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Australia Awards alumni in West New Britain are empowering local communities by delivering critical personal development and financial literacy training through an alumni-led initiative backed by the PNG–Australia Partnership.Established in 2024 as the Papua New Guinea Australia Alumni Association’s (PNGAAA) 13th provincial chapter, the network brings together more than 50 alumni professionals. These members span key sectors across the province, including government, business, agriculture, education, health, and community development.The chapter has rapidly converted its collective expertise into community action through the PNGAAA Alumni Grant Scheme. Under its flagship initiative, Project ME for a Bright Future, the chapter successfully rolled out tailored financial literacy and personal growth workshops for both alumni and grassroots community members.The training focused on equipping participants with practical budgeting, wealth management, and goal-setting skills, while fostering new institutional partnerships to support future local developments.West New Britain Chapter President Harold Rawei emphasized that the provincial chapter serves as a vital platform for knowledge-sharing and civic contribution.[“We want to use the knowledge, skills, and networks within our alumni community to make a practical contribution to West New Britain,” Mr. Rawei said.“Through Project ME for a Bright Future, participants gained practical skills to support their personal and financial goals. The partnerships formed through this project will also help the chapter deliver further community initiatives.”The West New Britain chapter's milestones reflect the broader mission of the PNG–Australia Partnership. By supporting Australia Awards alumni, the bilateral program continues to build enduring people-to-people and institutional links between Papua New Guinea and Australia.Moving forward, the chapter's growing network of professionals remains committed to applying their international education and skills to advance health, education, and sustainable economic opportunities across the province.

The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) has successfully completed its provincial stakeholder consultations in East Sepik Province, marking a vital milestone in its ongoing nationwide review of the Provincial Health Authorities (PHA) Act 2007.The review, formalised under Terms of Reference No. 28 (TOR 28), is a comprehensive evaluation of the legislative and administrative frameworks dictating healthcare accessibility and delivery across Papua New Guinea. The scope of TOR 28 targets critical areas of the healthcare ecosystem, including:The operational condition of health facilities and the reliability of medical supplies.Personnel staffing, healthcare funding structures, and institutional governance.Strict administrative accountability and systematic coordination between national, provincial, and district bodies.During the two-day exercise in East Sepik, the CLRC delegation convened separate consultations with the Provincial Administration and the East Sepik Provincial Health Authority (ESPHA), the latter led by Chief Executive Officer Mathew Kaluvia.While deliberating on the core issues outlined in the TOR 28 Issues Paper, local stakeholders raised pivotal systemic challenges facing the province. Key issues brought forward included the urgent requirement for modern PHA statistical data, strict statutory penalties for compliance reporting failures, and the necessity to insulate PHA operations from political interference.Acting East Sepik Provincial Administrator Alphonse Kami welcomed the CLRC team, describing the legislative review as highly timely. He noted that since the transition of health services from the Provincial Administration to the newly established East Sepik PHA in 2018, identifying practical bottlenecks remains critical to maximizing healthcare performance.The CLRC clarified that the evidence and testimonies gathered from provincial stakeholders are fundamental to detecting legal gaps and designing robust reform proposals. The Commission emphasized that the current Issues Paper serves as an objective baseline for public discourse, rather than its final policy position.To ensure legislative cohesion, the CLRC’s review under TOR 28 extends beyond the PHA Act 2007 to cross-examine related statutes, including the Provincial Health Administration Act 2007, National Health Administration Act 1997, Public Hospitals Act 1994, Medical Registration Act 1980, and the Public Finances (Management) Act 1995.With successful consultations already wrapped up in Eastern Highlands, Morobe, Western, New Ireland, and Western Highlands, the CLRC is scheduled to deploy its review teams to Manus Province and the National Capital District next. The data gathered across these regions will directly shape final policy recommendations aimed at reinforcing accountability, clarifying institutional roles, and improving healthcare delivery for all citizens.

