PNG Haus Bung

Bulolo District has submitted its 2025 District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) and District Support Grant (DSG) acquittal reports to the Department of Implementation and Rural Development (DIRD), fulfilling its reporting requirements for the use of public funds.The reports were formally presented on October 16, 2026, at the DIRD office in Port Moresby and received by the department’s Deputy Secretary and officers.Bulolo MP Sam Basil Jr said the submission demonstrated the district’s compliance with government financial reporting requirements and provided an account of how the 2025 funds were used for development and service delivery.Mr. Basil Jr said acquittals were more than an administrative requirement, stressing the importance of accounting for public money and ensuring it was directed towards projects that benefit local communities."The acquittal of DSIP and DSG funds is not just a compliance exercise. It is about showing our people that every kina allocated to Bulolo District is accounted for and invested in projects that improve their lives," he said.The DSIP supports district development priorities in areas including education, health, law and order, transport infrastructure, water supply and economic empowerment.The DSG, meanwhile, supports the MP's office in coordinating and delivering district development initiatives.Mr. Basil Jr said Bulolo continued to prioritise projects benefiting communities across Wau, Bulolo, Mumeng and Watut, including road maintenance, school infrastructure, health facilities and support for smallholder agriculture and small businesses.He acknowledged the Bulolo District Administration, the District Development Authority and officers involved in preparing the reports for their work in completing the acquittal process.The district administration also thanked DIRD for receiving the reports and providing guidance on financial reporting and acquittal requirements.It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing public funds and working with DIRD, the Morobe Provincial Administration and development partners to improve service delivery.The submission of the 2025 acquittal reports is an important step in meeting the district's funding accountability obligations as it moves towards future DSIP and DSG-funded development activities.

The Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Jelta Wong, MP, held a highly productive bilateral meeting today with Mr. Maurizio Martina, Deputy Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), on the margins of the 2026 Pacific Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) Solutions Forum.The high-level meeting consolidated a historic 51-year partnership between Papua New Guinea and the FAO. Minister Wong expressed profound appreciation for the FAO’s essential role in modernizing legal and governance systems across PNG’s primary sectors since 1975.A central focus of the dialogue was the modernization of institutional frameworks. Minister Wong and Deputy Director-General Martina advanced discussions on finalising the FAO-PNG Host Country Agreement, which will serve as the institutional cornerstone for expanding technical capacity and strengthening country-office coordination.Crucially, Minister Wong proposed a forward-looking strategic framework that integrates fisheries into the FAO’s Hand-in-Hand (HiH) Initiative. Recognizing the leadership of the Minister for Agriculture, Hon. John Boito, Minister Wong emphasized that this alignment is essential to bridge the gap between national development plans and inter-agency delivery, ensuring a holistic approach to food security that encompasses both agriculture and marine resources.Minister Wong commended the FAO’s leadership in executing the €86 million EU-STREIT PNG Programme, the largest grant initiative in the Pacific region. Building upon the successful completion of value-chain assessments in East and West Sepik, Minister Wong called for sustained collaboration to translate these findings into tangible field-level infrastructure, cold-chain transport, and robust market connections that will directly empower rural riverine and coastal communities.The discussion highlighted Papua New Guinea’s proactive approach to regional ocean diplomacy, specifically through the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR). Minister Wong introduced MOCOR as a regional leadership framework designed to advance global 30x30 marine conservation targets while preserving critical regional tuna stock connectivity.A major highlight of the meeting was the focus on technological innovation, specifically PNG’s strategic partnership with the Minderoo Foundation. By utilizing cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) technology, PNG is setting a new Pacific standard for non-invasive, genomic-level biodiversity assessments. Minister Wong formally invited the FAO to endorse and integrate this eDNA methodology into its global marine spatial planning frameworks to scientifically monitor and enforce Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) effectively.Addressing the critical challenge of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, Minister Wong reaffirmed PNG’s strict enforcement commitment to the FAO Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA), which entered into force in PNG on 6 April 2024.“As a major maritime nation, Papua New Guinea is prepared to exercise regional leadership in curbing IUU fishing,” Minister Wong stated. “Fully operationalizing and domesticating the PSMA remains a priority. We look to the FAO for ongoing support in updating our regulations, refining our standard operating procedures, and conducting advanced training for our inter-agency task forces, including the National Fisheries Authority, police, defense, and customs.”Reflecting on recent legal and professional successes—including the specialized training of 39 judges and magistrates on maritime offenses and the successful secondments of National Fisheries Authority (NFA) officers to FAO headquarters in Rome—the Minister proposed institutionalizing these professional development pathways through recurring secondments and technical accreditations.Minister Wong concluded by reaffirming the Government of Papua New Guinea’s steadfast commitment to supporting the FAO’s global mandate and driving sustainable regional ocean stewardship across Melanesia and the wider Pacific.

