PNG Correctional Service (CS) has entered a new leadership chapter with Noel Sarae officially appointed as the substantive Commissioner for a four-year term today, June 16, as Correctional Service Minister Joe Kuli called for unity, institutional stability and a stronger focus on prisoner rehabilitation ahead of the 2027 National General Election.
The appointment ends a two-year period of acting leadership under Inspector Bernard Nepo and places Sarae at the helm of one of the country's key law and justice institutions, with a mandate to strengthen rehabilitation programs, improve staff capacity and address long-standing infrastructure challenges across correctional facilities nationwide.
In a notable development, Sarae's appointment is also the first Correctional Service Commissioner appointment to be endorsed through the National Executive Council (NEC), highlighting the Government's direct involvement in shaping the future leadership of the organisation.
Speaking during his acceptance address, Commissioner Sarae said he was humbled by the appointment and committed to advancing reforms within the service.
"It is a great honor to be appointed as Commissioner of Papua New Guinea Correctional Service, and on behalf of my family and my people of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, I accept this mandate with the greatest humility."
Sarae acknowledged that many correctional facilities throughout the country continue to face significant challenges, including aging infrastructure, staff welfare concerns, and limited rehabilitation opportunities for inmates.
He said his administration would prioritise reforms aimed at improving prisoner rehabilitation and preparing inmates for successful reintegration into society.
"My administration will focus mostly on improving the rehabilitation aspect of correctional service practices."
Sarae said his leadership would also focus on strengthening staff capacity, enhancing professional standards and developing prison industries that can contribute towards a more self-sustaining correctional system.
The incoming Commissioner's vision was strongly backed by outgoing Acting Commissioner Bernard Nepo, who served in the role for the past two years and used the occasion to urge officers throughout the country to unite behind the new leadership.
Nepo said the organisation had made significant progress during his tenure despite operational challenges and limited resources and stressed that continued unity would be essential moving forward.
"I want us to work together under the leadership of the new Commissioner."
"We will stand as a united force."
He pledged his full support to Commissioner Sarae and called on correctional officers at all levels of the organization to do the same.
"If you want our support, I tell you, we will comply and we are ready to support you."
Nepo also cautioned officers against using social media platforms to undermine the organization or its leadership, saying internal matters should be dealt with through proper channels.
"No CS officer should be going to Facebook and bringing down the name of the Commissioner."
Meanwhile, Minister Joe Kuli delivered a broader message on national service and institutional continuity, reminding officers that governments and political leaders may change, but public servants remain responsible for delivering services to the people.
With the country moving towards the 2027 National General Election, Kuli said officers must remain focused on their responsibilities regardless of future political developments.
"Country bai move."
He said ministers, members of parliament and governments would eventually come and go, but the responsibility of implementing government policies and maintaining public services remained with the nation's public servants.
"Public servants are the ones implementing government policies."
"People will come and go, governments will come and go, but the country must continue."
Kuli said the Correctional Service plays a critical role in maintaining public safety and supporting national development, urging officers across the country's correctional institutions to remain committed to their duties and support the organisation's new leadership.
"Unity must be maintained throughout the organization."
The Minister said Sarae's four-year appointment provides important leadership continuity for the Correctional Service at a time when the organisation is seeking to strengthen rehabilitation programs, improve correctional infrastructure and enhance service delivery nationwide.
As the Correctional Service marks 50 years of service, leaders say the focus now shifts to building a more professional, united and rehabilitation-focused institution capable of meeting the demands of the future while continuing to serve the nation beyond political and leadership transitions.
