AGP Executive Report

Pacific Security: China says a submarine test-fired a “strategic” missile into the Pacific, drawing sharp condemnation after it happened hours around Australia–Fiji signing a new mutual defence pact in Suva. Australia–Fiji Deal: The Ocean of Peace Alliance creates mutual defence obligations and comes with the Vuvale Union, with Australia pledging over A$1b to Fiji over 10 years. PNG Governance: Opposition leader James Nomane argues Dr Nicole Haley’s Electoral Commissioner appointment must restore public confidence through a truly independent, merit-based process. Anti-Corruption: An MP questions a new MOU between the government and ICAC, while calls grow for audits to be followed by prosecutions. Port Moresby Tourism: PNGTPA and NCDC launch an Accommodation Inventory & Capacity Survey to improve tourism planning and event readiness. Gulf Development: Marape launches six Gulf LLG projects worth over K316m, including roads, bridges and markets. NCD Roads: NCDC upgrades key Hohola streets with K3.6m in rehabilitation and drainage works. Education & Connectivity: Kopkop College hosts Grade 12 students from Western; Lightspeed PNG installs “clean internet” Starlink access at Tubusereia Junior High. Border Planning: RPNGC Border Command flags mobility and logistics as major election-period challenges.

Pacific Security: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese is in Fiji to sign the Vuvale Union, a mutual defence-style pact, as part of a wider Pacific push that also links to the Pukpuk treaty with PNG. Cabinet & Governance: PNG PM James Marape says a Cabinet reshuffle is coming this week to boost delivery, while he also backs integrity institutions like the Ombudsman Commission and ICAC. Infrastructure for Rural Gulf: Marape launched a K316 million infrastructure drive for Gulf Province, including major road and community projects aimed at connecting rural enclaves. Health Pressure: PNG’s three biggest hospitals report a dire COVID-19 situation, with non-vaccinated cases driving new admissions and deaths. Economy vs Jobs: The World Bank says PNG growth is strong, but jobs lag as most new workers stay in subsistence or low-productivity informal work. Agriculture Research: Agriculture Minister John Boito unveiled a National Agriculture Research System framework to modernise research and lift farmer outcomes. Digital Inclusion: A PNG digital inclusion push highlights connectivity gains for remote communities, including Starlink’s arrival. Community & Sports: NCDC road upgrades continue in Port Moresby’s Hohola, while PNG’s Junior Bula Boys squad adds overseas-based talent ahead of the OFC U-16 tournament.

Pacific Diplomacy: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has arrived in Fiji to sign the Vuvale Union agreement with Sitiveni Rabuka, then heads to the Solomon Islands to push a new security treaty with Honiara—part of a wider push to strengthen regional ties as China’s influence remains a backdrop. Port Moresby Roads: NCDC is upgrading Hibiscus, Kunai and Bombax streets in Hohola, including drainage works, in a K3.6m project to improve safety and access. Agriculture Research: Agriculture Minister John Boito launched the National Agriculture Research System policy framework for 2026, aiming to modernise research and better coordinate support for farmers, alongside a World Bank transformation roadmap. Economy vs Jobs: The World Bank says PNG’s growth is strong, but jobs and livelihoods lag, with most new workers stuck in subsistence or low-productivity work. Digital Push: Digicel PNG says it has passed end-to-end 5G readiness testing, paving the way for faster, more reliable services. Health & Community: A Colour Run in Kokopo is raising funds for Rabaul Provincial Hospital and St Mary’s Vunapope District Hospital, while Navuapaka in Kairuku celebrates a new K300,000 classroom block.