Prime Minister James Marape has formally welcomed Jamie Isbister, Australia’s High Commissioner-Designate, to Papua New Guinea who arrived on Monday this week.Isbister replaces H.E. Ewen McDonald, who served in PNG from May 2025.Prime Minister Marape met with the incoming High Commissioner at his office in Melanesian House, Waigani, where High Commissioner-Designate Isbister presented his formal credentials, marking the commencement of his diplomatic tenure in PNG.In accepting Isbister’s Letter of Introduction, Prime Minister Marape expressed his administration's full institutional support and took the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of the former High Commissioner in expanding bilateral relations.Key discussions during the meeting centered on the practical implementation of existing bilateral frameworks, notably the Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty, also known as the Pukpuk Treaty, and outcomes from the recent 32nd PNG-Australia Ministerial Forum.PM Marape highlighted that the security framework was initiated by Papua New Guinea to address cross-border issues such as illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and domestic security stabilization.High Commissioner-Designate Isbister noted that under these agreements, the recruitment of Papua New Guinean personnel into the Australian Defence Force has commenced.The leaders reviewed historical and structural ties, noting that the majority of the current Papua New Guinean population was born after the country achieved independence in 1975.Prime Minister Marape emphasized a shifting dynamic toward modern economic and commercial integration rather than historical colonial contexts.He highlighted emerging Australian private sector investments in regional manufacturing and infrastructure as models for deeper business-to-business cooperation.Key administrative matters raised during the meeting included:Visa Policy Reform: PM Marape urged further progress on multi-entry and diplomatic visa access for Papua New Guinean citizens to enhance people-to-people connections.Shared Security Space: Addressing regional defence architecture, the Prime Minister contextualized the foundational logic of the Pukpuk Treaty.“We share a fence, and we have to protect this space. Our job now is to make sure the kids born after 1975 on both sides, understand that we are locked in together.”“They need to see that looking out for each other makes sense, because if someone strikes Australia, they hit PNG, and if they strike PNG, they also hit Australia. We will always be drawn into defending one another.”Historical Partnership: Reflecting on the shared history between the two countries, the Prime Minister rejected standard colonial definitions.“We were not some far-off colony; we were one territory growing up and building our futures together.”“When we parted ways in 1975, it was not like the bitter separations you saw in Africa. We came from the same house. As I always say, we are joined at the hip.”Development Assistance: Prime Minister Marape expressed appreciation for Australia’s ongoing development assistance across the health, education, and policing sectors, including a recent AUD 7 million (PGK 21 million) contribution toward El Niño climate response efforts.Institutional Exchanges: Isbister reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to expanding the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, educational scholarships, and institutional sports initiatives such as the NRL Chiefs program, to build long-term youth engagement.The meeting concluded with preliminary logistical coordination for a proposed official visit by the Governor-General of Australia, H.E. Sam Mostyn, in April 2027.The visit will be timed to align with regional ANZAC Day commemorations and will occur ahead of Papua New Guinea’s scheduled issue of election writs for the 2027 National General Elections.

