AGP Executive Report

Kimbe Shootout: Twelve armed men died after a store robbery, vehicle rollover and gunfight with police in West New Britain, according to Police Commissioner David Manning. One suspected ringleader is in custody and an investigation is under way. Climate and Food Security: PNG has launched a US$10 million project to help small farmers adapt to climate change in Enga, Milne Bay and New Ireland, as El Niño-driven dry conditions threaten crops and livelihoods. Bougainville: NCD Governor Powes Parkop urged Parliament to respect Bougainvilleans’ referendum choice as lawmakers debate the province’s political future. Justice: The Supreme Court has returned to Kavieng for the first time in 30 years, bringing a week of hearings to New Ireland. Energy: Prime Minister James Marape praised landowner unity on Papua LNG and said project revenue entitlements would be protected. Rugby League: The Kumuls face a difficult World Cup campaign after a 64–6 loss to Samoa; England’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals now depend partly on beating PNG.

Public Safety: Twelve alleged armed robbers were killed in a police shootout in Kimbe after a getaway vehicle crashed and surviving suspects reportedly opened fire. One man is in custody as investigations continue. Bougainville: Parliament has opened a landmark debate on the 2019 independence referendum, with MPs divided over the peace agreement’s obligations and how to proceed. Economy and Resources: Parliament passed four LNG bills, clearing a step toward a proposed US$14.5 billion project, while the Government signed a cooperation agreement with China’s Guangdong Rising Holdings on the Frieda River development. Climate and Food Security: Prolonged dry conditions are being described as a national humanitarian concern, with drought, smoke haze and wildfires threatening communities and crops. NARI is urging farmers to secure water and invest in irrigation. Rugby League: The Kumuls’ 64–6 loss to Samoa leaves their semi-final hopes hanging on a win over England and other results. England’s clash with PNG is set for Friday. Travel Safety: Air Niugini is urging passengers to handle power banks carefully after one overheated and caused smoke and a small fire in Port Moresby’s domestic lounge; no injuries were reported.

Bougainville: Parliament has opened a landmark debate on the independence referendum, while MP Richard Masere renewed calls for a nationwide vote before a final decision. The debate comes amid warnings to respect the constitutional process and allow MPs to deliberate without intimidation. Economy and Resources: Parliament unanimously passed four bills linked to the proposed US$14.5 billion Papua LNG project, clearing a step toward a final investment decision. The Government also signed a cooperation agreement with China’s Guangdong Rising Holdings to advance the Frieda River copper-gold project. El Niño Emergency: Prolonged drought is threatening water, food and livelihoods across PNG, with crop failures, bushfires and rising illness reported in affected communities. Authorities have been urged to assess needs and deliver relief. 2027 Election: Electoral Commissioner Nicole Haley says PNG’s lack of an agreed national electoral map threatens preparations, including voter registration and plans for a national identity database. Rugby League: The Kumuls lost 64–6 to Samoa at the World Cup, while the Orchids were beaten 40–4 by Fiji. Samoa’s coach praised PNG’s physical first-half effort.

Rugby League: Samoa beat the Kumuls 64–6 in Port Moresby, while Fiji defeated the Orchids 40–4. Prime Minister James Marape urged the teams and league officials to learn from the losses and strengthen PNG’s sides. Health: A doctor says 44% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in PNG die from the disease, urging early checks and treatment. Port Moresby: Smoke haze from bushfires in Indonesia is affecting the capital and other parts of PNG; people at higher risk are advised to limit time outdoors. Economy: Marape launched a new coordinating committee and directed state agencies to focus on generating revenue, with a target of growing the economy from K140 billion to K200 billion by 2030. Public Services: The Public Accounts Committee plans to inspect hospitals and health centres across all 22 provinces from November.

Port Moresby Haze: Smoke covered the capital from early morning, with the Weather Service attributing it to bushfires in Indonesia. Residents—especially children, older people and those with breathing or heart conditions—are urged to limit time outdoors. Health Services: The Public Accounts Committee plans to inspect hospitals and health centres across all 22 provinces from November. Hela Peace Effort: Governor Philip Undialu confirmed a gun surrender program at Kopiago Station on October 30, followed by Koroba the next day. The program will run until the state amnesty expires on December 25. Rugby League World Cup: The Kumuls lost 64-6 to Samoa and the Orchids fell 40-4 to Fiji in Port Moresby. Prime Minister James Marape congratulated the visitors, saying Pacific friendship and rugby league were winners despite PNG’s defeats.

Rugby League World Cup: Samoa overwhelmed the Kumuls 64-6 in front of a packed Port Moresby stadium, turning a tight first half into a one-sided finish. PNG face England on October 30. Orchids: Fiji beat PNG 40-4; the coach said errors and an inexperienced spine proved costly against the stronger side. Frieda River: PNG and China’s Guangdong Rising Holdings signed a cooperation agreement to advance studies and prepare for formal state negotiations on the major copper-gold and hydropower project. Lou Island fires: Firefighters, soldiers and residents are still battling the blaze, which has destroyed homes and food gardens; officials warn dry El Niño conditions are fuelling the danger. Madang support: More than 1,000 pregnant women and children under five have registered for a project providing direct financial assistance for nutrition and healthcare. Aropa Airport: Runway works are 78 per cent complete, with reopening targeted for November, weather permitting.