Pacific Security Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese heads to Fiji and the Solomon Islands, with a push to build momentum on regional security deals including Fiji’s “Vuvale Union” and talks with Honiara ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. PNG Jobs Gap: The World Bank says PNG’s economy grew strongly in 2025 and is set to keep expanding, but jobs and livelihoods lag as most new workers stay in subsistence farming or low-productivity informal work. Integrity & Elections: PM Marape names a new Acting Chief Ombudsman, while debate continues over electoral leadership ahead of 2027 and concerns about “money politics” under LPV. Governance Crackdown: Marape orders an independent audit of SME funding after public allegations over how money was managed and disbursed. Digital Push: Digicel PNG reports successful 5G readiness testing, and the US backs Starlink connectivity for remote health facilities, schools and government offices. Health Access: A cross-border healthcare partnership is being explored to position Jayapura Hospital as a PNG referral hub. Community & Skills: PNGDF personnel complete trade training, women advance sewing skills in Morobe, and NVS explores deploying health volunteers in Southern Highlands. Environment & Science: Researchers report a new walking shark species found off PNG’s coast.

Human Rights & Accountability: PNG Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin demands immediate arrest after a human rights defender was stabbed in Jiwaka, alleging retaliation linked to sorcery accusation-related violence cases. Regional Governance: A Pacific Islands Forum mission report raises serious questions about the credibility of New Caledonia’s recent referendum process, despite voting conduct being acknowledged. Economy Watch: Westpac says PNG’s economy is holding steady, forecasting about 4.6% growth in 2026 supported by resource exports, improved foreign exchange, and stronger provincial demand. Elections & Integrity: Prime Minister Marape orders an independent audit of SME funding after public allegations, while debate continues over electoral leadership and election security funding ahead of 2027. Digital Connectivity: Digicel PNG reports successful end-to-end 5G readiness testing, and the US Embassy launches Starlink at the American Corner to boost internet access for schools, health facilities and government offices. Health & Services: Jayapura Hospital explores becoming a PNG referral hub through a cross-border healthcare partnership, as volunteers are deployed to strengthen health and education in Morobe. Community & Development: Kumul Organics expands into City Pharmacy to support rural coconut farmers; Navuapaka Primary School opens a new classroom block after long-running infrastructure gaps.

WWII Safety Sweep: The Royal Australian Navy’s Operation Render Safe destroyed about 2,200 potentially live WWII munitions off Papua New Guinea, with more work planned in July as reconnaissance moves to Tuvalu’s Nanumea Lagoon. Economic Outlook: Westpac expects PNG growth of around 4.6% in 2026, citing resilient domestic demand and resource exports, even as global uncertainty bites. SME Funds Scrutiny: Prime Minister James Marape has ordered an independent audit of the SME funding programme after public allegations of mismanagement and disbursement issues. Health Access Across Borders: Jayapura Regional General Hospital says it’s ready to become a referral hub for PNG through a cross-border healthcare partnership with Papua Province and national health authorities. Digital Leap: Digicel PNG says its network has passed end-to-end 5G readiness testing, paving the way for faster, lower-latency services. Governance Update: Tabitha Suwae has been appointed Acting Chief Ombudsman as PNG moves to recruit a permanent head. Elections & Security: IFES warns that adequate funding for the Electoral Commission and police is vital for a safe, credible 2027 vote. Community & Education: In Kairuku, Navuapaka Primary School opened a new K300,000 double classroom, while NVS is exploring more health-worker deployments in Southern Highlands.

Electoral Reset & Governance: Prime Minister James Marape confirmed Dr Nicole Haley’s appointment as PNG Electoral Commissioner, pushing “one person, one vote” reforms for the 2027 election, while also naming Tabitha Suwae as Acting Chief Ombudsman after Richard Pagen’s term ended. Election Security Funding: IFES warned that adequate funding for both PNGEC and the RPNGC is crucial to keep the 2027 vote safe and credible, amid a global trend of leaders rejecting results. Health & Community Service: NVS is exploring a partnership with Southern Highlands to recruit and deploy health workers, and 14 health and education volunteers have begun deployment across Morobe after orientation. Education Upgrades: Navuapaka Primary School in Kairuku opened a new K300,000 double classroom, and Busamin Elementary School received a water security facility to improve learning conditions. Digital Connectivity: The US Embassy launched Starlink at the American Corner in Waigani, backed by US$30m for satellite internet to remote health facilities, schools and offices. Resource Sector Focus: PNG Resources Week 2026 will spotlight customary landownership, local content and workforce development, as World Bank data shows growth is strong but jobs lag. Public Safety & Enforcement: The Office of Censorship destroyed 645 prohibited items, and police recruitment teams are visiting West Sepik to help rural youth apply online. Agriculture Risk: FAO warns El Niño could severely affect agriculture, with up to 85% of people dependent on farming facing major disruption.