Local residents of Moreguina rural township in the Cloudy Bay Local Level Government (LLG) in Abau district in Central province have resorted to the main river system in the area as taps run dry.There is no clean water system, and this has increased health risks amongst communities using the main river system, according to ward councilor Mr. Willie Jairus.Mr. Jairus said local residents and nearby communities have been using the main river system for the last four months for cooking and drinking.He said water tanks in all household units have dried up, and the situation is more distressful as the river (More wara) level continues to drop from the prolonged El Nino induced drought.He said several waterborne illnesses have been reported at the Moreguina health center. Health risk is a major concern currently."The river system is contaminated as the level of the river continues to drop at a significant rate. Also, food gardens are drying up and even burnt by fire threatening food security in the area.He said the situation is threatening as people have limited access to clean water and garden food to sustain their livelihood. "I am now calling on the Abau district administration, the Central Province administration and relevant stakeholders to find an amicable solution to our dilemma."

Papua New Guinea is calling for stronger regional cooperation and targeted investment to build sustainable fisheries industries, strengthen food security, and create lasting jobs and economic opportunities for Pacific communities.The Hon. Jelta Wong, MP, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, issued the call at the Pacific SIDS Solutions Forum in Port Vila during a session focused on fisheries’ contribution to scaling innovation and financing agrifood systems transformation.“Our ocean is not a barrier between our countries. It connects our communities, cultures, markets, and shared fisheries resources,” Minister Wong stated. “If we work together, it can connect Pacific innovation and investment to lasting wealth, food security, and jobs for our people.”Fisheries and commercial agriculture remain strategic priorities for Papua New Guinea under its Medium-Term Development Plan. The country is actively working to increase production and processing, diversify beyond tuna, and strengthen coastal fisheries and aquaculture while managing resources responsibly and retaining more value within local economies.Minister Wong highlighted aquaculture as both a significant opportunity and a challenge, noting that feed can account for up to 80 percent of total aquaculture costs, making affordable local production essential.To address this, Papua New Guinea’s National Aquaculture Development Strategy prioritises:• Upgrading and building hatcheries and feed-production facilities.• Establishing three nucleus aquaculture estates by 2029.• Completing regulatory frameworks to support investment and business growth.• Attracting $50 million in investment by 2035 for essential infrastructure, including hatcheries, feed mills, cold storage, and processing.He pointed to Papua New Guinea’s trap-net fishing trials, conducted since 2012–2013 across coastal communities in East Sepik, Morobe, Milne Bay, and New Ireland, as an example of how appropriate technology, community ownership, and market access can improve local fish supply. He stressed that technology must be backed by strong governance and responsible fishing practices.Regional cooperation remains central to Papua New Guinea’s strategy. Minister Wong described the East New Britain Initiative (ENBi) as a critical, Pacific-led platform for collective investment in the tuna value chain. ENBi priorities include regional tuna processing, fisheries hubs and spokes, value-added activities, and the exploration of a regional fisheries development fund.“Rather than exporting value along with our fish, we can build stronger regional industries in processing, storage, transport, services, and skills—and keep more of the economic benefit here,” Minister Wong said.Minister Wong also highlighted the Pacific Regional Hand-in-Hand Initiative, which unites 14 Pacific nations across three priority regional investment projects:1. Biosecurity and pest management.2. Digitalisation, certification, and traceability.3. Value-chain infrastructure (focusing on coconut, taro, and fisheries value chains).Improving regional connectivity is critical to unlocking these opportunities. Costly and unreliable transport in Papua New Guinea currently limits the movement of fish, goods, and knowledge. The Minister noted that regional shipping solutions, better post-harvest facilities, cold chains, stronger market links, and more open trade arrangements are vital to shifting goods easily across Pacific borders.Minister Wong emphasized that economic growth must go hand in hand with the protection of marine ecosystems through responsible fishing gear, effective monitoring, and shared management approaches.Papua New Guinea stands ready to work with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), regional partners, and the private sector to turn these priorities into practical investments. Key opportunities include scaling coastal fishing technologies, improving cold storage, and making fuller use of tuna resources, including processing by-products into fish oil, marine collagen, and aquaculture feed.“The Pacific has the resources, the knowledge, and the determination to lead this transformation,” Minister Wong concluded. “What we need is cooperation that connects our efforts and investment that creates lasting value at home.”