Eight employees from the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) have officially received the keys to their new homes, marking the successful launch of the department’s staff housing initiative.The Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Hon. Kinoka Feo, MP, congratulated the inaugural cohort of homeowners during a presentation ceremony held recently in Port Moresby. Minister Feo described the milestone as a tangible demonstration of the National Government’s commitment to improving the welfare, living standards, and financial security of public servants."Education transforms lives, while responsible homeownership builds financial security and a better future for families," Minister Feo stated.In his keynote address, the Minister extended his profound gratitude to the project's key stakeholders, acknowledging the critical roles played by customary landowners, private developers, and institutional partners. He highlighted that such strategic collaborations are vital for creating long-term economic opportunities and overcoming urban housing challenges.Minister Feo urged the new homeowners to maintain strict financial discipline, advising them to prioritize their mortgage repayments and view their properties as foundational investments for their families' futures.To fund this initial phase of the housing program, the Minister revealed that approximately K3 million had been successfully secured. Reaffirming his department's long-term vision, Minister Feo pledged to aggressively pursue additional funding streams to expand the initiative, ensuring that more DHERST personnel can benefit from affordable housing in the future.

The New Zealand High Court’s decision today has come as a great news for the PNG Chiefs.The PNG Chiefs welcome today’s decision that Justice Karen Grau has declined the New Zealand Rugby Union’s application for an interim injunction in New Zealand’s High Court.“The PNG Chiefs welcome today’s decision in the New Zealand High Court and look forward to the launch of our inaugural logo and supporter jersey in Port Moresby on Wednesday, October 21,” PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said.“As the matter remains before the Court, no further comment on this matter will be provided at this time.”

The country’s consumer watchdog has given the thumbs up for the increase of public transport fares going forward. The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) is advising all licensed Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) and Taxi Operators, as well as the general public, that it has decided to bring forward certain approved fare increases in response to the recent significant rise in fuel prices in October 2026.Under the regulatory determinations made following the 2024 PMV and Taxi Fare Review, the ICCC provided for phased cost-recovery increases during the current regulatory period (2025–2029), alongside adjustments reflecting movements in the underlying Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Fuel Index.For PMV fares, the phased cost-recovery component is 20% per year for 2025, 2026 and 2027. The first phase was incorporated into the approved fares for 2026. As a result, the maximum approved urban fare in Port Moresby increased from K1.40 to K1.60; in Lae from K1.30 to K1.50; in Mt Hagen from K1.10 to K1.30; and in Kokopo from K1.40 to K1.60.For Taxi fares in Port Moresby, the ICCC’s 2024 review provided for phased increases of 16% in 2025, 14% in 2026 and 10% in 2027. The review found that taxi operations in Port Moresby were operating at approximately 40% below cost, while taxi operations in other centres were operating at break-even. Accordingly, the regulatory framework provided for CPI and Fuel Index adjustments for Taxi fares in other centres during the 2025–2029 regulatory period.In light of the significant increases in fuel costs, the ICCC has decided to bring forward the 20% phased PMV fare increase in all centers and routes in PNG including the 14% phased Taxi fare increase applicable to Port Moresby.The ICCC has also decided to apply the corresponding Taxi fare adjustment to all centres in Papua New Guinea where taxi services operate.1. Interim PMV Fare Adjustments The approved maximum urban PMV fares in the following centres will be adjusted for the period October to December 2026 as set out on the over page:In other urban centres and non-urban centres, the current approved maximum PMV fares will also increase by 20%, subject to applicable concessions. These interim adjustments apply from October to December 2026.2. Interim Taxi Fare Adjustments The approved taxi fare components will be adjusted for the period October to December 2026 as follows:Taxi operators are required to install and use taxi meters in accordance with applicable transport laws. The ICCC will work with the Road Traffic Authority (RTA) to ensure that taxi licences are issued only where the required meters have been installed and calibrated to apply the ICCC-approved fares.3. Regular Annual Adjustment and Publication of Fares In December 2026, as part of its regular annual adjustment process, the ICCC will adjust the unrounded fares to reflect movements in the CPI and Fuel Index. The resulting fares will apply starting January 2027.The ICCC will publish the complete schedule of interim adjusted fares for all centres in the National Gazette. The Gazette will also be provided to relevant sector authorities enforcement agencies and regulators, including the respective Provincial Administration, to assist with distributing the approved fares to PMV and Taxi operators throughout the country.4. Compliance and Enforcement The ICCC regulates fares on a market-based basis, taking account of inflation and relevant cost movements, with the aim of allowing operators to recover efficient costs and earn an appropriate return on investment while protecting commuters from overcharging.The ICCC will work with relevant authorities, including the RTA, the Police Traffic Directorate and Provincial Administrations, to promote compliance and enforce the approved fares under the Prices Regulation Act and other applicable laws. Operators who charge fares above the approved maximum will be prosecuted under the Prices Regulation Act. The penalties stated under the Prices Regulation (Amendment) Act 2026 are K10,000 for summary prosecution or K30,000 on indictment.For all enquiries and complaints, please contact the ICCC’s Prices Regulation Division and the Consumer Protection Division on telephone 312 4600 or via email prd@iccc.gov.pg, or complaints@iccc.gov.pg. 

Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed the overwhelming passage of landmark Capital Markets legislation in National Parliament today, describing it as a significant Reform aimed at unlocking domestic investment, strengthening Papua New Guinea’s Financial Markets and supporting the Government’s ambition of growing the National Economy to K200 billion by 2029–2030.The legislation, presented by Minister for International Trade and Investment Hon. Richard Maru, received strong bipartisan support from Members of Parliament on both sides of the House before being passed by 76 votes to nil, comfortably exceeding the required absolute majority of 60 votes.Speaking in support of the Bill, Prime Minister Marape said the legislation represented another important step in the Government’s continuing efforts to modernise Papua New Guinea’s Economy and create a stronger regulatory environment for investment and capital mobilisation.“This is not a mistake. This was a work in progress,” Prime Minister Marape told Parliament. “The Minister is bringing this to assist us in the construct of our economy. Since 2019, we’ve been working to grow our economy.”Mr. Marape said the Government remained firmly committed to building a K200 billion Economy by the end of the decade, taking into account Papua New Guinea’s growing population and increasing demand for economic opportunities.“By 2029, if not 2030, we must have a K200 billion economy. An economy the size enough to feed a minimum of 11 million people,” he said.The Prime Minister noted that Papua New Guinea’s population was growing at approximately three (3) per cent annually, making sustained economic expansion essential to improving living standards and creating opportunities for future generations.He said the proposed Reforms were particularly important as the country continued transitioning towards a larger and more diversified economy.

Prime Minister James Marape has expressed his heartfelt condolences on the passing of renowned Gulf musician Robert Oeka, recalling his famous song, “Kerema, Yu Yet Kam Na Lukim,” and revealing his personal admiration for the late musician and the legendary Hollie Maea Band.Prime Minister Marape said the passing of Robert Oeka was a great loss to Gulf Province and Papua New Guinea’s music industry, describing him as a gifted artist whose songs had become part of the country’s musical and cultural heritage.“I am a great fan of Robert Oeka and the Hollie Maea Band. Their music has been part of our lives for many years, and their songs continue to bring back wonderful memories,” Prime Minister Marape said.“During my recent drive through Gulf Province on the way to Morobe and the Highlands, I was reminded of Robert Oeka’s famous song, ‘Kerema, Yu Yet Kam Na Lukim.’“That song is more than just music. It is an invitation to visit Kerema, to appreciate the beauty of Gulf Province, and to experience the warmth, culture, and hospitality of its people.“As we travelled through Gulf Province, seeing its landscape, communities and tremendous potential, the words of that song carried a special meaning. Robert Oeka was proudly promoting his home province through music long before many others recognised its beauty and potential.”Prime Minister Marape said musicians like Robert Oeka had played an important role in promoting provincial pride and strengthening Papua New Guinea’s national identity.“Robert Oeka and the Hollie Maea Band gave us music that crossed generations and provincial boundaries. Their songs brought happiness to countless families and remain treasured by Papua New Guineans everywhere.“On behalf of my family, the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, relatives, friends and the people of Gulf Province.“His voice may be silent, but his music will continue to live on. Every time we hear ‘Kerema, Yu Yet Kam Na Lukim,’ we will remember Robert Oeka and his love for his home province.“Rest in eternal peace, Robert Oeka. Thank you for the music, the memories and your contribution to our nation.”

