AGP Executive Report

OFC U-16 Women’s Football: Tonga captain Melia Manning says “we’re not done yet” after a 2-1 loss to Samoa, with the next must-win clash against Papua New Guinea in the OFC Under-16 Women’s Championship in Solomon Islands. Health Education: A China Medical Team cardiologist at Port Moresby General Hospital shares a simple guide on pacemakers—what they do and who may need them. Agriculture Skills: Agro expert Imran Mohammed tells students PNG has big goat and sheep potential, but the real gap is expertise—practical advice for Iarowari Agro Technical Secondary School. Agri-Trade & Farming: FPDA backs the 70th PNG Agri-Trade Festival in Goroka, while UPNG’s freshwater prawn hatchery manager highlights prawn farming’s promise for food and income. Development & Security: PM James Marape says government spending is people-focused after a road trip linking Port Moresby to Lae; a separate call urges provinces and districts to take ownership of law and order. ADB Funding: ADB says it has committed over K23.9b to PNG since 1971, with a new Port Moresby office opening. NRL Business: PNG Chiefs land a record BSP jersey deal worth about A$20m over three years, with officials calling it world-class and historic. Elections Readiness: Police and PNGDF tell a parliamentary committee they’re still awaiting election-preparation funding. Earthquake Update: East Sepik’s Chambri Lakes quake has reportedly killed seven, with relief and damage assessments continuing. Maritime Women’s Leadership: PNG Women in Maritime Association completes leadership training to strengthen governance and push more women into the sector. Papua LNG Tensions: Central Province rejects a proposed revenue split for Papua LNG, demanding near-equal treatment as ExxonMobil prepares to take operatorship. Women’s Rights & Tech: UN Women warns AI could deepen inequality for women and girls unless gender is built into policy. Cervical Cancer Prevention: HPV vaccination begins in NCD, targeting 60,000 girls in the first phase.

NRL & National Unity: Bank South Pacific (BSP) has signed on as the PNG Chiefs’ Principal Foundation Partner in a record-breaking deal, backing the club’s 2028 NRL push with AUD 20 million (about AUD 5m a year) and front-of-jersey branding through at least 2030. Health Access: Prime Minister James Marape says a new cancer centre in Port Moresby is set to open as a regional service for Pacific patients, including subsidised treatment for Ni-Vanuatu families. Immunisation Drive: HPV vaccination has officially launched in NCD at New Erima Primary School, targeting girls aged 9–14 with free shots before cervical cancer risk later in life. Connectivity Boost: Digicel PNG and Vodafone PNG have agreed to share tower infrastructure to expand coverage faster and cut duplication costs while keeping their networks independent. Education Investment: PM Marape commissioned UOG’s K130m Central Administration Building and student forum square, stressing better facilities must translate into stronger teaching and outcomes. Public Safety & Policy: Physiotherapy gets its first national guideline booklet, while Nasfund’s NCSL signs the PNG Empower Finance Code to tackle financial abuse. Sports Spotlight: Alex Max’s strong return for London Broncos puts him in the frame for a Kumuls World Cup debut. Tragedy: A crocodile handler died after a feeding attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby, with witnesses describing a prolonged struggle to free him.

