Papua New Guinea’s newly appointed Police and National Security Minister, Sir John Pundari, has flagged serious challenges facing law enforcement in the country, highlighting corruption, transnational crime, and social disorder as pressing issues that require urgent attention.

Speaking during his first official briefing with police leadership, Sir John said the complexity of policing in PNG demands a comprehensive approach, acknowledging both past efforts and ongoing challenges.

“This has been a challenge for us as a country. Our people are talking about it. Leaders of this country have been talking about it.”

“So, to say that the police have not done anything about it, I must also say that I come into this office acknowledging the complexities of white-collar crimes, investigations into corruption and corrupt practices in our country, and all the transnational crimes for that matter.”

The Minister praised Police Commissioner David Manning and his deputies for progress achieved so far, calling the work of policing difficult yet crucial.

“These are not easy taskings for us to undertake, but there are some good works that have been undertaken already with our good partners, and under the leadership of the good commissioner and his deputies and leaders in the organization.”

He also acknowledged the contributions of previous ministers, particularly Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, for laying a strong foundation in law enforcement.

Highlighting the value of international support, Sir John commended Australia for assisting PNG policing.

“Our good friends, especially our Australian partners, as our strategic friends, have invested in the country, especially to do with policing work.”

“The training college up in Bomana is one of the best in our part of the region.”

“It does not only train our policemen and women, but it also trains other police officers in our part of the Pacific region. It is a centre of excellence in so far as police training is concerned.”

In addition, Minister Pundari emphasized that improving police welfare is critical to effective law enforcement.

He pointed out that housing, salaries, and insurance are essential for keeping officers motivated and capable.

He stressed the human element of the force, adding, “Our policemen up front, to be motivated and to ensure standards and performance, we have got to watch out for our policemen’s welfare.

“Sometimes we get out there, we borrow money for school fees for this or that, and your take-home pay is unable to support you for the fortnight.”

While advocating for welfare, the Minister remained firm on the necessity of discipline and internal integrity as discipline within the force also remains a priority.

“There have been record terminations under the leadership of Commissioner Manning, and this is going to continue.”

“We are not going to tolerate undermining the integrity, the standards and the performance of the police force in the country.”

Minister Pundari also warned that inadequate or delayed funding hampers police operations.

“There is one constitutional institution for the people of Papua New Guinea that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

“If you don’t get that money, the 24/7 operation fails,” he said, noting that delayed allocations stall investigations, limit arrests, and reduce frontline services.

To address this, the Minister has instructed detailed financial reporting from the Police Commissioner on 2025 expenditures and 2026 allocations.

“I have directed the good Commissioner of Police to provide me a financial report,” he said. “I have to have facts.”

“I have to tell the Prime Minister, the Treasurer and the National Executive Council facts about how we have allocated and used funds.”

Furthermore, he also paid tribute to officers and their families serving in remote and dangerous areas.

“I want to thank all of my fine police officers right across the country especially for the loyalty and hopes that you have sworn to give your people and your country.”

“For those who have lost lives as a result of your service, I want to honour you and thank you.”

Concluding his briefing, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to welfare, accountability, and professional standards in policing.

“This is a work in progress. Good work has started. We just have to progress with it.”