Prime Minister (PM) James Marape on Monday announced that the 2025 National Budget will provide significant support for both the Judiciary and the Magisterial Services. The PM made this announcement after receiving the Judiciary’s budget estimates for 2025 from Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika and Chief Magistrate Mr. Mark Pupaka on Monday 23rd September in Port Moresby city. Prime Minister Marape underscored that law- and- order is now the central focus of the Marape- Rosso Government, a stance that reflects the Government’s recognition of its critical importance to national stability as Papua New Guinea (PNG) prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence in 2025. Sir Gibbs requested K369 million as Recurrent Estimates for 2025 in the Judiciary’s Appropriation Bill 2024, an increase of K72.7 million from the 2024 allocation of K296.4 million. Mr. Pupaka also pointed out that the Magisterial Services’ 2025 budget is projected at K109 million, up from the 2024 allocation of K98 million. The Chief Justice also praised the Government for fully funding the Judiciary's request in the 2024 National Budget, while the Chief Magistrate acknowledged the Government’s commitment since taking office in 2019, providing Magisterial Services with its highest-ever level of funding. Prime Minister Marape assured them of the Government’s continued commitment to providing sufficient funding to ensure the effective administration of justice. The PM reiterated that law- and- order is the foundation of a functioning society and economy, stating: “Administration of the Law and Justice Sector is what secures our country, especially our economy, and both the Higher Court (Supreme and National Court) and the Lower Court (Magisterial Service) are equally important in this regard.” “A successful country is one that follows the rule of law. We cannot pass on a country riddled with law-and-order issues to the next generation. We cannot defer conversations such as this, which focus on strengthening the sector,” said Marape when emphasising that a strong rule of law is non-negotiable for PNG’s future. He highlighted that the Government’s focus on law- and- order was demonstrated when, immediately after defeating the no-confidence motion on September 12, the Coalition went straight into a meeting and resolved that law- and- order must be the No. 1 priority of the Government. “In 2019, after we first formed Government, the economic agenda was No. 1. This time around, my Coalition partners have resolved that law- and- order must be our No. 1 priority,” the Prime Minister said. “In line with that, and with the presentations by the Judiciary and Magisterial Services, we will provide the necessary resources and support to both. In 2025, as we celebrate 50 years of independence, we will also open the new Waigani National Court Complex.” Prime Minister Marape concluded by assuring the Judiciary and Magisterial Services that the Government’s full support is behind them as part of its broader strategy to restore law- and- order across the country. Meanwhile, also in attendance at the meeting were the Chief Secretary to the Government Mr. Ivan Pomaleu, National Judicial Staff Services (NJSS) Secretary Mr. Nicodemus Mosoro, and NJSS Acting Deputy Secretary, Mr. Humphrey John.