Prime Minister James Marape has announced his intention to review existing firearms legislation to impose much heavier penalties on illegal gun ownership and trafficking before the 2027 National General Election. He said the Government would consider life imprisonment for individuals illegally possessing firearms and those responsible for sponsoring, financing or purchasing illegal weapons. “Before we go to the next election, I want us to step up the penalties,” he said. “I want life imprisonment for those illegally holding guns. Life imprisonment for those sponsoring guns, buying guns and purchasing guns." “I also want maximum penalties for those who knowingly harbour people with illegal firearms or store these weapons in their communities." “We cannot continue allowing dangerous weapons to circulate among our people while innocent citizens live in fear."The Prime Minister said the Government would also review the categories of firearms that could be legally possessed by private individuals and security companies. He said legitimate firearms ownership for hunting, recreation and authorised security work should be restricted to appropriate weapons, with consideration given to limiting civilian and private security access to pistols and shotguns.Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea had suffered enough from gun-related violence and warned that individuals involved in the illegal firearms trade would face the full force of the law.

The prime minister has warned that there would be serious legal complications ahead of the 2027 National Election if the discrepancies identified in the electoral boundaries are not fully addressed.Prime Minister James Marape said this during question time in Parliament this week when responding to questions from East Sepik Governor and Chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Elections, Allan Bird.  He said the discrepancies originated from the work of the Electoral Boundaries Commission in 2022 and that the government was fully aware of the concerns and was working through the necessary administrative processes to determine how they should be resolved.Marape then went on to assure Parliament that his government will take the necessary steps to address electoral boundary discrepancies identified by the Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 National General Election.Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns and assured Parliament that the Government would work to address the outstanding issues.“I am fully aware of the issues pertaining to electoral boundaries,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We intend to leave no stone unturned in making sure that the electoral boundaries have integrity as we face the 2027 elections.”The prime minister confirmed that the Chief Secretary was overseeing the necessary administrative processes and that the National Executive Council submission relating to the Electoral Boundaries Commission was being processed.He explained that the delay was partly due to the need to obtain considered input from relevant government agencies, particularly those responsible for provincial and local-level government affairs. Prime Minister Marape said he expected to receive a comprehensive briefing from the Electoral Commissioner next Tuesday on the outstanding boundary issues and the steps required to address them.“Next Tuesday, we will get a full brief from the Electoral Commissioner on what needs to be done,” he said. The Prime Minister clarified that he had not, at this stage, directed the Electoral Boundaries Commission to recommence its work, noting the normal 10-year interval associated with electoral boundary reviews. However, he said the Government would examine the discrepancies identified by the Electoral Commissioner and determine the appropriate corrective measures.

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s (PNGDF) Air Transport Wing (ATW) will lead its first bilateral air exercise from 16 to 24 October 2026, marking a significant milestone in strengthening PNG’s sovereign aviation capability.Exercise Kapa Pisin will operate across critical strategic hubs, including Port Moresby, Vanimo, and Green River.Exercise Director Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Miro said the PNGDF-led exercise demonstrates the ATW’s growing ability to plan, lead, and sustain complex aviation operations independently.“Exercise Kapa Pisin represents a significant milestone in the growth of PNGDF’s sovereign air capability,” Lieutenant Colonel Miro said.“From expanding our PAC 750 fleet in 2023 to developing our personnel through the Australia-supported Flights of Excellence program, this exercise shows the immense progress we have made in building a capable and professional air transport wing.”Utilizing two PNGDF ATW PAC 750 aircraft, the exercise will test the Wing’s capability to deploy and sustain operations in remote and austere locations. Field activities will include:Aerial surveillance and search and rescue (SAR) missions.Joint personnel recovery and medical evacuations (MEDEVAC).Aerial logistics support to remote outposts.Commanding Officer ATW, Lieutenant Colonel Doug Vavar, emphasized that the training will directly enhance the wing's operational readiness.“Air power gives us the ability to respond rapidly and effectively to emerging security and humanitarian requirements across Papua New Guinea,” Lieutenant Colonel Vavar said. “This activity will strengthen our operational readiness while deepening the practical cooperation and trust between the PNGDF and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).”The ADF will support the PNGDF-led exercise with Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) personnel, a C-27J Spartan aircraft and crew, alongside Australian Army Special Operations Command personnel.RAAF Detachment Commander Squadron Leader Jason Appleton said Australian personnel are proud to support the PNGDF ATW’s inaugural bilateral command exercise.“We are honored to train alongside PNGDF ATW personnel and support this PNGDF-led exercise with a C-27J Spartan aircraft, crew, and specialist personnel,” Squadron Leader Appleton said. “We highly value opportunities to work side-by-side with Papua New Guinea, strengthening the practical cooperation, interoperability, and trust that underpin our enduring alliance under the bilateral Defence Cooperation Treaty. Operating in Papua New Guinea’s challenging terrain also provides invaluable training for our crews.”Exercise Kapa Pisin builds on decades of defense cooperation between Australia and Papua New Guinea. Through the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP), Australia supports PNGDF priorities across education, training, mentoring, and capability development across the land, aviation, maritime, and departmental domains.The exercise underscores how Australia and Papua New Guinea, as close neighbors, partners, and allies, train together to reinforce PNG’s sovereign security and contribute to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Pacific region.

