AGP Executive Report

Taiwan-PNG Diplomatic Shift: Papua New Guinea says it will close Taiwan’s representative office immediately, a move China praised while Taipei insists its office will keep operating. Election Readiness & National ID: PNG says 3.6 million eligible people still aren’t registered for National ID cards, a gap it links to building a credible electronic roll and biometric voting for 2027. Health Frontline: A Jiwaka heart-screening clinic reached 34 children, while Mt Hagen Specialist Hospital warns antimicrobial resistance is rising due to irrational medicine use. Governance & Accountability: Unitech highlights 10 years of unqualified financial audits to build investor trust, as Parliament questions the delayed 2025 Financial Budget Outcome report. Security & Justice: Police say they’ve wrapped up the Sambio massacre probe, charging 27 over the April killings. Business & Jobs Debate: Industry leaders question plans to grow the workforce when new jobs aren’t being created, warning the economy must first strengthen. Education Devolution in Bougainville: Bougainville receives major education powers, including school registration/compliance and tuition subsidy distribution. Resource Week Focus: PNG Resources Week sessions push transparency and compliance in extractives, plus calls for investment in the energy sector. Public Safety Alert: A methanol poisoning warning targets 29 holiday hotspots after recent deaths.

Bougainville Education Devolution: PNG’s Education Department transferred key functions to the Autonomous Bougainville Government, including school registration/compliance and tuition fee funding—aimed at improving quality learning as powers gradually devolve. Digital Learning Push: Hutjena Secondary School in Bougainville became the first PNG school connected to EduNeX, bringing teachers digital resources and students AI-supported learning tools. Resource Week Workforce Focus: At PNG Resource Week 2026, DHERST Secretary Lonnie Baki stressed that PNG’s legacy must be skills and local business growth, not just extracted resources—linking higher education plans to jobs and procurement participation. Government Reshuffle: Six new ministers were sworn in as Prime Minister James Marape reshuffled portfolios, including Education, ICT, Labour, Civil Aviation and Health—framed as a drive for better service delivery ahead of 2027 elections. Sambio Massacre Charges: Morobe police arrested and charged 27 men over the Sambio village violence, including wilful murder and arson counts, with suspects remanded pending court proceedings. Health System Upgrade: East Sepik Hospital staff trained to use a new Erba EC90 lab analyser, speeding electrolyte testing for emergency and ICU care. Antibiotic Misuse Warning: Western Highlands health authorities warned that unregulated antibiotic use and incomplete courses are driving drug-resistant infections. Pacific Security Tensions: China’s submarine-launched nuclear-capable missile test drew condemnation across the region, with Pacific leaders warning against escalation and militarising the ocean.

Cabinet reshuffle and reforms: Prime Minister James Marape defended a cabinet shake-up that swore in six new ministers and shifted portfolios to speed service delivery ahead of 2027, while Finance pushed “cheque-free” government payments under public finance reforms. Accountability and delivery pressure: A commentary argues reshuffles won’t fix systemic dysfunction unless ministers enforce performance and departments meet statutory reporting duties. Education devolution in Bougainville: The Education Department transferred school registration/compliance and tuition fee funding powers to the ABG, while Hutjena Secondary became the first PNG school linked to EduNeX. Health and public safety: WHPHA warned Mount Hagen about antibiotic misuse driving drug resistance; Port Moresby’s Vagrancy Act is set for response on implementation in Kiunga. Community services and development: A trekking health project in Rigo reported vaccinations and treatment gains after Starlink and a solar vaccine fridge; East Sepik hospital staff trained on a new lab analyser to speed test results. Resource sector governance: PNG Resources Week heard calls for better landowner identification and stronger social mapping quality, plus discussion of a Sovereign Wealth Fund for long-term independence. Justice and crime: 27 men were arrested and charged over the Sambio massacre in Morobe, and ICAC’s acting commissioner role moved to Don Sawong.

