New Ireland Province Acting Governor Mr. Sammy Missen presented the Provincial budget of more than K203million to Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey at Vulupindi Haus in Port Moresby yesterday. The Acting Governor was accompanied by New Ireland Province Administrator Richard Andia and other senior officials from New Ireland. “The 2025 New Ireland Government Budget is K203million compares to the K172million in the 2024 Budget.” “Our Revenue Estimates in the 2025 Budget reflect a total increase of 18% or K30million over the 2024 Budget,” Acting Governor Sammy Missen stated. Mr. Missen stated that Grants from 287 Revenue had increased by 17% which is K18million to K125million in 2025 from K107million compared to this year’s budget. He said that this is due to an increase in Functional Grants allocation by the National Governments in its 2025 Budget and a forecasted increase in our outstanding SSG & IDG with the National Government. “Our Internal Revenue has increased by 19% or by K12million to K77million from K64million in the 2024 Budget.” “This increase in our Internal Revenue is due to savings in the New Ireland General Reserve Trust Account from the NIPG’s share of 20% royalties received during the Lihir Mining royalty split where the two DDAs are getting 80% which is the development component of the Lihir Mining Royalties.” “This reflects prudent management of funds derived from our natural resources and to be used for our development aspirations.” With the rising inflation and never-ending increase in the prices of goods and services, with the trickle rising of law and orders issues, New Ireland Government had posture and set its direction for socioeconomic growth in this budget by setting focus on Law & Order, Economic Empowerment, Free Primary Health Care, infrastructure building and decentralization and capacity building of our Ten LLGs which is the third tier of the government,” Mr. Missen added.