Electoral Reform Push: Dr. Nicole Haley has been appointed Papua New Guinea’s new Electoral Commissioner, with PM James Marape saying the selection was bipartisan and aimed at restoring trust ahead of the 2027 election; Enga Governor Peter Ipatas backs the move but stresses the voter roll clean-up is the immediate priority. Public Service Appointments Debate: The PNG Trade Union Congress is questioning foreign nationals taking senior public service roles, including new concerns around expatriate appointments in policing, while government argues the expertise is needed to strengthen integrity. Community Safety Training: In Madang, community leaders, church workers and volunteers completed training to tackle sorcery accusation-related violence, gender-based violence and substance abuse using a “See, Judge and Act” approach. Skills and Jobs Focus: A World Bank report says PNG’s growth is strong but jobs and living standards lag, with most new work staying informal; it calls for better education, health and infrastructure. Sports and Youth Development: The U.S. Embassy and Marines joined the PNG American Football Federation for a friendly flag football match in Port Moresby, while PM Marape praised kickboxing for steering youth away from crime and drugs. Health and Infrastructure: PNG and Australia reaffirmed a snakebite partnership to transition care into the national health system, and BSP launched a community project to build a hall at Tubusereia Junior High School.

Electoral Reform: Prime Minister James Marape has appointed Dr Nicole Haley as Papua New Guinea’s new Electoral Commissioner, with the Electoral Commission Appointments Committee confirming her for a four-year term ahead of the 2027 election—while Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas says the country can rebuild trust if the voter roll clean-up and election funding and systems are handled properly. Public Service Appointments: The PNG Trade Union Congress is urging more transparency on foreign appointments to senior state roles, even as Haley’s selection is broadly welcomed. Local Governance Overhaul: The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission has launched a nationwide review of District Development Authority laws, starting public consultation on how DDAs can work better. Health Priorities: PNG and Australia are pushing to cut snakebite deaths by strengthening national snakebite care and transitioning antivenom supply into PNG systems. Education & Connectivity: NCD schools will pilot a unified teaching and assessment system, and Central’s Tubusereia Junior High School has gained high-speed internet via Starlink. Jobs vs Growth: A World Bank report says PNG’s economy is booming, but most people still lack formal jobs and face weak education and health outcomes. Sports & Youth: The PNG Chiefs signed their first-ever PNG-born players on full-time development contracts for the 2028 NRL push, and Marape praised kickboxing for youth discipline and leadership. Infrastructure & Economy: New Ireland unveiled a revised K499.57m budget focused on roads and services, while EU-backed upgrades are improving PNG Forest Authority communications and cutting costs.

Election Watch: Prime Minister James Marape has appointed Dr Nicole Haley as Papua New Guinea’s new Electoral Commissioner, as 2027 election security planning ramps up with an E-Peace workshop in Port Moresby. Police & Security: Hela will run its own standalone police recruitment exercise in August to address long-running manpower shortages and create local pathways into the force. Community Health & Water: Wau-Waria’s Pinetop community has received a new water supply plus fencing for Pinetop Primary School, alongside a five-year WASH program supported by PNGAust Partnership and ADRA PNG. Education & Connectivity: Tubusereia Junior High School in Central Province has its first high-speed internet connection via Starlink, backed by Lightspeed PNG and Pasivika Konnect, with filtered access and data support. Integrity & Governance: PNG-owned Brave Group has partnered with Australia’s Pinnacle Integrity to set up an integrated Integrity, Cultural Risk and Security Division. Local Economy & Housing: A Port Moresby survey suggests more people are moving from renting to buying, with banks urged to keep loan processes workable. Health Partnerships: Operation Open Heart Foundation and Air Niugini formalised a renewed MOU to keep supporting children’s heart care across PNG. Law & Order in Enga: Operation Kumul 23 has intensified patrols targeting illegal firearms and violent offenders, reporting improved conditions but continued pressure.