Anti-Corruption Leadership: Don Sawong has taken over as Acting ICAC Commissioner after a formal handover, as the watchdog stresses integrity and legal compliance. Roads, Education & Local Control: Bougainville’s education powers expand as the ABG Education Department takes over school registration/compliance and tuition funding management, while the National Education Department signs a contract for a new 4-in-1 classroom facility at Haku. Health Under Pressure: Dr Glen Mola warns PNG’s fast-growing population is straining services, with maternity demand surging and unplanned pregnancies rising. Faster Motor Accident Claims: MVIL and NCDPHA sign a five-year MoU to speed genuine CTP claims in Port Moresby by verifying medical reports and injury details. Corruption & Governance Watch: PNG’s Cabinet reshuffle follows an investigation into K200m SME funding, with multiple ministerial portfolio changes announced by PM Marape. Resource Economy & Local Benefits: Marape says PNG has about 19 resource projects in motion, while business voices warn PNG is losing billions from alluvial mining and push for stronger local content. Transport & Access: Air Niugini restarts direct Port Moresby–Tokyo flights after a six-year break, aiming to strengthen PNG’s role as a regional gateway. Education Support on the Ground: Book donations keep rolling—Care Bougainville and other groups deliver thousands of books to schools, backing literacy and learning. Security & Justice: Three prisoners died and five were hospitalised after a prison escape attempt in Western Highlands, with two escapees still at large.

Bougainville Education & Community: Care Bougainville and a youth-led group backed by the Australian Government donated hundreds of books to Ameno Primary School in South Bougainville, aiming to lift literacy and learning resources. Education & Literacy Support: In Port Moresby, Buk bilong Pikinini and Fincorp delivered 1,000 books to Holy Rosary Primary School to restart library lessons and reading culture. Health & Services: Two NCD facilities, Nine-Mile Clinic and Gerehu General Hospital, received K50,000 in essential medicines from the Malaysian Association of Papua New Guinea to ease drug shortages. Local Governance & Parliament: Parliament is set to sit for two weeks, with focus on a supplementary budget for El Niño hardship relief and updates on the Bougainville referendum vote and NEC composition. Security & Corrections: Three highly dangerous prisoners died and five were hospitalised after a daylight escape from Baisu Correctional Services; two remain at large. Economy & Resources: PM Marape says PNG has about 19 resource projects in development and pushes stronger local participation and downstream opportunities as Resource Week continues. Mining & Local Benefits: A business regulator summit heard claims PNG is losing K4.5 billion a year from alluvial mining as locals are pushed out. Digital Identity & Elections: PNG National Research Institute will host a seminar on population data systems for elections, including village record books and biometric plans for 2027. Transport & Connectivity: Air Niugini resumes direct Port Moresby–Tokyo flights after a six-year break, positioning PNG as a transit gateway. Regional Defence: The U.S. and PNG launched Exercise Tamiok Strike 26 to boost interoperability and readiness, with Australia and New Zealand participating.

Madang SEZ Push: PNG’s Madang Integrated Special Economic Zone is moving fast, with government approval for a joint venture between the state and RD Tuna Canners Ltd expected within two weeks, anchored by a 300-metric-ton tuna cannery. PNG-Australia Defence Reset: Prime Minister James Marape says a landmark defence treaty ushers in “equal partnership,” deepening military cooperation while keeping PNGDF sovereignty, alongside broader trade, investment and labour mobility. Mining Benefits on the Ground: Ok Tedi Mining urges stronger landowner company participation and targets 80% local procurement by 2030, highlighting community-owned supply and a K500m fly-in fly-out village plan. Digital Identity & AI Rules: NEC signs an MoU with Ava Labs to advance on-chain biometric identity, while PNG also advances SevisPass integration with QUT and drafts AI-safety laws covering deepfakes and voice cloning. Bougainville Community Protein: The “Golden Flock” village chicken project launches in EL02, training master farmers and boosting affordable eggs and chicken supply. Port Moresby Airport Jobs: NAC awards premium taxi contracts to three local operators starting July 13, aiming to lift service standards and create business opportunities. Education Pressure: Writers warn teacher shortages, absenteeism, weak monitoring and remote school barriers are still blocking quality learning. Bougainville Peace Process: Bougainville leaders welcome the Government’s move to table 2019 referendum results, stressing dialogue and constitutional steps under the Bougainville Peace Agreement. Jobs Gap Reality Check: A World Bank update says PNG’s economy is growing, but formal jobs per capita are falling, with many pushed into subsistence and informal work.

