Forum in Honiara, with leaders calling for investment, trade and downstream jobs to turn political ties into economic gains. Health & Service Delivery: KPHL reports progress on PMGH’s Cancer Treatment Facility and National Heart Centre, but has ordered a review of the stalled Surgical Ward project. Politics & Elections: Minister Richard Maru has left the People First Party and launched a new political party, Nesenel United Pati (NUP), ahead of the 2027 election. Public Safety: Police Minister Sir John Pundari says an illegal gun amnesty ends Sept 16, with life sentences after the grace period and payments for surrendered weapons. Governance & Media: Parliament’s Communications committee recommends strengthening PNG’s information ecosystem, including reintroducing school radio broadcasts and building cybercrime capacity in provinces. Business & Finance: CEFI and Credit Guarantee Corporation PNG (CGC) signed an MoU to improve MSME financial literacy, entrepreneurship training and access to guaranteed finance. Sports & Youth: NPL launched a legal scholarship to grow PNG’s next generation of commercial lawyers, pairing tuition support with industry experience. Security & Regional Fisheries: Pacific authorities detained Chinese and Indonesian boats for illegal fishing across multiple island states, with leaders set to discuss a new regional strategy in Palau.

Digital Sovereignty: PNG will officially inaugurate Kumul Cloud Infinity — its Sovereign Cloud and AI Datacenter — on Friday 21 August in Port Moresby, aiming to keep critical data and AI workloads hosted and managed inside the country. Regional Security & Diplomacy: PNG’s foreign minister says the West Papua issue is expected to be raised at the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Palau next month, after it faded from earlier foreign ministers’ discussions. El Niño Readiness: Western Highlands governor Wai Rapa warns his province is unprepared for El Niño impacts, citing lack of funds, no national communication, and drying water sources that threaten livelihoods. Business & Investment: PNG’s International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru questions whether PNG’s repeated overseas business forums are delivering results, as the PNG–China Business Forum and Trade Expo approaches. Justice & Public Safety: Enga police report a ward councilor charged as accessory after the fact to wilful murder, while another man from Laiagam received a total 50-year hard labour sentence for killings tied to tribal retaliation. Infrastructure & Service Delivery: Finschhafen District Development Authority and NAC push ahead with the Gagidu Airport redevelopment, setting up a grievance redress committee to manage community concerns during works. Finance: Nasfund says its assets have crossed K10 billion, reaching K10.25 billion by June 30, 2026. Sports & Youth: Team Goilala will run district talent selections during Independence Day celebrations, bringing scouting closer to communities across local-level governments.

Trade & Investment with China: PNG’s International Trade and Investment Minister Richard Maru says China remains PNG’s top trading partner and the country is ready to “take relations to a new level” as anchor sponsors are launched for the PNG–China Business Forum and Trade Expo. Local Justice & Court Orders: In Enga, a ward councillor has been charged with accessory after the fact to wilful murder, after killings tied to a custody escape; the National Court has issued strict interim orders to curb retaliation and harbouring of fugitives. El Niño Preparedness: Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa warns his province is “unprepared” for El Niño impacts, citing lack of national support and a drying river affecting water supply. Regional Diplomacy: PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko says West Papua is expected to be raised at the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Palau. Public Safety Infrastructure: Popondetta Police Headquarters has been decommissioned after 45 years to make way for a new K1.5m facility under the Special Police Assistance Program. Digital Sovereignty: PNG will inaugurate Kumul Cloud Infinity’s Sovereign Cloud and AI Datacenter on 21 August, aimed at keeping critical data and AI workloads hosted in-country. Law & Order Sentencing: Enga police welcomed a 50-year hard-labour sentence for a man convicted in two killings linked to tribal retaliation. Education & Health Capacity: Government will invest K2 billion in the new University of Medicine and Health Sciences, with interim council members sworn in. Aviation & Emergency Response: Alotau firefighters received ARFF training support, while Manolos Aviation received ventilators to strengthen medical evacuations. Sports Safeguarding: Pacific Mini Games safeguarding reports recorded 11 cases, including bullying and sexual harassment. PNG–Solomons Economic Push: PM Marape and Solomons PM Matthew Wale are driving a “growth corridor” agenda through the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference.

PNG–Solomon Investment Push: PM Matthew Wale and PM James Marape opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara, urging a “structured, bankable” growth corridor that turns Melanesian ties into jobs, trade and downstream investment, with PNG firms already investing about PGK1b in Solomon Islands. Police Leadership Scrutiny: Questions are raised over the appointment of a foreign national as New Ireland provincial police commander, with critics demanding clearer reasons and stronger promotion pathways for PNG officers. Health Education Boost: Government says it will invest K2 billion to build the new University of Medicine and Health Sciences, with interim council members sworn in and Dr Ken Ngangan named inaugural chairman. Digital Sovereignty: On 21 August, SoE Minister William Duma will unveil Kumul Cloud Infinity PNG’s Sovereign Cloud and AI Datacenter in Port Moresby, aimed at keeping critical data and AI workloads hosted in-country. Integrity and Corruption Fight: ICAC commissioners’ breakfast in Port Moresby urged provincial leaders to treat corruption as a criminal issue and focus on integrity in service delivery. Law & Order in Focus: Enga police welcomed 50 years’ hard labour sentences over two killings tied to tribal retaliation. Sports Safeguarding: Pacific Mini Games in Palau recorded 11 safeguarding cases, including bullying and sexual harassment, with concerns that more may have gone unreported. El Niño Warnings: Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa says the province is “unprepared” for El Niño impacts and lacks resources as rivers dry up. Energy Decisions Loom: Santos says a final decision on the $20b Papua LNG project is expected by year-end, while Papua LNG stakeholders continue engagement.

PNG–Solomon Investment Push: PM Matthew Wale opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara, urging a “structured, bankable” partnership that turns Melanesian ties into real jobs, trade and downstream investment, with PNG firms already investing about PGK1b/SBD1.8b. New Medical University Funding: Higher Education Minister Kinoka Feo says the new Papua New Guinea University of Medicine and Health Sciences will receive K2 billion for infrastructure, with K50m already released, as the interim council is sworn in. Disaster Response Training: U.S. and PNG partners wrapped a four-day disaster response field exercise in Lae, building skills in search and extraction, medical response, camp security and oil spill handling. Health Support for Yaws: Australia helped deliver one million azithromycin tablets to West Sepik for yaws elimination, using PNGDF airlift support and WHO-linked supply. Corruption Warning to Provinces: ICAC commissioners’ breakfast in Port Moresby pressed provincial leaders to fight corruption as a criminal matter tied to misuse of power. El Niño Alarm: Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa warns his province is unprepared for severe El Niño impacts, citing lack of resources and drying water sources. Papua LNG Deadline: Santos says a final decision on the $20b Papua LNG project is expected by year-end, while energy policy debates continue.