World Cup Showdown: Port Moresby is packed for a crucial rugby league doubleheader. The Kumuls face unbeaten Samoa with a semi-final place at stake, while the Orchids trail Fiji 30–4 at half-time. El Niño Emergency: Worsening drought is raising alarm across PNG, with forecasts warning the dry spell could persist into 2027 and fires adding to the strain. Bougainville Debate: Parliament’s debate over the 2019 independence referendum continues, with leaders urging respectful discussion as MPs weigh the peace process and national unity. Investment and Jobs: PNG and Australia say their investment partnership has reached K89 billion; Parliament has also passed four bills aimed at unlocking about K64 billion for the Papua LNG project. Education: The government will cover 70 per cent of eligible tertiary fees under a revised TESAS arrangement, leaving families to pay the rest, with HELP available to students who need support.

World Cup Showdown: Port Moresby is set for a sold-out clash as the Kumuls face Samoa, with PNG focused on sharpening its game and home support expected to fuel the team. Education: The Government will cover 70 per cent of TESAS tertiary fees, leaving families to pay 30 per cent; HELP loans can assist those unable to meet the balance. Malahang Technical Secondary School in Lae will also receive a K15 million upgrade, including new hospitality and automotive training facilities. Papua LNG: Parliament unanimously passed four amendments aimed at unlocking an estimated US$14.5 billion investment in the project. El Niño Response: Australia has pledged more than K21 million for drought preparation, including water, health, food and farming support, as experts warn the dry spell could be among PNG’s worst. 2027 Elections: The Government has delivered K150 million to the Electoral Commission for election preparations.

Bougainville’s Future: Parliament is debating whether to ratify Bougainville’s 2019 independence referendum, in which 97.7% voted to secede. The debate is expected to resume in November before a vote, as MPs weigh the peace process and national unity. El Niño Threat: Forecasters warn the 2026 event could be the strongest since 1950, bringing prolonged drought to PNG through April 2027 and worsening risks to water, crops and livelihoods. Fires across New Guinea have also sent heavy smoke over communities. Cancer Care: Port Moresby General Hospital has installed PNG’s first AI-assisted linear accelerator, offering more precise radiotherapy. The national cancer centre aims to begin chemotherapy and radiotherapy services before year’s end. World Cup Fever: Port Moresby is set for an all-Pacific doubleheader on Saturday, with the Orchids facing Fiji before the Kumuls meet Samoa at a sold-out Santos National Football Stadium. Election Deadline: Public servants planning to contest the 2027 election must resign by October 29, the Department of Personnel Management says.

PNG Chiefs: The new NRL club unveiled its logo and jersey in Port Moresby, with Prime Minister James Marape calling it a milestone for national unity. New Zealand Rugby’s bid to block the “Chiefs” name was rejected for now, but the legal dispute continues. World Cup: The Kumuls face Samoa in Port Moresby on Saturday after a warm airport welcome for Toa Samoa. Health: Port Moresby General Hospital’s K300 million cancer centre is nearing completion of its third phase, with chemotherapy and radiotherapy services planned before year-end. Its new AI-powered linear accelerator will offer more precise treatment. Digital links: PNG and Australia signed a telecommunications partnership aimed at improving connectivity and digital services; NICTA says voluntary network sharing could also help cut costs and extend coverage to rural areas. Public funds: Kumul Petroleum paid the Government a K400 million interim dividend, taking its direct contributions for 2026 above K1 billion. Community: Churches launched a national strategy to prevent violence linked to sorcery accusations and support survivors.

PNG Chiefs: The new NRL club unveiled its logo and jersey in Port Moresby, celebrating a national identity built around unity and culture. A court has rejected an interim bid to block the “Chiefs” name, but the legal dispute continues. Bougainville: Parliament has resumed debate on the 2019 referendum, in which 97.7% voted for independence; the timing of a vote on ratification remains unclear. Wabag MP Lino Tom says he will hold a constituency mini-referendum before deciding how to vote. El Niño: Drying water sources, failing crops and rising food prices are raising alarm as a powerful El Niño threatens PNG and the wider region. PNG–Australia ties: A pilot defence recruitment programme aims to bring 100 PNG university students into the Australian Defence Force in 2027–28, with applications due to open in November. The two countries also signed a digital cooperation agreement setting a framework for the next 50 years. World Cup: The Kumuls face Samoa in Port Moresby after both teams opened with wins; the Orchids, fresh from a 58–4 victory over France, meet Fiji’s Bulikula. Community safety: Churches have launched a national strategy to address violence linked to sorcery accusations.

