Prime Minister James Marape has announced that Cabinet has approved measures to curtail unnecessary government expenditure as Papua New Guinea responds to the effects of El Niño, rising living costs and other economic pressures.

They include nonessential official travel, conferences, meetings and programmes.  

Prime Minister Marape said the decision was necessary to ensure that limited public funds were directed towards urgent national priorities, particularly disaster response, essential government services and development projects capable of being completed before the end of 2026. 

“Cabinet has approved that we must cut back on all unnecessary travel, conferences, meetings and government programmes that are not essential at this time,” Prime Minister Marape said. 

“We are going through difficult times as a country. El Niño is affecting our communities, the cost of living remains high, and our people are facing increasing pressure.” 

“This is not the time for unnecessary spending. Government departments, agencies and public institutions must exercise financial discipline and ensure that every kina is spent responsibly.” 

Marape said Cabinet’s decision would require government agencies to review their remaining activities and expenditure commitments for 2026, giving priority to programmes that directly benefit the people. 

He said official travel, workshops, conferences and meetings that could be postponed, conducted through alternative arrangements or avoided altogether, they should not place unnecessary demands on public finances.

“Our priority must be to help our people through these difficult times, maintain essential services and complete the important work already underway,” he said.

“Government money must be used where it is needed most — supporting communities affected by disasters, maintaining health and education services, and ensuring that critical infrastructure and development programmes continue.”