Despite ongoing power outages and frequent blackouts affecting government institutions and businesses across the country, the National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) remains steadfastly committed to carrying out its constitutional mandate and serving the people of Papua New Guinea.For the NEFC, the absence of electricity is not a reason to put public service on hold.In a powerful demonstration of commitment and dedication to duty, NEFC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Alphonse Kapi Malipu MBE, was recently seen continuing his work in his office during a total power blackout, relying solely on the torchlight from his mobile phones to provide light.This moment reflects a broader, deeply ingrained culture within the Commission: that operational challenges must never become excuses for failing to deliver on key responsibilities to the citizens of Papua New Guinea.When asked about his determination to continue working under such difficult conditions, Mr. Malipu stated that power outages would not deter the NEFC from performing its critical role.“Continuous blackouts cannot stop NEFC from performing its roles and responsibilities. We work closely with subnational governments—provinces, districts, and local-level governments—and that is where the majority of our people live. We must not allow any situation to stop us from serving our people,” Mr. Malipu emphasized.The NEFC plays a vital role in Papua New Guinea's intergovernmental fiscal system by providing independent research, robust analysis, and impartial advice to the National Government on matters relating to intergovernmental financing and the equitable distribution of resources for service delivery.The Commission's work directly impacts the distribution and funding of essential public services at the provincial, district, and local-level government tiers, where rural and remote communities depend heavily on public resources to access basic services and development opportunities.The Commission recognizes that its responsibilities do not disappear when circumstances become difficult. Its research and policy advice contribute directly to improving resource distribution and strengthening service delivery systems nationwide, making operational continuity essential.While reliable electricity remains crucial for the long-term effectiveness of all government operations, the NEFC’s commitment is clear: its mandate to promote equitable service delivery to all Papua New Guineans—no matter where they live—remains the ultimate priority.

New Ireland province has taken a significant step toward strengthening its health workforce and elevating nursing education standards through a new international partnership with Hong Kong’s Tung Wah College.Governor Byron Chan and Tung Wah College President, Professor Sally Chan, formalized the agreement through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a pathway for local nurses to pursue higher academic qualifications abroad.The agreement marks a major milestone in the New Ireland Provincial Government’s strategy to invest in professional development and cultivate a highly qualified nursing workforce capable of meeting both national and global healthcare benchmarks.Established in 2010, Tung Wah College is a recognized higher education institution in Hong Kong specializing in nursing, medical, and health sciences education, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes designed to develop skilled healthcare personnel.Under the proposed arrangement, the provincial government’s scholarship programme will support opportunities for nurses from the Lemakot School of Nursing to upgrade their qualifications to bachelor’s and master’s degree levels through academic pathways with Tung Wah College.“The initiative is intended to strengthen the professional capacity of nurses, improve the quality of healthcare delivery and expand opportunities for New Ireland’s nursing workforce to attain internationally recognized qualifications,” Governor Chan said.Governor Chan emphasized that the partnership reflects his government’s commitment to investing in human capital within the health sector, where well-equipped personnel remain essential for effective healthcare delivery.He noted that advancing nursing education extends beyond earning higher degrees to providing health professionals with the specific knowledge, competencies, and standards needed to serve communities efficiently.Furthermore, the collaboration exposes New Ireland’s nursing professionals to contemporary medical education and international academic standards.“For Lemakot School of Nursing, the MOU represents an important opportunity to strengthen its academic development and create further educational pathways for its graduates and nursing workforce.”“The provincial government views the partnership as part of its broader human resource development agenda, ensuring that New Ireland’s investment in education translates into improved professional standards and better services for its people.”The collaboration builds a foundation for long-term engagement between the two institutions in nursing education, academic advancement, and capacity building.Governor Chan added that the ultimate objective is to develop a nursing workforce equipped to meet the evolving demands of healthcare delivery in Papua New Guinea while creating opportunities for appropriately qualified professionals to pursue international career pathways, subject to relevant professional registration and licensing requirements.The New Ireland Provincial Government affirmed that the signing marks the start of an enduring educational partnership, reinforcing its dedication to developing skilled professionals who contribute directly to the province’s social and economic advancement.