NRL Chiefs Big Deal: Bank South Pacific has signed on as the PNG Chiefs’ front-of-jersey sponsor in a landmark three-year partnership, with BSP also named the club’s official banking and financial services partner as the franchise prepares for its 2028 NRL debut. Digital Regulation Push: NICTA is drafting three new Bills to expand PNG’s digital rules, including data governance and protection, digital identity and emerging technologies, after consultations showed the current framework is too focused on traditional telecoms. Education Investment: Prime Minister James Marape commissioned the University of Goroka’s new K130 million Central Administration Building and Humilaveka Student Forum Square, calling it a major commitment to quality education. Roads to Jobs: Marape urged Eastern Highlanders to turn Highlands Highway spending into more coffee, businesses, jobs and household income, including through SME and agriculture. Telecoms Tower Sharing: Digicel PNG and Vodafone PNG agreed to share selected tower infrastructure to expand coverage faster and cut duplication costs. Local Leadership at Kumul Marine Terminal: Santos says the Kumul Marine Terminal is now fully led by Papua New Guineans, appointing Jackson Jim and Willie Mapal as team leaders. Health in NCD: NCDPHA launched the HPV vaccine program at New Erima Primary School to protect girls aged 9–15 from cervical cancer. Conservation Research Partnership: TKCP and PNG University of Technology will partner on field-based conservation research in the YUS area, with training and community involvement built in. Public Safety Alert: Police released photos of four persons of interest linked to a gold bullion robbery in Port Moresby and asked the public to report sightings via hotline 112 or NCD/Central Command 1800100. Mining Jobs: St Barbara PNG is recruiting FIFO roles at Simberi Gold Mine, including systems administrator, chefs, electricians, crane operator, expeditor, camps supervisor and logistics roles. Crocodile Tragedy: A wildlife park worker in Port Moresby died after a crocodile attack at Adventure Park, with reports describing a prolonged struggle to free him.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: South Korea’s Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back met Czech counterpart Jaromir Zuna at the Seoul Defense Dialogue, and also held talks with PNG Defence Minister Elias Kapavore on expanding defense cooperation. Pacific Visa & Mobility: Australia released the official list of 12 countries eligible for its Pacific Engagement Visa, including Papua New Guinea, as a permanent residence pathway to deepen ties. Papua LNG Deal Moves: Santos will lift its Papua LNG stake to 21% by buying an extra 3.3% from TotalEnergies (about US$189m), while ExxonMobil takes operatorship—both steps tied to regulatory approvals and a planned final investment decision in 4Q26. Crime Update in Port Moresby: Police released photos of four persons of interest linked to a gold bullion robbery on September 2, asking the public not to approach them and to call 112/1800100. Independence & Local Life: United Finance handed out K51,000 to 81 PNG customers in an Independence cash giveaway; in Moresby South, women praised the Kaugere Music and Market Festival launched by MP Justin Tkatchenko. Safety Tragedy: A crocodile attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby has claimed the life of a senior keeper; the park says it has launched an internal review.

Papua LNG Deal Update: Kumul Petroleum Holdings says it has signed an amended shareholders agreement with TotalEnergies for Lakatoi Marketing, tightening governance and reserving key pricing decisions for unanimous consent as LNG marketing expertise is rotated to PNG-linked roles. Public Finance Digitisation: PNG has signed a three-year, K26m support deal with TechnologyOne after rolling out its Integrated Financial Management System across all 22 provinces, with upgrades covering cybersecurity, cloud, revenue collection and new AI-based “plain language” access to financial records. Court & Community Safety: A district court in Boroko granted bail to 52 alleged protesters from Enga over an Aug 31 incident involving offensive weapons, with the magistrate warning the group to use proper channels for grievances. Security Through Roads Warning: Commentators warn Connect PNG road expansion could fuel crime and tribal violence unless security and governance upgrades keep pace. Sports—OFC U19: New Caledonia crushed PNG 7-0 to reach the semi-finals, while PNG’s Junior Bula Boys missed out after a 2-1 loss to Tahiti. Business & Jobs—AFL Pathway: PNG Binatangs named a 22-player Under-15 squad for an AFL Queensland carnival in September, including players from Port Moresby, Lae and several provinces. Tragedy at Adventure Park: A crocodile attack in Port Moresby killed a caretaker after he was dragged into a pool during a feeding incident; police euthanised the animal and the park says it will review procedures.

Papua LNG Deal Moves Closer to FID: TotalEnergies says it has cleared key contractual and commercial steps for Papua LNG, including completing EPC tendering and cutting estimated capital costs to about US$14b. Operatorship Shift: TotalEnergies will sell a 9.1% stake (after Kumul Petroleum’s back-in) to partners and hand operatorship to ExxonMobil PNG Antelope, with Exxon taking over operations to align with the nearby PNG LNG project. Santos Stake Boost: Santos also moves to a larger equity position after acquiring an additional 3.3% interest, lifting its total to 21%. Landowner Consultation Fight: Opposition Leader James Nomane says the Papua LNG development forum is being compromised and should be taken back to provinces and districts, with representation aligned to verified ILGs. Safety Tragedy at Adventure Park: A senior animal keeper died after a crocodile attack during a feeding demonstration at Adventure Park in Port Moresby; police euthanised the crocodile and the park launched an internal review. Consumer Watchdog Plan: PNG’s ICCC launched its 2026–2030 corporate plan, prioritising consumer protection, competition enforcement and economic regulation, with special focus on women and disadvantaged groups.