Airport Services & Local Business: NAC has awarded premium airport taxi contracts at Port Moresby International Airport to three PNG operators—ODESH, Star Trip (Khoco), and Pikup PNG—starting July 13 under a formal concession after a public tender. Government Overhaul: Prime Minister James Marape says a sweeping restructure of central government machinery will be announced at Government House tomorrow, aimed at faster delivery and stronger accountability. Jobs vs Growth: A World Bank update says PNG’s economy is growing, but formal jobs per person are falling, with many new workers pushed into subsistence farming and informal work. Resources & LNG Momentum: At PNG Resources Week, Marape pitched PNG as a long-term investment destination and urged investors to move now as Papua LNG heads toward Final Investment Decision amid rising costs and competition. Education Pressure Points: Commentaries warn education is being undermined by teacher shortages, weak rural support, and distractions from major sports events. Security & Diplomacy: Pacific leaders continue reacting to China’s missile test, with debate over whether the region can oppose militarisation while applying different standards to different powers. Prison Safety: PNG Correctional Services says three inmates were killed during an escape attempt at Baisu Prison in the Western Highlands, with two still at large.

Governance & Reform: NCD Governor Powes Parkop calls the release of the NCDC organisational capacity assessment report a “critical milestone,” saying it will guide evidence-based reforms to strengthen systems and service delivery in Port Moresby. Infrastructure & Roads: Prime Minister James Marape launches K1.1 billion Connect PNG road projects in Vanimo, including K726m sealing for Vanimo–Green River Road and K374m for the Sepik Highway stretch, plus new classrooms at Vanimo Primary School. Education & Skills: Higher Education Minister Kinoka Feo will speak at PNG Resource Week on aligning higher education and TVET with workforce needs, while UPNG’s CEIT relaunch starts classes July 20 with IT, database and cybersecurity certificates. Community Development: Puma Energy Foundation-backed solar lighting brings power and 60 streetlights to Kakondo in Simbu, and United Development Foundation donates books to rural schools in Sol Nomane (Simbu). Sports & Youth: OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 kicks off in Port Moresby with eight nations chasing FIFA U-17 World Cup spots. Faith & Society: PM Marape urges students in Vanimo to put God first, reject drugs, and stay the course in education. Regional Security: China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific continues to spark concern across the region, with PNG among leaders calling for the Pacific to stay free of military weapons testing.

NCDC Reform: NCD Governor Powes Parkop calls the release of the NCDC Organisational Capacity Assessment Report a “critical milestone,” saying the ABT Associates-backed review will guide Port Moresby’s governance and service delivery overhaul. Resource Week Build-up: Higher Education Minister Kinoka Feo will speak at the 2026 PNG Resource Week in Port Moresby, focusing on aligning higher education and TVET with future workforce needs as PNG CORE ramps up the event with 81 exhibitors and 70 speakers. Roads in West Sepik: PM James Marape launches K1.1b Connect PNG road works in Vanimo—K726m for Vanimo-Green River sealing and K374m for the Sepik Highway—plus new classrooms at Vanimo Primary School. Community Energy: Puma Energy Foundation funds a Kakondo solar lighting project in Simbu, powering a community resource centre, 60 streetlights and improving safety for 50 households. Sports & Youth: The OFC U-16 Men’s Championship kicks off in Port Moresby with eight nations chasing FIFA U-17 World Cup spots, while the Trukai Fun Run unites provinces for Team PNG Commonwealth Games fundraising. Health Access: Pacific International Hospital announces its first PNG joint replacement surgery program—hip and knee replacements—running 22–26 August in Port Moresby. Rural Education Support: UDF donates books to rural schools in Sol Nomane (Simbu), boosting learning resources for disadvantaged students.

Connect PNG Roads: Prime Minister James Marape launched two major West Sepik road projects under the K1.1b Connect PNG Program—K726m to seal the Vanimo–Green River Road and K374m for the Sepik Highway (Warasikau–Lumi-Karaitem)—and also opened new classrooms at Vanimo Primary School. Cabinet Reshuffle: Marape’s long-awaited Cabinet reshuffle has been delayed until next week, with portfolio changes expected after he completes engagements in West Sepik. Pacific Security Tensions: China’s July 6 submarine missile test in the Pacific has renewed alarm across the region, with PNG and Solomon Islands leaders stressing they don’t want “history repeated” after war and nuclear testing. Rugby League Diplomacy: Australia and Pacific leaders signed a $250m Pacific Rugby League Partnership, with PNG Chiefs plans tied to broader regional influence and grassroots development across PNG, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. Youth Football in Port Moresby: The OFC U-16 Men’s Championship 2026 kicks off in Port Moresby, with the tournament also offering pathways to the 2027 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Digital Skills Push: UPNG’s CEIT relaunch begins classes July 20, offering certificate programmes in IT, database management and cybersecurity. Health & Safety: Police and PNGDF rescued an elderly woman in Enga after a torture video linked to sorcery accusations went viral. Conservation Watch: Scientists in Milne Bay discovered a new “walking shark” species, but warn it may already be at risk of extinction.

