AGP Executive Report

Independence Security: Madang police chief Superintendent Robert Baim has urged residents to celebrate PNG’s 51st Independence Anniversary peacefully, warning against misinformation, hate and violence as police step up operations ahead of Sept 16. Digital Push: NICTA has cleared the way for 5G by making 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum available for licensing, with Vodafone PNG targeting 5G in NCD and another city within 18 months. Climate Response: Health and Emergency Services Minister Dr Billy Joseph says an IOM-led multi-agency El Niño assessment will map impacts across water, food, health, shelter and displacement to guide urgent support. Corruption Case: ICAC has arrested and charged Deputy Police Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of Royal PNGNG travel account funds. Sports & Culture: PNG Hunters will host a trial against Central Queensland Capras on Feb 25 in Port Moresby; Air Niugini will sponsor the Hiri Hanenamo quest with winners’ trips to Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

King’s Medal for Nasfund: Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae presented the 50th Anniversary King’s Medal to Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma for 25 years of service, praising his role in retirement security and superannuation confidence. 5G push: NICTA has cleared the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum for licensing, paving the way for 5G rollout starting in urban areas, with Vodafone PNG targeting coverage in NCD and another city within 18 months. Corruption case: ICAC arrested and charged Police Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of Royal PNG travel account funds, including family domestic travel. Hiri Moale festival boost: Air Niugini will sponsor the Hiri Hanenamo quest, including return tickets for winners and runners-up to Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Sports spotlight: PNG U16 women’s team is set for the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in the Solomon Islands, chasing a route to the 2027 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Environment news: A rare spinach pipefish last recorded in the 1980s has been caught again in the Sepik River system, with local fisher knowledge helping confirm the rediscovery.

5G Rollout: PNG has cleared the way for 5G, with NICTA confirming spectrum in the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands is ready for licensing to qualified mobile operators. Anti-Corruption: ICAC has arrested and charged Deputy Police Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of Royal PNG Constabulary travel funds. Tourism & Sports: Tourism Minister Belden Namah backs a plan to name Jarome Luai as a PNG Chiefs Pacific tourism ambassador, while Air Niugini renews sponsorship for the Hiri Moale Festival and Hiri Hanenamo quest. Climate Finance: PNG PM Marape says the Green Climate Fund’s support is backing forest and ocean climate action, including REDD+ results payments. Financial Inclusion: Bank South Pacific and Bank of PNG leaders stress that inclusion must be safe and trusted, with digital payments key to reaching rural communities. Health Access: Remote communities still struggle to get HIV treatment due to staffing and service gaps at lower-level facilities. Regional Football: PNG U16 women’s team heads to the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in Solomon Islands, chasing a route to the 2027 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Governance Training: State-owned enterprise directors and emerging leaders, plus NICTA, have returned to PNG after a five-day Australia-PNG Directorship and Inclusive Leadership Programme in Brisbane and Canberra, with mentoring to follow. El Niño Watch: New forecasts warn the Pacific event is strengthening and could bring major heat and rain impacts, with PNG bracing for knock-on effects. West Papua Rights Pressure: Indonesia says a UN human rights commissioner visit to West Papua is “on the right path,” as MSG leaders threaten to review Indonesia’s MSG status if it stalls. Pacific Ocean Push: Forum leaders in Palau backed stronger Pacific action on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, including work toward the 2027 BBNJ talks. Police Corruption Case: RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua was arrested and charged by ICAC over alleged misuse of police travel funds. Business & Trade: PNG Customs Chief Commissioner David Towe urged tighter government-private sector teamwork, highlighting a National Single Window push and smarter cargo targeting. Education Links: Marape and Luxon agreed to deepen cooperation on education, training, jobs and connectivity. Mining & Power Warning: Concerns are rising that alluvial gold mining could worsen electricity blackouts unless oversight improves.

El Niño Alarm: Papua New Guinea is bracing for the strongest El Niño on record, with research warning climate change is making extremes more likely and severe. Budget Tightening: Deputy PM John Rosso says belt-tightening in the 2026 supplementary budget is “necessary” to protect people from rising prices, fuel pressure and El Niño impacts, including support for the Electoral Commission ahead of 2027 polls. Bougainville Referendum: A major political push is underway on how Parliament should respond to the 2019 Bougainville vote—respecting aspirations while arguing against automatic secession. Security Treaty Push: PNG is backing a legally binding regional security treaty as Pacific leaders endorse the Waqa Moana plan, with Australia pledging AU$600m over 10 years to fight drugs and organised crime. Regional Cooperation: PNG and Niue sign a framework agreement covering development and technical cooperation, including trade, tourism, energy, digital links and labour mobility. Health Focus: NCDPHA in Port Moresby promotes lifestyle medicine to tackle non-communicable diseases. Mining News: Geopacific and Great Pacific Gold report new gold results from Woodlark and Wild Dog/Kavasuki targets, while South Pacific Metals flags fresh copper-gold targets at Kili Teke. Earthquake: A 5.7 quake struck PNG, reported at 10km depth.