Crocodile tragedy in Port Moresby: A wildlife worker at Adventure Park was mauled and died after a crocodile clamped its jaws on his legs during a feeding demonstration; police shot the crocodile and the park remains closed as staff mourn. Road milestone for Independence: Prime Minister James Marape led PNG’s first road convoy along the newly completed Pangu Highway, linking Port Moresby to Lae and closing a decades-long missing link. PNG LNG consultation fight: Opposition Leader James Nomane says the Papua LNG Development Forum is being compromised and demands consultations return to project provinces and districts, with landowners properly represented under the Oil and Gas Act. Digital leap: PNG’s telecom regulator NICTA has cleared the way for commercial 5G services, giving operators regulatory certainty to plan rollouts. Language and culture abroad: Tok Pisin Wik events in New Zealand highlight how Tok Pisin unites communities, while PNG language week stories show migrants keeping culture alive at home. Conservation spotlight: A PNG UNRE student selected for a Nouméa nature conservation conference will present research on low-cost peanut-based feed for Nile tilapia. Leadership in sport: Applications open for Wāhine Toa Oceania, bringing retired Pacific female athletes to workshops across Fiji, Greece and PNG.

Security & Crime: A Cook Islands widow was arrested in Milne Bay’s Alotau after police seized 150 pieces of C-4 plastic explosives, 250 rounds of ammunition and a sniper rifle, following a robbery at her home. Digital Economy: PNG’s telecom regulator NICTA has cleared the way for commercial 5G, saying the legal and regulatory checks are complete for operators to roll out services using 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz spectrum. Infrastructure: Prime Minister James Marape led PNG’s first road convoy along the newly completed Pangu Highway, linking Port Moresby to Lae through Gulf and Morobe. Public Safety: A wildlife park worker died after a crocodile attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby; the park has closed indefinitely as staff mourn. Politics & Energy: Opposition Leader James Nomane demands the Papua LNG Development Forum be moved back to the project provinces, saying consultations must follow the Oil and Gas Act. Environment & Science: Researchers report a new walking shark species off PNG, with a very small known range and conservation risks.

Infrastructure & Independence: Prime Minister James Marape led PNG’s first-ever road convoy on the newly completed Pangu Highway, naming the 168km link from Port Moresby to Lae (via Gulf and Morobe) and marking the 51st Independence anniversary. Public Safety: A crocodile attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby killed a worker after he was mauled inside an enclosure; police reportedly shot the crocodile and the man was taken to 3 Mile General Hospital. Energy & Landowners: Opposition Leader James Nomane demanded the Papua LNG Development Forum be relocated back to the project provinces, saying consultations must follow the Oil and Gas Act and include landowners and local governments. Digital Economy: NICTA cleared spectrum for 5G in the 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz bands, opening licensing for qualified mobile operators. Disaster Readiness: An IOM-led El Niño assessment is rolling out across PNG to identify the communities most in need, covering water, food security, health, shelter and protection. Governance & Peace: Madang police urged residents to celebrate Independence peacefully ahead of September 16. Business & Research: Daltron PNG was named Gold Sponsor of IBS University’s PNG Global Connect 2027 in Port Moresby. Sports: Young Kapuls kept semi-final hopes alive with a 4-2 win over Samoa in the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship.