Education & Skills: UPNG’s CEIT relaunches in time for classes starting July 20, offering certificate programmes in IT, database management and cybersecurity, with about 150 applicants being screened. Local Scholarships: IBSU signs its first scholarship MoU with Markham Valley Secondary School in Morobe, expected to lift tertiary enrolments from Markham District. Workforce & Training in Bougainville: Lloyds Learning and Skill Development Academy is officially inaugurated, aiming to build local talent and jobs. Defence Cooperation: Exercise Wantok Warrior wraps up in Australia, strengthening PNG-Australia interoperability and small-team combat skills. Community Safety: Enga police and PNGDF rescue an elderly woman after a torture video tied to sorcery accusations goes viral. Maritime Opportunities: Steamships and Australia Awards PNG relaunch the Women in Maritime scholarship, backing up to 10 women a year with sea-time placements. Justice System: The Office of the Public Solicitor reports 4,679 legal-aid applications in 2025, urging more funding to hire lawyers. Pacific Security: China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific keeps regional leaders on edge as Australia and Fiji deepen defence ties. Business & Investment Rules: PNG’s investment “reserved activities” list faces warnings over costs and reduced competition, with ADB urging better safeguards and support for citizen entrepreneurs. Sports & Pathways: PNG Chiefs preparations for an NRL debut in 2028 stay on track, with Marape stressing education and local player development.

Education & Skills: IBSU signed its first scholarship MoU with Markham Valley Secondary School in Morobe, expected to lift tertiary enrolments from the district, while UPNG’s CEIT relaunch will start classes July 20 with certificate programmes in IT, database management and cybersecurity. Defence & Community Safety: Exercise Wantok Warrior wrapped up in Townsville, strengthening PNG–Australia interoperability, and Bomana Correctional Institution urged Port Moresby businesses and agencies to back inmate rehabilitation and reintegration. Women in Training & Work: Steamships and Australia Awards PNG relaunched the Women in Maritime scholarship, offering sea-time placements for up to 10 women a year. Justice & Rights: Office of the Public Solicitor reported 4,679 legal-aid applications in 2025, calling for more funding as demand rises. Land & LNG Governance: Papua LNG Development Forum plans expand representation so every impacted district and province has a voice before benefit-sharing talks. Tourism Planning: PNGTPA and NCDC launched an accommodation inventory and capacity survey to guide investment and event readiness in NCD. Public Health & Inclusion: Morobe’s disability resource centre board was sworn in, with calls to shift mindsets toward inclusive education, and a reminder that overseas doctors need PNG-focused training. Security Incident: Enga police and PNGDF rescued an elderly woman after a torture video tied to sorcery accusations went viral. Regional Geopolitics: China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific drew renewed Pacific condemnation and fresh concern across the region.

Investment Policy Watch: PNG is being warned that its 2023 “reserved activities” list under the Investment Promotion Act could raise costs, reduce competition and hurt exports unless safeguards and support for citizen entrepreneurs are built in. Fisheries Partnership: The PNA CEO says PNG remains a key partner in protecting and growing value from the Pacific’s tuna resources, pointing to initiatives like the East New Britain work and the vessel day scheme. Foreign Investment Reform: PNG has been included among Pacific reform leaders for moving to a clearer foreign enterprise certificate approval system, replacing more subjective past decisions. Defence & Regional Security: Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance, with PNG already in an Australia defence arrangement and Tonga weighing options as Pacific leaders react to China’s missile test. Digital Transformation: PNG signed an MoU with Queensland University of Technology to boost digital government, including research linked to SevisPass digital identity. Tourism Planning: PNGTPA and NCDC launched a National Capital District accommodation inventory and capacity survey to improve tourism investment decisions. Sport & Community: Port Moresby is hosting the OFC U16 men’s championship, while PNG Chiefs preparations for an NRL debut in 2028 stay on track and rugby league development is being pushed beyond the Hunters. Public Safety: Eastern Highlands police say 42 detainees escaped Goroka cells and 16 officers face suspension as the manhunt continues.