PNG Chiefs: The new NRL club unveiled its first logo and supporter jersey in Port Moresby, with PM James Marape calling the launch a milestone for national unity. Papua New Guinean artists designed the logo and jersey artwork; the team is due to enter the competition in 2028. PNG–Australia ties: At their first ministerial forum since becoming allies, the countries agreed to advance defence, health and digital cooperation. Australia will open ADF applications to Papua New Guineans on November 16, with an initial target of about 100 recruits. Economy: Kumul Petroleum’s K400 million interim dividend takes its direct 2026 contributions to more than K1 billion. The company also announced plans to fund Papua LNG. El Niño: PNG officials warned of severe, widespread impacts, including frost-damaged food gardens and falling river levels; East New Britain has opened a disaster centre as dry conditions worsen. Connectivity and investment: Digicel and Vodafone activated their first shared mobile tower in Jiwaka, while MRDC agreed to acquire six Mobil stations in Port Moresby and build sites in Lae and Madang. Election deadline: Public servants planning to contest the 2027 election must resign by October 29. Rugby league: Toa Samoa have arrived in Port Moresby ahead of Saturday’s World Cup clash with the Kumuls.

PNG–Australia Alliance: At their first ministerial forum since becoming allies, the two governments agreed to advance security, health, education and digital cooperation. A pilot ADF recruitment scheme for PNG university students is due to open for applications on Nov. 16, while new commitments include primary healthcare and HPV vaccination support. El Niño Emergency: PNG officials warn of a severe, widespread crisis, with frost destroying staple crops and rivers falling sharply. East New Britain has begun drought preparations as water supplies and gardens come under pressure. PNG Chiefs: The 2028 NRL franchise unveiled its first logo and jersey in Port Moresby, featuring cultural designs by local artists after a court ruling cleared the way for the launch. Bougainville: Australia says independence must be resolved through negotiations between Bougainville and PNG, and is open to discussing easier visa arrangements for Papua New Guineans. Investment and Infrastructure: The first major shipment of kiln equipment has reached Port Kido for a Central Lime Project quicklime plant. PNG Power CEO Paul Bayly has also resigned; Noel Mobiha is set to serve as acting chief pending formal approval.

PNG–Australia Alliance: PM James Marape opened the 32nd ministerial forum in Port Moresby, with both governments aiming to turn the Pukpuk Treaty into practical defence and economic cooperation. Australia will open ADF applications to eligible PNG university students next month, with up to 100 recruits planned over two years. Energy and Investment: MRDC plans to acquire six Mobil stations in Port Moresby and build outlets in Lae and Madang. Kumul Petroleum has also paid a K400 million dividend to the National Government. Public Finances: Marape says K200 million is committed to 2027 election preparations and has ordered cuts to non-essential government spending amid El Niño and cost-of-living pressures. Industry: Pacific Lime has received the first major equipment shipment for its planned quicklime plant at Port Kido. Sport: PNG’s Kumuls have named their side for a crucial Rugby League World Cup clash with Samoa, while the Orchids’ 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign will begin against Uzbekistan in Morocco. PNG LNG has joined the PNG Chiefs as a major sponsor, backing education and career pathways. Manus: Lou Island residents are pleading for help as wildfires threaten communities.

Lou Island Fires: Wildfires have consumed large areas of forest and are advancing towards Rei village. Local responders say drought, steep terrain and a lack of equipment have left them struggling to contain the flames, and are calling for urgent help. Government Spending: Prime Minister James Marape has ordered a freeze on non-essential government spending as El Niño and rising living costs squeeze households and the economy. PNG Chiefs: Corporate backing for the new NRL club has reached about A$25 million ahead of its planned 2028 debut, while the Australia-PNG Ministerial Forum meets in Port Moresby to advance the countries’ new alliance. Gold Sector: Northern Governor Gary Juffa has put 21 reform proposals to Parliament, calling for stronger enforcement and transparency in the alluvial gold industry. Kumuls: After opening the Rugby League World Cup with a 42-18 win over Lebanon, PNG face a tougher test against Samoa as they chase a place in the semi-finals. Education: More than 300 teachers are in Port Moresby marking Grade 12 exams, with results expected in November.

Sorcery-Related Violence: Prime Minister James Marape says a working committee will consider funding and coordination for the national action plan to tackle violence, especially against women. He says existing laws criminalise accusations and perpetrators must face justice. Tourism: The Kutubu Heritage Hotel is set to open in November, offering access to Mount Bosavi, Lake Kutubu and Beaver Falls. Regular flights to Moro from Port Moresby and Mount Hagen have also resumed. Rugby League: The Kumuls and Orchids launched their World Cup campaigns with emphatic wins over Lebanon and France. The Kumuls now face Samoa in a major test. Papua LNG: A Tier 1 development agreement has been signed, with further benefit-sharing talks due to conclude in early November. Maritime: Parliament has ratified 11 international maritime agreements covering ocean protection, vessel liability and casualty response. Cost of Living: Marape warns high fuel and import costs, alongside El Niño, could keep pressure on families into early 2027.