AGP Executive Report

Fuel Crisis & Budget Moves: Petroleum and Energy Minister Kerenga Kua declared a 30-day state of emergency over fuel shortages, directing the Bank of PNG to keep foreign exchange flowing to authorised dealers and ordering Puma Energy to maintain uninterrupted supply. Prime Minister Marape says a supplementary budget due in Parliament will prioritise fuel relief, El Niño response and 2027 election preparations. Bougainville Referendum Process: Bougainville referendum results have been tabled in PNG Parliament, with MPs debating how to handle the 2019 independence vote and stressing national unity and careful legal scrutiny before any decision. Hidden Valley Benefits Signed: The revised Community Development Agreement for the Hidden Valley Mining Project was signed in Lae, clearing the way for landowners and communities in Morobe to access development benefits. Financial Abuse Protection: Nasfund co-signed the PNG Empower Finance Code with BPNG and other institutions to tackle financial abuse, coercion and misuse, including risks linked to digital channels. Sports & Tourism Spotlight: Rugby league star Jarome Luai was seen in Port Moresby amid leg-injury scans and is pushing PNG Chiefs and Pepsi PNG branding, while Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou prepares a 40-man World Cup squad. El Niño Drought Alert: Bougainville has been placed on drought alert due to high odds of below-normal rainfall, with warnings for water, food gardens and remote communities. Community Clean-Up: Kundiawa police led a town clean-up and public awareness drive in Simbu. Health Security Boost: PNG completed its first Joint External Evaluation with WHO to strengthen national health emergency preparedness. OFC U-19 Kick-Off: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship begins in Samoa, with PNG in Group A alongside New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands.

Bougainville Referendum: Papua New Guinea’s Parliament has formally received the 2019 Bougainville independence result, with MPs set for a delicate debate after Opposition leader James Nomane called it the “most consequential question” and Prime Minister Marape stressed the outcome is not self-executing under Section 342. Health Security: PNG completed its first Joint External Evaluation with WHO, assessing national capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health risks. El Niño Support: Australia backed PNG’s provincial disaster office capacity report, while the US announced a K15m-plus child nutrition project as El Niño preparations intensify. Hospital Upgrade: Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital in Lae received 36 portable ventilators worth about K1.8m to boost emergency and critical care. Education & Youth Justice: Seventy Port Moresby students were convicted for inciting fights, fined K200 each and placed on six-month good behaviour bonds. Sports & Community: PNG’s Pride of Women Awards 2026 gears up, and rugby league preparations continue as PNG names squads for the World Cup. Environment & Science: The Spinach Pipefish was rediscovered in the Sepik after more than 40 years.

Bougainville Vote Countdown: Opposition leader James Nomane says Parliament must set a clear timeline and hold the vote on the 2019 Bougainville referendum result, after the outcome was tabled in the House. Prime Minister James Marape also stressed the result is not “self-executing” and that MPs must study the referendum documents and consult before deciding. El Niño Pressure on PNG: The US has pledged over K15 million for child nutrition support in PNG as El Niño risks intensify, while PNG stakeholders are urged to keep preparing for drought impacts. Health Upgrade in Morobe: Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital received 36 portable ventilators worth about K1.8 million to boost care for critically ill respiratory patients. Court Sends Message to Students: Port Moresby District Court convicted 70 school students over city fight incitement, fining each K200 and placing them on six-month good behaviour bonds. Finance & Inclusion Moves: Nasfund is pushing for a Pacific co-investment framework at the PIIF conference and co-signed the PNG Empower Finance Code to tackle financial abuse. Sports & Youth: PNG Rugby League coach Jason Demetriou is set to name an extended 40-man squad for World Cup preparations, while Trukai signed Cooper Bai as a brand ambassador.

Bougainville Referendum: Opposition leader James Nomane says Parliament must set a clear timeline and hold MPs accountable for the vote after the 2019 referendum result was tabled, while Prime Minister Marape stresses the decision is not automatic and Parliament must handle it under the Constitution. Court & Youth Safety: Port Moresby District Court convicts 70 school students over incitement to fights, fining them K200 each and placing them on six-month good behaviour bonds, with more cases pending. Health: Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital in Morobe receives 36 portable ventilators worth about K1.8 million to boost care for critically ill respiratory patients. El Niño Support: The US announces over K15 million for child nutrition in PNG as El Niño preparations ramp up, alongside calls for drought planning and disaster readiness. Economy & Finance: Bank of PNG outlines reform priorities for stability and inclusion, while Nasfund co-signs the PNG Empower Finance Code to tackle financial abuse. Sports & Culture: PNG’s Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou prepares to name an extended World Cup squad, and CPL Foundation’s Pride of Women Awards spotlights long-serving PNG women’s work.