Pacific Islands Forum Fallout: Taiwan says it has a right to attend PIF as a “development partner,” while New Zealand’s Luxon stays non-committal and China warns of “consequences.” West Papua Pressure: Melanesian Spearhead Group members (including PNG) threaten to review Indonesia’s MSG status if it doesn’t allow a UN human rights chief visit by end-2026. PNG Digital Push: PNG begins its first large-scale digital ID rollout for public servants, with a December 31 deadline and steps aimed at cutting ghost employees and improving payroll integrity. Major Crime Probe: Police launch a major investigation after 10 armed men robbed a Port Moresby security convoy, stealing gold bullion, cash and firearms. US-Backed Pacific Moves: The US announces $150m for Pacific energy, anti-illegal fishing and port upgrades, while PNG leaders press for stronger regional unity. Sports: OFC U-16 Women’s Championship ramps up in Honiara with PNG in Group B and matches starting Sunday.

Transnational Crime Push: PNG Police Commissioner David Manning used the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau to call for a stronger, Pacific-led treaty to tackle cross-border organised crime, saying today’s arrangements are too ad hoc and intelligence-sharing is still slow and fragmented. Major Heist in Port Moresby: Police are probing one of PNG’s biggest robberies after armed men ambushed a security convoy, escaping with 25 gold bars, $315,000 cash and firearms; investigators say police weren’t alerted to the high-value transport. PNG-US Security and Digital Boost: The United States announced new digital infrastructure, private-sector growth and regional security initiatives for PNG and the wider Pacific at the 2026 PIF. Regional Unity on Fragility: Prime Minister James Marape urged Pacific leaders to stay united amid geopolitical and climate pressures, pointing to the strain of fuel-cost shocks on PNG’s finances. Bougainville Vote Timing: Opposition leader James Nomane urged MPs to slow down before debating Bougainville’s 2019 independence referendum result. PNG-Niue Cooperation: Marape and Niue Prime Minister Dalton Tagelagi signed a framework agreement to deepen development and technical cooperation. Justice Leadership: Helen Roalakona was sworn in as PNG’s first female Public Prosecutor, vowing reforms and a stronger prosecution push. Gold Sector Updates: New drilling results strengthen Woodlark’s high-grade gold outlook, while Taruga Minerals reports fresh gold-silver signals in PNG. Culture and Media: The premiere of PNG film “Black Python” drew calls for more funding and support for young local filmmakers.

Bougainville Decision Watch: Opposition leader James Nomane is urging PNG MPs to slow down before debating Bougainville’s 2019 independence referendum, saying lawmakers need more time to study what independence would mean for the region and for PNG. Pacific Diplomacy Tensions: The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau is already drawing fire after five leaders skipped the summit and China is reportedly furious about Taiwan’s participation, with questions now swirling around Beijing’s influence. PNG Sports Spotlight: PNG’s Kapuls opened the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship in Samoa against Solomon Islands, while New Caledonia surged past hosts Samoa 4-2 in another Group A match—both results shaping the race for World Cup qualification. Regional Safety & Aid: New Zealand Defence Force personnel arrived in Kiribati to help dispose of more than 400 WWII-era unexploded ordnance items, aiming to reduce risks to people in densely populated Betio. Consumer Protection Push: PNG’s ICCC says it plans to expand its presence by placing agents in every province to handle complaints and monitor compliance more closely. Mining Update: South Pacific Metals extended its Megabe mineralised strike at Osena in PNG to over 300 metres, with drilling showing structures remain open at depth.

Pacific Diplomacy Tensions: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, Taiwan is back at the table and China is warning of “consequences,” while several Pacific leaders are missing and suspicions of foreign interference are swirling. Bougainville Patriotism Day: Bougainville marks its public holiday with parades and speeches in Buka, Arawa and Buin, as leaders stress unity ahead of the region’s future decision. PNG Consumer Watch: The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission says it plans to place agents in every province under a new five-year plan to bring complaints and enforcement closer to people. Labour Mobility Reality Check: A fresh call for stronger protections for PNG workers abroad follows concerns raised by unions and the death of a PNG construction worker in Australia. Sports Tourism & Rugby League: Tourism Minister Belden Namah hails Jarome Luai’s PNG Open visit as a boost for sports tourism, while the PNG Kapuls begin their OFC U-19 campaign in Samoa. Bougainville & PNG Politics: PNG Parliament is also moving to strengthen regional ties through an APPU joint communiqué signing.