Prime Minister James Marape: Marape says he will make a “historic” drive from Port Moresby to Kaintiba in Gulf Province at 2am, marking PNG’s 51st Independence celebrations. Road Naming: He also revealed the new Port Moresby–Lae link will be called the Pangu Highway, framed as a symbol of national unity. Public Safety: Madang police chief Superintendent Robert Baim has urged residents to celebrate peacefully and avoid misinformation and violence ahead of Independence Day. El Niño Response: Health and National Emergency Services Minister Dr Billy Joseph says an IOM-led multi-agency assessment is underway to map El Niño impacts and target help where it’s most needed. Digital Push: NICTA has cleared the way for 5G by making 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz spectrum available for licensing, with rollout starting in urban areas. Corruption Case: ICAC has arrested and charged RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of travel account funds. Wildlife Incident: A crocodile attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby left a worker badly injured; police shot the animal to free him. Sports: PNG’s Young Kapuls kept semi-final hopes alive with a 4-2 win over Samoa, and PNG U-16 women’s team begins OFC action in the Solomon Islands this week.

National Recognition: Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma received the 50th Anniversary King’s Medal for 25 years of service, with the Governor-General praising his role in strengthening PNG’s retirement security. Digital Push: NICTA has cleared the way for 5G by making 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz spectrum available for licensing, with rollout expected to start in urban areas. Sports & Youth: The NYDA backed a kickboxing tournament promoting discipline and character, while PNG’s U16 women’s team prepares for the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in the Solomon Islands. Culture & Tourism: Air Niugini and WR Carpenters Group are sponsoring the Hiri Moale Festival, including prizes for the Hiri Hanenamo quest and support for festival logistics. Justice & Corruption: ICAC arrested Deputy Police Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of RPNGC travel funds, and PNG’s first female Public Prosecutor Helen Roalakona urged stronger, evidence-based anti-graft prosecutions. Security & Regional Ties: Pacific leaders condemned a Chinese missile test over the region, calling for better notice and transparency. Environment & Discovery: A rare Spinach Pipefish was rediscovered in PNG’s Sepik after decades, and a “little mushroom man” story from Goroka highlights growing local mushroom farming.

Climate Finance: Green Climate Fund backs the Pacific Resilience Facility, saying it’s supporting the Pacific-led mechanism’s setup through readiness funding at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. Diplomacy: DR Congo renews plans to move its Israel embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem after talks with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Digital Push: PNG clears the way for 5G as NICTA confirms 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz spectrum is ready for licensing, with Vodafone PNG planning rollout in NCD and other cities. Corruption Watch: ICAC arrests and charges RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of travel account funds. Tourism & Sport: Tourism Minister Belden Namah backs Jarome Luai as a PNG Chiefs tourism ambassador, while Air Niugini sponsors the Hiri Hanenamo quest with winners travelling on a cruise. Health & Inclusion: PNG’s provincial health authority rollout is complete, and HIV services remain a challenge in remote areas. Regional Security: Pacific leaders condemn China’s missile test and demand at least 24 hours’ notice for future ICBM firings.

Governance Training: Kumul Consolidated Holdings and the Australian Institute of Company Directors wrapped a pilot “Directorship and Inclusive Leadership” programme in Brisbane and Canberra, building board and risk skills for PNG State-owned Enterprise leaders and NICTA staff, with mentoring to follow. El Niño and Climate Pressure: New Zealand-linked reporting says the current El Niño is intensifying and could bring record heat and shifting rain patterns, raising risks for drought, flooding and wildfires across the region. West Papua Rights: Indonesia says a UN human rights commissioner visit to West Papua is “on the right path,” while MSG countries warn they will review Indonesia’s MSG associate status if the visit isn’t facilitated by 2027. Pacific Ocean Push: Forum leaders in Palau backed stronger Pacific action on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, tasking the Pacific Ocean Commissioner’s office for next steps. Police Corruption Case: ICAC arrested RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua and charged him over alleged misuse of official travel funds for family tickets, after a referral from Police Commissioner David Manning. PNG–New Zealand Links: Marape and Luxon agreed to deepen cooperation on education, jobs and transport connectivity as PNG prepares more people for work at home and overseas. Budget Tightening: DPM John Rosso defended belt-tightening in the 2026 supplementary budget to protect people from rising prices, fuel pressures and El Niño impacts, including election funding top-ups. NRL and PNG Chiefs: Benji Marshall defended Jarome Luai amid PNG-related controversy, while PNG Chiefs’ wider rugby league build-up continues toward the 2028 NRL debut.