Bougainville Vote Clock: Opposition Leader James Nomane says Parliament must set a clear timetable for debating and voting on the 2019 Bougainville Referendum result after it was tabled, warning against further delays and urging MPs to be present for the decision. Historic Parliamentary Step: Bougainville’s referendum result and bipartisan committee report were presented in PNG Parliament, with committee chair Dr Allan Marat urging unity and careful consideration of the 97.7% independence outcome. Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese heads into the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting in Palau with new defence and policing arrangements involving PNG and Fiji, as regional leaders weigh shifting alliances. Economy & Reform: Bank of PNG outlines a financial reform agenda focused on stability, inclusion and investment, with inflation forecast around 4% and attention on El Niño risks. Papua LNG Push: Investors signed revised gas agreement amendments with the PNG government, setting a path to a Final Investment Decision by 15 December 2026. El Niño Pressure: Landowners are warned about El Niño-linked water shortages, while PNG’s correctional service prepares for crisis impacts. Disaster Watch: A 5.0-magnitude quake struck 191 km ESE of Kimbe, Papua New Guinea, according to USGS. Education & Safety: TSC warns communities to respect and protect teachers after an attack on a Morobe Technical High School headmaster, saying staff could be withdrawn from affected schools. Local Business & Culture: The 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicks off in Goroka with government support, bringing farmers, processors and SMEs together.

Bougainville Referendum Process: Papua New Guinea’s Parliament has begun the formal ratification steps for the 2019 Bougainville independence vote, with MPs now receiving the Joint Consultation Report and Melanesian Framework; Prime Minister James Marape urged lawmakers to proceed with “prayer, wisdom, maturity and respect,” while the final decision is still months away. Economic & Finance Reform: The Bank of PNG set out a reform agenda aimed at strengthening stability, inclusion and investment, including work on monetary policy, banking rules, payments, foreign exchange and financial inclusion. Agriculture & Trade Festival: Goroka’s 70th PNG Agriculture and Trade Festival kicked off, with the Department of International Trade and Investment backing the event (K15,000) and agencies discussing standards, trade opportunities and market access. Public Safety at Festivals: Central Police and festival organisers promised tighter security for the 2026 Central Music, Arts and Culture Festival in Bereina, including checks on vehicles and action against weapons and illicit substances. Education & Teacher Safety: The Teaching Service Commission warned communities to respect and protect teachers after an attack on the headmaster of Morobe Technical High School, warning staff could be withdrawn from affected schools. Health Security Milestone: PNG completed its first Joint External Evaluation to strengthen preparedness and response to public health emergencies, with WHO support and plans for a prioritized national action plan. NRL Chiefs Build-Up: Rugby league star Jarome Luai was named Pepsi brand ambassador under a five-year partnership, while the PNG Chiefs also received permission for Hudson Young to visit Port Moresby next month as they prepare for their 2028 NRL entry. Power Crisis: PM Marape told Parliament PNG Power is in a “terminal” condition and outlined reforms, including provincial partnerships and possible privatisation, to improve reliability and revenue collection. Deep-Sea Mining Legal Risk: A Pacific report warns governments could face costly lawsuits and “chilling effects” if they change course on deep-sea mining, naming PNG among countries with exposure.

Energy & Investment: Papua New Guinea signed three landmark agreements with ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies to push the Papua LNG project toward a Final Investment Decision by December 15, 2026, including a risk-sharing price stabilisation mechanism after cost pressures. Defence & Security: The PNGDF and Australia’s ADF wrapped up joint training in Port Moresby using up-armoured Land Cruisers, building motorised infantry readiness ahead of Exercise Wantok Warrior 26. Bougainville Update: Parliament has formally received the 2019 Bougainville referendum result (97.7% for independence), but MPs won’t decide immediately—an eventual vote is months away. Disaster Preparedness: PNG will launch a national review of Provincial Disaster Offices in Port Moresby, while officials warn El Niño could bring water shortages and drought pressures. Maritime Cooperation: A PNG-Australia coastal charting mission mapped previously unmapped waters off Morobe, improving navigation safety and training PNG maritime teams. Sports & Youth: Trukai named rugby league rising star Cooper Bai as brand ambassador; Valley Hunters secured BSP support for an international tour; and PNGKBF’s “Last Man Standing” semifinals are set for Port Moresby.