Pacific Diplomacy: China’s warnings and alleged interference are being blamed as several Pacific leaders skip Palau’s Pacific Islands Forum, with Australia saying the forum decides attendance and PNG among those represented. Regional Politics: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale withdrew after a no-confidence move, while Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa and Kiribati leaders also stayed away. PNG Governance & Economy: Papua New Guinea is moving toward opening its first land-based casino, Pacific Pearl, with licensing still required. Consumer Protection: PNG’s Independent Consumer and Competition Commission rolls out a 2026–2030 plan to strengthen enforcement, complaint handling and product safety across provinces. Hidden Valley Benefits: The revised Community Development Agreement for the Hidden Valley mining project is signed, clearing the way for community benefits in Morobe. Sport & Youth: Australia pledges $15.6m for Pacific athletes ahead of Brisbane 2032, while PNG Chiefs continue building their regional pipeline. Climate & Disasters: El Niño risks and flood impacts remain in focus across the region, including warnings tied to waterborne disease.

NRL & National Pride: Prime Minister James Marape welcomed PNG Chiefs foundation player Jerome Luai at Jacksons International Airport, naming him “Player Number 1” and announcing six more signings to build a Pacific talent pipeline. Sports Tourism: Luai also headlined the PNG Open awards in Port Moresby, while Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou prepares a 40-man World Cup squad before trimming to 23. Pacific Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese is in Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum, with regional security and climate high on the agenda, and a new $15.6m plan to help Pacific athletes reach Brisbane 2032. Forum Pressure on West Papua: A West Papuan leader urged Forum leaders to break silence and denounce Indonesian military violence. Local Economy: Apo Street Market reopened under NCDC approval for 75 informal vendors, with cleanliness and small daily fees required. Mining Benefits: Hidden Valley’s revised Community Development Agreement was signed, clearing the way for landowners to access project benefits. Climate Watch: Bougainville has been placed on drought alert as El Niño risks drive below-normal rainfall. Football Pathway: PNG’s Young Kapuls begin their OFC U-19 campaign in Samoa against Solomon Islands, with two finalists earning FIFA U-20 World Cup spots.

Hidden Valley Benefits: The revised Community Development Agreement for the Hidden Valley Mining Project has been formally signed, clearing the way for Morobe landowners and communities to access development benefits tied to the gold operation. Bougainville Drought Alert: The Autonomous Bougainville Government has placed the region on Drought Alert due to El Niño-linked below-normal rainfall risk, warning of impacts on water supplies, food gardens and remote island communities. Kundiawa Clean-Up: Simbu police led a major community clean-up in Kundiawa, using police vehicles to move waste and running awareness sessions with market vendors and businesses. Kumuls World Cup Prep: PNG Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou says an extended 40-man squad will be named soon, then cut to 23 ahead of the World Cup, with home games against Lebanon and Samoa in Port Moresby. OFC U-19 Kick-Off: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship begins in Samoa, with PNG in Group A alongside hosts Samoa and New Caledonia, and the top two set to qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup. PNG Chiefs & Luai: Jarome Luai’s PNG Chiefs commitments stay in focus as he faces scans for a leg injury, while his Pepsi PNG ambassador role and golf appearances keep him front and centre. Health Security Check: PNG completed its first-ever Joint External Evaluation with WHO, assessing national capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health risks. Disaster Response Support: Australia backed PNG’s provincial disaster preparedness work, calling the institutional capacity report a practical tool for improving response systems. Vehicle Financing Deal: TISA Bank and Toyota Tsusho PNG signed a strategic referral partnership to expand access to vehicle financing across Papua New Guinea. Bird Flu Warning: WHO urged Pacific countries to prepare for avian influenza (H5N1) risks, stressing One Health coordination across human, animal and environmental health.