El Niño Watch: Papua New Guinea is bracing for what Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology says could be the strongest El Niño on record, with UN warnings of major hits to communities and economies. Earthquake Alert: A 5.7-magnitude quake struck PNG, reported at about 10km depth. Budget Pressure: Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso says belt-tightening in the 2026 supplementary budget is necessary to protect people from rising prices, fuel pressures and El Niño impacts, including extra funding for the 2027 election. Bougainville Decision: A call to “respect the referendum” is renewed as Parliament weighs how to respond to the 2019 Bougainville vote, balancing unity and sovereignty with Bougainville’s aspirations. Election Integrity Tech: UNDP-backed training stresses ethical election reporting, while debate continues over using biometrics to strengthen voter identity without undermining the secret ballot. Health Support: Catholic Church Health Services received portable ventilators to boost rural care and referrals. Security Cooperation: PNG police will operate under the RSIPF command structure for deployments in Solomon Islands, rejecting a PNG submission to Australia. NRL Build-Up: PNG Chiefs confirm major milestones—logo on Oct 21 and jersey on Oct 22—as they prepare for the 2028 NRL entry. Gold Drilling: Geopacific and Great Pacific Gold report new high-grade and shallow gold results from Woodlark and Wild Dog-linked targets. Climate & Carbon: PNG continues building carbon trading rules and REDD+ work, aiming to turn standing forests into a credible export economy.

PNG Chiefs launch: The PNG Chiefs will unveil their official logo in Port Moresby on Oct 21, followed by the inaugural jersey on Oct 22, with CEO Lorna McPherson calling it a “watershed” moment for rugby league and a symbol for the whole country. Anti-money laundering push: Justice Minister Pila Niningi tabled three bills in Parliament to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, with MPs linking reforms to getting PNG off the FATF “grey list” and improving jobs and services. Pacific Islands Forum diplomacy: Taiwan says it wants to keep attending the Pacific Islands Forum, while PM Christopher Luxon defends a shorter trip focused on fuel, El Niño risks and regional security. Major Port Moresby robbery: Police are investigating an early-morning heist where 10 armed men ambushed a private security convoy, stealing gold bullion, cash and firearms. Digital ID rollout: PNG has set a Dec 31 deadline for every public servant to get a digital ID, aimed at improving payroll integrity and cutting ghost records. Aviation skills milestone: Air Niugini praised CASA PNG after inspectors achieved Airbus A220 type ratings, boosting local regulatory capability. Sports and safety: PNG rugby league leaders say crowd violence is being treated seriously, urging fans to keep matches about the game, not attacks.

Gold Heist Probe: Police Commissioner David Manning says a major investigation is underway after 10 armed men ambushed a private security convoy in Port Moresby at about 4:30am, stealing 25 gold bars, K315,000 in cash and firearms; Deputy Commissioner Donald Yamasombi is leading the probe, with officers interviewing crews and firm management after police were not alerted. Justice Leadership: Helen Roalakona was sworn in as PNG’s first female Public Prosecutor, vowing to strengthen the office and push prosecutions as the country faces scrutiny over law and order. Public Safety at Sports: Police will be out in force this Sunday for the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup semi-final at Santos National Football Stadium after an alleged assault on a Gurias supporter; bail was refused for a charged man and organisers reiterated zero tolerance for hooliganism. Pacific Security Push: PNG Police Chief David Manning called for stronger Pacific-led mechanisms and faster intelligence-sharing to tackle transnational organised crime, arguing current processes are too slow and fragmented. Regional Diplomacy: Marape urged Pacific unity at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, warning global instability and climate pressures hit small economies hard, while PNG and Niue signed a framework agreement to deepen development and technical cooperation. Media and Community: Revival Centres launched its Voice of Revival digital radio and TV station in Port Moresby, and journalists began a EU/UNDP-funded workshop on ethical election reporting and investigative journalism.