The Rumginae School of Nursing in the North Fly District of Western Province is in urgent need of emergency food supplies to support its staff members and boarding students. Currently, the school has zero stock of food rations left. The severe shortage has begun affecting daily teaching, learning activities, and student clinical practicals. Essential store goods—including rice, flour, oil, and biscuits—are entirely unavailable due to widespread supply depletion across major commercial outlets in Kiunga, Ningerum, and Tabubil.Despite an ongoing, severe dry spell impacting the region, the health institution has pushed forward with classes and academic assessments to ensure students can successfully graduate this year. School Principal Mr. Amos Kupaloma stated that the administration has been forced to buy whatever local garden food is available in surrounding villages near Kiunga just to sustain operations.“We have been surviving on sago, bananas, greens, pumpkins, and whatever other local foods we can source over the last six months. We have completely exhausted the school's operational budget to feed the students. This school belongs to the people of Western Province, and we desperately need relevant provincial and district authorities to step in and assist us,” Kupaloma saidThe institution has been waiting for relief provisions promised by the North Fly District Development Authority (NFDDA). While the NFDDA committed to distributing relief supplies to the North Fly population this month, the cargo remains stalled in Port Moresby, creating a critical bottleneck that directly threatens student welfare.“We have only two months left before the end of the academic year,” Kupaloma warned. “If these supplies do not arrive on time, the school will likely be forced to close early.” The administration originally planned to rely on local village markets to feed its 102 students, but the prolonged drought has dried up area gardens, leaving local vendors with very little produce to sell. Compounding the food shortage, the facility is also facing water challenges. The campus currently relies on the nearby Wai Mairi River for washing, laundry, and ablution blocks. Clean drinking and cooking water must be fetched and transported from limited fresh sources at Tope Village and select spots 17 kilometers out along the Kiunga-Tabubil Highway. The school administration is issuing an urgent appeal to neighboring village communities in the North Fly District, corporate partners, and state authorities to support the frontline medical training facility with immediate food and relief supplies

One hundred and three Papua New Guineans will study at leading Australian universities in 2027 through the prestigious Australia Awards, building essential skills and professional connections that will support Papua New Guinea’s future.The selected scholars have officially begun two weeks of rigorous Pre-Departure Training in Port Moresby. This preparation ensures they are fully ready for academic life and study cultures in Australia, focusing on academic expectations, critical thinking, cultural awareness, personal wellbeing, leadership, and scholarship responsibilities.Australia’s Minister-Counsellor for Subnational, Governance and Human Capital, Madeleine Moss, congratulated the cohort and highlighted the deep, enduring partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea.“Australia Awards are an investment in people and in the institutions, they will help lead. The knowledge, perspectives, and professional networks scholars gain in Australia will equip them to contribute directly to Papua New Guinea’s development priorities while deepening the historic ties between our countries,” Ms. Moss said.The 2027 intake cohort features strong demographic and institutional diversity, including 61 women and two scholars with a disability, diverse participants drawn from government, the private sector, and civil society across PNG, including scholars pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in critical priority fields, including health, education, governance, engineering, law and justice, economics, and science and technology. Delivered through the PNG–Australia Partnership, the Australia Awards reflect Australia’s long-term commitment to education, leadership development, and fostering people-to-people links. Upon graduating with internationally recognized qualifications, these scholars will return home to join a growing, highly impactful alumni network dedicated to advancing the country’s socioeconomic development and prosperity.