Bougainville Decision in Parliament: Prime Minister James Marape says Parliament—not the executive—will have the final say on Bougainville’s political future after the 2019 referendum result was formally tabled, urging MPs to study the referendum, Joint Consultation report and Melanesian Framework before any vote. Health Security Boost: Papua New Guinea has completed its first-ever Joint External Evaluation with the WHO to strengthen national capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health risks under the International Health Regulations. Disaster Preparedness Support: Australia reaffirmed help for PNG’s provincial disaster offices, calling the new capacity report a practical tool (not a scorecard) to close preparedness gaps. Bird Flu Warning: WHO urges Pacific countries, including PNG, to prepare for avian influenza as H5N1 spreads among birds and could spill over to humans. PNG Sports Spotlight: Dika Toua made Olympic history by competing at her fifth Games, while PNG’s Rugby League World Cup preparations continue as an extended Kumuls squad is set to be named. Business & Finance: Bank of PNG outlines a financial reform agenda, and TISA Bank and Toyota Tsusho PNG sign a referral partnership to expand vehicle financing access. Culture & Community: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicked off in Goroka, and the Pride of PNG Women Awards 2026 is set for its next big push.

Pacific Islands Forum: Leaders head to Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum summit, with climate and development front and centre as Australia faces tough questions on emissions and fossil fuel plans. Bougainville Decision: Papua New Guinea’s Parliament will have the final say on Bougainville’s political future after the 2019 referendum result was tabled, with MPs urged to set a clear timeline and avoid further delays. Rugby League World Cup Prep: PNG coach Jason Demetriou is set to name an extended 40-man Kumuls squad as preparations ramp up for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Finance & Transport: TISA Bank and Toyota Tsusho PNG sign a strategic referral partnership to make vehicle financing easier across Papua New Guinea. Health Watch: WHO urges Pacific countries to prepare for bird flu (H5N1) as the virus spreads among birds and could spill over to humans. Business & Trade: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicks off in Goroka, with government and industry backing to boost farming, processing and market access. Sports Sponsorship: Jerome Luai is named Pepsi brand ambassador under a five-year partnership, with plans for grassroots rugby league pathways. Regional Investment: Nasfund CEO calls for a Pacific co-investment framework to pool superannuation funds for major infrastructure projects. Deep-sea Mining Risk: A new report warns Pacific governments could face costly investor-state disputes if they change course on deep-sea mining rules.

Bougainville Decision Looms: Prime Minister James Marape says Parliament—not the executive—will have the final say on Bougainville’s 2019 referendum result, after it was formally tabled, with MPs urged to study the referendum outcome alongside key reports before voting. Parliament Timeline Pressure: Opposition Leader James Nomane wants a clear date for debate and a full MP presence at the next sitting, warning against further delays as the vote could reshape PNG’s political future. Sports & Youth Pathways: PNG Rugby League World Cup preparations are ramping up as coach Jason Demetriou prepares an extended 40-man squad, while Trukai signs rising star Cooper Bai as brand ambassador and Pepsi names Jerome Luai as its PNG ambassador under a five-year partnership. Finance & Trade: TISA Bank and Toyota Tsusho PNG partner to expand vehicle financing access, and the Bank of PNG pushes a reform agenda aimed at stability, inclusion and investment. Health Watch: WHO urges Pacific countries to prepare for bird flu (H5N1) as it spreads among birds, stressing One Health coordination. Local Economy Events: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicks off in Goroka with government and business support, including a K15,000 sponsorship from the Department of International Trade and Investment. Culture & Community: CPL Foundation sets the stage for the 14th Pride of PNG Women Awards, celebrating women’s leadership across PNG.

Bougainville Vote Push: Papua New Guinea’s Parliament has begun the formal process after tabling the 2019 Bougainville referendum result, with Opposition Leader James Nomane urging MPs to set a clear debate and voting date and not “kick the can down the road.” Constitutional Peace Process: Ministers and MPs framed the next steps as a historic, unity-testing decision, with Bougainville independence support tied to the 97.7% result and constitutional responsibilities. Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is arriving for the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting in Palau, with PNG and Fiji described as new defence allies and regional policing cooperation expanding. PNG Economy & Reform: The Bank of PNG outlined a financial reform agenda focused on stability, inclusion and investment, warning businesses and households need confidence for long-term planning. Agriculture & Trade Festival: Goroka’s 70th Agriculture and Trade Festival kicked off with government and business support, including a K15,000 sponsorship from the Department of International Trade and Investment. Sports & Sponsorship: Rugby league star Jarome Luai was named Pepsi brand ambassador under a five-year PNG partnership, with plans for grassroots programs and pathways for young players. Environment & Culture: A new New Guinea groundsnake species was named “Slash’s groundsnake,” while PNG artisans and small businesses renewed calls to protect Melanesian designs from cheap copied imports.