Health & Community: Baby Sawong Kevin Mitian, one half of conjoined twins, has returned to Papua New Guinea after six months in Australia for separation surgery, with the journey spotlighting coordinated medical evacuation and specialist care. Mining & Environment: Ok Tedi has submitted its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for a new Tailings Storage Facility under its Growth 2050 plan, aiming to cut downstream impacts from riverine tailings. Health Partnerships: Operation Open Heart Foundation and Air Niugini have signed a Corporate Responsibility MOU to keep funding cardiac screening and travel for children needing surgery. Local Industry & Jobs: Oro’s Kararata balsa processing push has moved forward via an MOU, with plans for downstream processing and a proposed Special Economic Zone. Agriculture Exports: Sepik cocoa and vanilla products have gained validated Geographical Indications status, bringing them closer to formal GI registration and new export opportunities. Governance & Services: Bougainville launched a Cost of Services report to map the real cost of delivering public services across difficult terrain, supporting stronger fiscal planning. Security & Elections: PNGEC and RPNGC began election security workshops ahead of 2027, focusing on coordination to protect a credible vote. Business & Oversight: The government ordered a review of its SME Support Programme after concerns over how K200 million was administered, with calls for tighter integrity and fair access. Education & Tech: Western Pacific University launched an AI-enabled digital learning hub and SmartX tablets to expand access for students and staff. Sports Pathways: New Ireland Governor Byron Chan backed AFL PNG with K100,000 and praised the Chiefs’ NRL push as a chance to inspire young players.

Education & Tech: Western Pacific University launched an AI-enabled digital knowledge hub (LearnX) with SmartX tablets, aiming to expand learning access and digital skills beyond Port Moresby. Judicial Leadership: Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika urged magistrates to seek recognition under the Leadership Code and backed new magisterial service documents on conduct and mediation. Public Safety: North Fly MP James Donald threatened to expel people using the Vagrancy Act after Kiunga unrest tied to alleged drunk-driving deaths; schools were also closed while order is restored. Food Safety: NCDC ran a food safety workshop in Port Moresby stressing shared responsibility, with calls for stronger compliance by food businesses. Infrastructure for Services: West Sepik’s Sepik Highway contracts were approved, with road works set to improve access to vital services. Health Access by Air: Australia and Adventist Aviation Services signed a partnership to keep remote medical evacuations and essential supply flights running. Governance & Jobs: PNG rolled out a new electronic recruitment system for senior public service posts to cut paper processes and reduce nepotism risks. Economy: BPNG paid a K76.95m dividend to the National Government after a K384.8m net operating profit in 2025.

NRL Spotlight: Matty Johns arrives in Port Moresby with Fox League to see why the PNG Chiefs push is drawing global attention, with talk focused on recruitment, infrastructure and the Pacific’s long-term impact. Education & Safety: Kiunga schools in North Fly stay closed after violence following a suspected drunk-driving death, with officials urging students to remain indoors until security is assessed. Central Banking: BPNG pays the National Government a K76.95m dividend after a K384.8m 2025 net operating profit, with the rest moved to reserves. Community Services: BSP backs Tubusereia Junior High with a new multipurpose hall under its 50 for 50 Givim Back drive, while Wau Waria reopens formal banking via a Mama Bank Access Point and a three-year financial inclusion MoU. Health & Risk: Australia reports a fifth bird flu case in a migratory seabird with no sign of mass wildlife deaths; meanwhile, NGOs warn deep sea mining could push radioactive material into the food chain. Aviation & Crime Fighting: INTERPOL’s Project Blue Pacific hands over equipment to PNG police, and Niusky Pacific signals further upgrades to air navigation tech under its new board.