The National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Command has strongly condemned the senseless killing of two individuals and the subsequent retaliatory violence that erupted around Gerehu and the Rainbow Cash and Carry area over the weekend.The unrest began on Saturday, 31 October, when a 17-year-old male was allegedly robbed of his mobile phone near the Elisio Shopping Centre in Gerehu. In an attempt to recover the stolen property, the youth returned to the scene accompanied by his elder brother to confront the alleged perpetrators. The confrontation escalated into violence, resulting in the youth being fatally stabbed and his brother sustaining serious injuries.Tensions flared the following morning, Sunday, 1 November, leading to alleged retaliatory attacks near Rainbow Cash and Carry. The subsequent violence resulted in the death of a second person, severe injuries to another individual, the destruction of roadside market stalls by fire, and additional property damage.NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab confirmed that police are actively investigating both incidents, noting that persons of interest have already been apprehended in connection with the initial fatal stabbing. Investigators are working to identify and arrest all individuals involved in both violent encounters.Superintendent Simatab appealed directly to families, community leaders, and residents from all provinces living across Port Moresby to remain calm, exercise restraint, and cooperate fully with law enforcement. He urged the public not to allow individual criminal acts to devolve into broader ethnic or community-based conflicts.In response to the unrest, the Metropolitan Command has deployed heightened police presence and high-visibility patrols throughout Gerehu, Rainbow, and surrounding neighborhoods to maintain order and safeguard lives and property.Superintendent Simatab emphasized that police will pursue all perpetrators through the justice system, reaffirming that murder, robbery, mob violence, and acts of retaliation will not be tolerated. He extended his sincere condolences to the families of both deceased individuals, wished for a speedy recovery to the injured, and called on all residents to respect human life, uphold the law, and work together to keep Port Moresby safe.

Cocoa farmers in Mumeng, Bulolo District, have been urged to work together and take ownership of local support following the handover of a new vehicle dedicated to transporting their produce.Member for Bulolo, Sam Basil Jr., made the call at Apere in the Mumeng Local-Level Government (LLG) area during the official presentation of a truck to cocoa farmers.Addressing the community, Basil Jr. emphasized that although the vehicle will be managed by the G-Apere Business Group, it is intended to benefit every cocoa producer in the area.“This truck is for cocoa transportation. You must all work together to help yourselves,” said Basil Jr.“While the truck is under the care of G-Apere Business Group, other cooperatives and cocoa farmers in the area must also use the truck, which is purposely given to help cocoa farmers.”“Everyone must work together, look after the truck given, and help themselves.”The MP noted that while cocoa has not historically been a major promoted crop in Bulolo, it holds immense potential to improve local livelihoods if farmers remain organized and committed.Meanwhile, expressing gratitude to the MP and the Bulolo District Development Authority (DDA), G-Apere Cooperative Managing Director Alex John described the vehicle as a long-overdue solution to the community’s logistical challenges, particularly for moving produce to market in Lae.“This will boost our cocoa productivity, including the sale of fresh produce and other commodities we are into.”