US–PNG Digital Push: The United States will invest $30m (about K130m) to roll out Starlink across Papua New Guinea, aiming to connect remote communities and improve access to the digital economy. Education & Security Partnership: The US and PNG continue expanding cooperation, with education and security highlighted as key pillars of the growing relationship. Digital Government: PNG signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Queensland University of Technology to support digital transformation, including research tied to SevisPass digital identity. Energy Infrastructure: Ok Tedi pledged K30m for the Sisimakam–P’nyang Road to unlock the P’nyang LNG project, with construction planned in stages. Land & LNG Tensions: The Moripi Tribe in Gulf Province says social mapping for Papua LNG excluded them as direct beneficiaries, and they’re disputing the findings. Aviation Connectivity: Air Niugini will resume direct Port Moresby–Tokyo flights from July 18, restoring a major international route. Local Governance & Services: New teacher’s houses were delivered under the Huon Gulf Teachers Housing Scheme, alongside housing support for rural families. Business & Policy: PNG’s Investment Promotion Authority acknowledged public concern about foreigners dominating reserved businesses and said it will move from debate to action at its 2026 summit. Sports & Community: Authorities urged responsible behaviour around State of Origin celebrations to prevent violence and disorder.

Papua LNG Development Forum: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina says the US$14bn Papua LNG forum in Port Moresby will hear all stakeholders, with consultations and district representation built into the mandatory process before a PDL is issued. Landowner Business Moves: Ramu NiCo landowners at Basamuk have formed Basamuk Ltd to capture refinery spin-offs under a clearer governance and compliance framework. Local Participation vs Investment: Deputy PM John Rosso argues PNG doesn’t need to choose between foreign investment and local ownership, while the Investment Promotion Authority pushes “reserved activities” reforms to balance national participation with global capital. Mining Output: K92 Mining reported strong Q2 results, including 46,093 oz gold equivalent and record ore processing as Kainantu’s Stage 3 expansion ramps up. Infrastructure for LNG Access: Ok Tedi commits K30m under a tax credit scheme to build the Sisimakam–P’nyang road link for the P’nyang LNG project. Aviation Links: Air Niugini resumes direct Port Moresby–Tokyo flights from July 18, and Solomon Airlines launched its first Honiara–Port Moresby service. Maternal Care Boost: PMGH support for Metoreia Clinic adds five midwives and five maternity beds to improve delivery and postnatal services in NCD. Regional Security Shock: Pacific leaders, including PNG PM Marape, condemned China’s nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific and urged respect for the “Ocean of Peace.” Sports & Community: BSP becomes a major sponsor of RLWC26 as PNG hosts matches; PNG’s Pepes and netball star Waisame Andrew continue World Cup qualification preparations in Australia.

Mining Governance: PNG and Solomon Islands agreed to deepen cooperation on mining sector reforms, with PNG officials set to visit as both push for more transparency and national benefit, including ideas like a dedicated gold export unit and, longer term, a refinery. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Australia’s new defence moves and China’s missile test have reignited Pacific security debate, with leaders stressing sovereignty and backing the “Ocean of Peace” approach. Pacific Rugby League: A$250m Pacific Rugby League Partnership was launched by Australia with PNG, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji, funding grassroots sport, school programs, violence prevention and pathways; PNG Chiefs are set to host NRL home games in Port Moresby from 2028. Sports & Community: The Santos Cup returns for its third women’s season, expanding rounds and finals while boosting leadership and gender equality in PNG rugby league. Environment & Mining Restart: Adyton Resources received CEPA’s environmental permit for the Wapolu Gold Project restart in Milne Bay, clearing a key regulatory hurdle. Aviation Connectivity: Solomon Airlines resumes direct Honiara–Port Moresby flights after 15 years, aiming to lift trade, tourism and people-to-people links. Anti-Corruption: ICAC’s newly appointed commissioners were sworn in in Port Moresby to strengthen the watchdog’s prevention and investigations mandate. Education in Bougainville: The ABG will host the 35th National Senior Education Officers’ Conference in July, with funding support from South Bougainville MP Timothy Masiu.