Regional Diplomacy: PM Matthew Wale urged a stronger, more effective Melanesian Spearhead Group after talks with James Marape in Port Moresby, saying leaders want “robust processes” and an MSG that isn’t a “pushover.” Mining Cooperation: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 framework to deepen trade, investment, security and mining governance, with PNG sharing reform lessons and landowner-focused approaches. Aviation & Connectivity: Government launched the K2.5b Port Moresby International Airport redevelopment in four phases over 6.5 years, aiming to modernise terminals and runways and boost growth. Health & Medicines: Port Moresby General Hospital reports cancer as the top inpatient killer, while NCD’s clinics are still seeing medicine shortages and patients turned away. Food Safety: NCDC moved to enforce HACCP standards for food businesses, after concerns raised at a Port Moresby food safety workshop. El Niño Preparedness: Hela set up a provincial disaster committee and began public awareness, while PNG Fire Service warned against bush fires during the dry season. Power & Water: PNG Power started load-shedding in Port Moresby as Sirinumu Dam levels fall, with water and electricity conservation urged. Education & Skills: Western Pacific University launched an AI-enabled digital knowledge hub, and Project Skul is delivering desks, books and learning tools to remote schools. Sports & Youth: NGCB backed PNG kickboxing with K300,000 for a nationwide “last man standing” series.

NRL & Sports Spotlight: Former Australian star Matthew Johns calls PNG’s 2028 NRL entry “long overdue” after visiting Port Moresby and praising the country’s rugby league passion. Food Safety & Regulation: NCDC is rolling out HACCP requirements for Port Moresby food businesses, while operators raised concerns at a 2026 Food Safety Workshop over social media complaints, police involvement, and imported products lacking English labels. Infrastructure & Connectivity: PNG launched the K2.5b Port Moresby International Airport redevelopment to modernise Jacksons International Airport in four phases over 6.5 years, aiming to boost trade, tourism and long-term growth. Regional Cooperation: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a 2026–2030 framework on trade, investment, infrastructure, security and development, with PNG also offering mining governance experience to help Solomon Islands build its resource sector. Youth & Health: NGCB provided K300,000 to the PNG Kickboxing Federation for a nationwide “Last Man Standing” series, while the PNG Cancer Foundation fundraiser focused on fitness and healthy eating to reduce cancer risk. Business & Services: PacTow launched a Towing Operations Customer Centre in Port Moresby to streamline tug bookings across PNG and the Solomons.

Food Security & Nutrition: PNG University of Technology will host a three-day conference in Lae (1–3 July) on transforming food systems for nutrition and climate resilience, with 300–400 participants expected. Bougainville Finances: The ABG launched its “From Here To There” cost-of-services report in Buka, warning that true governing costs are “hidden” across national allocations and stressing fiscal readiness for independence. Gender Equity in Practice: East New Britain male advocates are nearing completion of PATH-funded training under “Wok Wantaim Man,” focusing on shared caregiving and allyship to prevent violence against women. Regional Security: A Pacific warning flags the rise of organised online scam centres using coercion and forced labour, urging PNG and neighbours to treat it as a serious security threat. Pacific Diplomacy: Australia and Vanuatu are set to sign a revised strategic Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, with key China-limiting clauses reportedly softened. Health & Safety: NZDF personnel joined an ADF-led operation to destroy about 2,200 WWII explosives in East New Britain, reducing long-running risks to communities. Port Moresby Inclusion: Asian Community Day is held in NCD to boost social cohesion and celebrate Asian contributions to the capital. Sports & Youth: PNGKBF’s NGCB Kumite “Last Man Standing” Heat #03 runs in Port Moresby today with a K300,000 grant backing youth empowerment.