In a decisive move to enforce accountability and improve whole-of-government performance, the National Executive Council (NEC) has approved the establishment of the National Monitoring and Coordination Authority (NMCA); a central agency mandated to eliminate fragmentation and ensure the effective delivery of government programs. Prime Minister James Marape described the decision as a major structural reform and a key milestone in the Government’s agenda to drive efficiency, coordination, and results across the public sector. “For too long, government monitoring and coordination have been scattered across departments with overlapping mandates and inconsistent outcomes.” “This has led to inefficiency, duplication, and weak implementation.…
Author: Katrina ANGELI
The Media Council of Papua New Guinea (MCPNG) has called on the Special Parliamentary Committee on Communications to continue to be transparent in its regional enquiries into the media, and to fulfil its commitment to enquire further into recent instances of media workers being targeted simply for doing their jobs. The Council said the Committee had announced that the recent suspension then termination of radio talkback show host Culligan Tanda, would be included in their committee inquiries. The Special Parliamentary Committee is currently conducting hearings in major regional centres, and has just completed its Momase enquiries in Madang. Media Council…
Australia is currently supporting Papua New Guinean women to advance their research skills and connections with Australian research institutions. Through this initiative, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (RMIT) is providing an intensive training program and workshops in Port Moresby, Lae in Morobe province and Goroka in Eastern Highlands province, covering essential topics such as research fundamentals, data analysis and management, report writing, leadership, collaborative research, data-based decision-making, and policy impact. A highlight will be the opportunity for up to twelve top-performing participants from each location to undertake a four-week advanced training placement at an Australian research institution later…
The Papua New Guinea Agriculture and Commercialization Diversification (PACD) project has again successfully completed a one-week long Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) Teacher-of-Trainer training in Kokopo, East New Britain. The training saw a total of thirteen professionals presented at the training last week from the 09th to the 13th of June 2025. The participants were representatives of eleven productive partnerships of the PACD Cocoa Project Management Unit (PMU). The representatives are from East New Britain, West New Britain, Autonomous Region of Bougainville and New Ireland. Partnerships from the Momase region will be held next week in Madang province. According to…
Prime Minister James Marape has announced that, for the first time in Papua New Guinea’s history, people can now drive from Alotau in Milne Bay Province to Port Moresby, opening up one of the most remote parts of the country through the government’s ambitious road connectivity program. “This is a historic achievement. Just as I drove from Kikori to Mt Hagen during Christmas in 2022 witnessing firsthand Gulf people now selling coconuts, crabs, lobsters, and sago.” “Highland markets, today, we celebrate a similar transformation as people drive from Alotau into Central Province and on to Port Moresby.” He highlighted how…
In a moment of NRL history and personal triumph, Jed Stuart, son of Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart, scored a try on his debut as the Raiders secured a hard-fought 16-12 victory over the Wests Tigers in Friday night’s game. The emotional win capped a significant week for the Stuart family, adding their names to an exclusive list of father-son duos to feature on the same team. The Raiders burst out of the gates, establishing a commanding 16-0 lead by halftime. However, they faced a stern challenge in the second half as the Tigers launched a spirited comeback, forcing Canberra…
In the village of Kugark in South-Waghi district of Jiwaka province, a beacon of hope shines for those battling drug addiction, orphaned children, and widows. Bridging Gap Association, a unique rehabilitation centre and community initiative which officially opened in November last year, has been built from the unwavering faith and tireless efforts of a local couple, Peter and Freda Kaman, to help those battling drug addictions. The establishment of this rehab centre also comes from the support and dedication of a New Zealander, (who himself was a former drug addict), and his family. Sam Liddle, who was born and raised…
Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has expressed heartfelt gratitude to outgoing St John Ambulance Chief Executive Officer Mr. Matt Canon, who is stepping down after more than ten years of exceptional service to the people of Papua New Guinea. Mr. Canon, who is a trained paramedic, has played a pivotal role in transforming emergency medical services in the country since assuming leadership of St John Ambulance in 2013. His departure marks the end of an era characterized by dedication, innovation, and the expansion of life-saving services across rural and urban communities. “On behalf of the Government and people of Papua…
Electing good and capable leaders in the upcoming Local Level Government (LLG) Elections, is crucial for strengthening ward governance and achieving tangible results in key results areas. Kombiu LLG Manager, Mr. Nerius Gogor, highlighted this during an election awareness and candidates’ forum at Rabuana Original this week. His statement comes as voters prepare to head to the polls to elect new leaders for their wards and LLGs. He encouraged voters in the Kombiu LLG to vote for good leaders who will be able to work closely with his LLG Administration to effectively address the 9 Strategic Result Areas including, Health,…
A local citizen from Eratubu village on the west coast of Namatanai, stated that there is a need for careful consideration and consultation regarding deep sea mining in New Ireland Province. Mr. Tony Namur said the provincial government must prioritize the interests of its people and the environment and ensure that any development project benefits the province and its citizens. According to Mr. Namur, the province already has two world-class mines, therefore, has questioned as to why they need to venture into deep sea mining. He questioned the necessity of deep-sea mining, emphasizing that the province should focus on maximizing…