The 8th 2024 Public Service Dedication Service under the theme “Building the Nation in Unity through Service Delivery” took place this morning at the Sir John Guise Stadium in the Nation’s Capital. The Prime Minister, along with members of Government, all joint Heads of Agencies and public servants from all Government Departments, in attending the Dedication Service. The Minister for Public Service and Nuku MP, Joe Sungi, during his Ministerial Message, laid out the cost of the public service from last year 2023. He said it cost the government an estimated K4.22 billion in personal emolument to ensure the smooth running of the public service mechanism. He said despite the shortcomings of the public service, come each fortnight, without fail and in a timely manner, the National Government always made sure that public servants were paid. Minister Sungi said public servants should not take this for granted. “We must adhere to the highest-level directives from our Prime Minister and seek heavenly counsel to reassess ourselves and see if we have served well and truly within the public service code of conduct.” He said public servants need to personally commit themselves to change from any bad habits like poor attire and attendance, laziness, and a bad and careless attitude, including that of seeking favors and not serving to the expectations of the positions they hold. “All Agency Heads need to be prudent in management and supervision and be vigilant and decisive as and when they deal matters that come with financial implications.” Agency Heads, according to Minister Sungi, have the mandated right and responsibility to develop their human resources. “Spend time in coaching, mentoring, counselling your insubordinates to perform better as we all strive modernize the public service through ICT.” He said it is also the responsibility of Agency Heads to conduct timely appraisals to recommend actions for improvement. “I thank you all for all your efforts in serving people. To those that have done well… please continue. And to those that haven’t done well… put in extra effort to serve people better.” The Public Service Minister also appealed to the public servants to share resources to minimize wastage. He also urged them all to take punitive measures to provide support, especially to those who serve in frontline public service, like teachers, health workers and law enforcement personnel, who serve the people every day. Minister Sungi rounded off his remarks, with well wishes and a prosperous New Year 2024 to all public servants across Papua New Guinea.