A decisive vote in Papua New Guinea’s Parliament has paved the way for tougher urban law enforcement, with lawmakers backing the revised 2025 Vagrancy Act 80–1 to improve safety and public order in Port Moresby and other major centres.

The bill, introduced by National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, targets repeat offenders and individuals involved in both summary and serious criminal activities.

Speaking in Parliament, Governor Parkop said habitual offenders can now be declared vagrants by the courts and issued exclusion orders, requiring them to return to their home areas for a period set by the judiciary.

“If a person is repeatedly involved in serious crime, it is better they return home, reflect, and change before coming back,” he said.

He added that individuals involved in financing tribal fights, inciting violence, and promoting ethnic tensions will also be dealt with under the law, describing it as an additional tool to address ongoing law and order challenges.

Governor Parkop stressed that the law is not limited to the capital and can be applied in other major centres such as Lae, Kokopo, Kimbe, Mount Hagen and Madang.

He clarified the legislation does not target homelessness or unemployment, unless individuals are repeatedly involved in criminal behaviour.

“This law targets behaviour, not identity,” he said, emphasizing that it applies equally to all citizens regardless of status.

Exclusion orders, he said, will vary depending on the severity of offences, ranging from short-term restrictions to longer-term bans.

The Governor also highlighted ongoing safety initiatives in the capital, including a K20 million CCTV rollout, City Wardens, POM City Watch and the Neighbourhood Watch Program, noting the new law will complement these measures.

“We must never compromise the security of our capital city,” he said.

Governor Parkop added that the law promotes unity and peaceful coexistence, encouraging residents to respect one another and live together harmoniously.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape commended the initiative and acknowledged concerns raised by residents, including the Motu Koitabuans, regarding law-and-order issues.

The overarching goal, leaders say, is to build safer, more orderly urban centres for all Papua New Guineans and visitors alike.