Once owned by King Charles III, Point Of Law has gone from royal ownership to Melbourne Cup glory.The lightly raced British-bred horse, trained by Ciaron Maher and ridden by Ethan Brown, has conquered the 3,200m race at Flemington.2026 MELBOURNE CUP RESULTS1st – Point Of Law2nd – Zahrann3rd – Juja Kibo4th – Sons And LoversA remarkable victory for Maher and Brown.

TISA Bank is expanding access to digital financial services in Papua New Guinea through its YumiPei mobile wallet, providing customers with more convenient ways to carry out everyday banking transactions.The digital platform allows users to send and receive money, transfer funds, make payments, and manage their daily expenses directly from their mobile phones, reducing the need to rely on cash or visit bank branches for routine transactions.TISA Bank Chief Executive Officer Luke Kaul says YumiPei was developed with the everyday banking needs of Papua New Guineans in mind, offering a simple, secure and convenient way to access financial services.Mr. Kaul says the bank's focus is on making banking a seamless part of people's daily lives by providing digital solutions that are accessible and relevant to individuals, families, and businesses.He says digital innovation is also an important part of the bank's efforts to improve financial inclusion, particularly for people who have limited access to traditional banking services.Apart from YumiPei, TISA Bank is also expanding its digital banking options through online account opening, WhatsApp banking, internet banking, USSD banking, and voice banking.These services provide customers with different ways to access their accounts and carry out transactions without necessarily visiting a physical branch.Mr. Kaul says the bank's online account opening service also allows customers to open accounts remotely, helping extend banking access to people in rural and underserved communities.He says TISA Bank will continue investing in digital solutions to make financial services more accessible and support the country's growing digital economy.

Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s commitment to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), promising stronger government involvement in improving transparency and accountability in the management of the country’s mineral and petroleum resources.PM Marape made the commitment during a meeting with a visiting EITI delegation led by newly appointed Board Chair Maria van der Hoeven and Executive Director of the EITI International Secretariat Mark Robinson.The visit follows PNG’s recent EITI validation assessment, which awarded the country 63.5 points, placing it in the Limited Progress category under the 2023 EITI Standard.While acknowledging improvements in beneficial ownership transparency, public understanding of Community Development Agreements and reporting quality, the EITI Board identified 27 corrective actions that require government attention.These include stronger government participation, greater transparency in mining and petroleum contracts, improved disclosure of resource revenues, and better reporting practices.PM Marape said the Government supported the EITI process and was committed to addressing the outstanding requirements.He stressed that government departments must continue carrying out their responsibilities despite the approaching 2027 National General Election.He said public servants, particularly departmental heads, had an important role in ensuring government policies and commitments were implemented regardless of political changes.The Prime Minister directed that the delegation meets senior officials from the Departments of Treasury, Mining, Petroleum and Energy, along with other relevant agencies, to coordinate efforts towards meeting the EITI requirements.The delegation raised concerns about limited participation by senior government officials, saying stronger ministerial and departmental leadership was needed to implement the recommendations.PNG’s progress in strengthening government engagement will be assessed in April 2027, ahead of its next full EITI validation scheduled to begin in July 2029.PM Marape said transparency was also important in maintaining investor confidence and ensuring companies operating in PNG complied with the country’s taxation and regulatory systems.He emphasised that the benefits from mining and petroleum must extend beyond the lifespan of these industries, as the country’s natural resources were finite, and their development carried environmental costs.He said revenue generated from the extractive sector must be invested in other sustainable economic activities to support future generations.The Prime Minister also welcomed a proposed regional forum on responsible mining investment in the Philippines in June 2027, indicating PNG would seek appropriate senior-level representation.He commended the PNG EITI National Secretariat, led by Executive Director George Kauli, and the wider Multi-Stakeholder Group for their continued work in promoting transparency and accountability in the extractive sector.PM Marape said the Government would continue supporting the initiative to ensure the country's mineral and petroleum resources delivered maximum benefits to Papua New Guineans.