Bougainville Independence Process: Papua New Guinea’s Parliament is set to consider the 2019 non-binding referendum results after a writ is tabled, with voters backing independence by 97.7%—a move Opposition Leader James Nomane calls the country’s most consequential decision, while Bougainville Affairs Minister Manasseh Makiba says it will test PNG’s democracy and Constitution. El Niño Water Warnings: Police Minister Sir John Pundari has urged landowners not to profit from water sources as PNG prepares for possible 2026–2027 El Niño impacts, and the Correctional Service has submitted El Niño response plans focused on water security, inmate health and preventing escapes. Health System Concern: A Bulolo Hospital report highlights costly medical equipment sitting unused, with claims that no doctors were available to operate it. Aviation and Trade: Port Moresby handled a major Air Niugini Boeing 747 freighter cargo for Ok Tedi, while Milne Bay opened the upgraded Gurney Airport terminal and leaders urged communities to protect it as a long-term asset. PNGDF Training: PNGDF and Australia’s ADF completed joint up-armoured vehicle training for Exercise Wantok Warrior 26 in Port Moresby. Agriculture and Food Security: PNG’s Agriculture and Trade Festival in Goroka is set to grow, and NARI/IFPRI research is underway on fresh produce value chains to support commercial farming and trade.

Bougainville Independence Push: Papua New Guinea’s Parliament is set to consider the 2019 non-binding Bougainville referendum after a writ is tabled, with voters backing independence by 97.7%—but ratification needs a three-quarter majority and no vote date has been announced. Parliament Disruption: Proceedings at Parliament House in Waigani were adjourned early due to lack of quorum, as lawmakers prepare for the Bougainville debate. National Security in Port Moresby: NCD Metropolitan Police Command unveiled a 2027-focused security plan, including quarterly major operations and “Operation Street Eviction,” ahead of major international events and the 51st Independence Anniversary. Tech and Telecom Moves: Datec PNG launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, a sovereign cloud and AI data centre in partnership with Telikom PNG and CloudSigma, while Telikom and Vodafone PNG signed a network-sharing and colocation agreement. Local Development and Services: PNG’s NVS highlights a former volunteer still teaching fish-farming skills in Jiwaka, and Konica Minolta backed BizPrint’s first AccurioPress C12010S installation in the Pacific. Sports Spotlight: Cook Islands and Māori star Joey Manu has signed with the PNG Chiefs as their “player #007” for the inaugural NRL seasons in 2028 and 2029.

Bougainville Independence Debate: Prime Minister James Marape urged MPs to treat this week’s Parliament debate on ratifying Bougainville’s 2019 independence vote with care, warning against threats and division as the decision could shape PNG’s future. Education Law Reform: Parliament unanimously passed the Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026, replacing the 1997 Act and giving the university a modern governance framework, autonomy and stronger accountability—Marape called it a milestone for Vision 2050. Election Security Push: NCD Metropolitan Police Command rolled out a security strategy for the 2027 National General Election, including quarterly major operations and clarification that police only enforce lawful court-ordered evictions. Tech and Telecom Moves: Datec PNG launched Kumul Cloud Infinity, a sovereign cloud and AI data centre, while Telikom PNG and Vodafone PNG signed a network-sharing and colocation deal. Public Safety and Health: Japan donated 60 vehicles to the Royal PNG Constabulary to boost frontline policing, and PNG’s maritime authority is being urged to make distress beacons compulsory for small boats after recent deaths at sea. Business and Jobs: Pacific Pearl, in Port Moresby’s Paga Hill SEZ, is preparing for PNG’s first casino, while Simberi Gold advertised a Data Entry Clerk role for its Borealis system rollout. Community and Faith: Vanimo marked National Repentance Day with calls for faith, integrity and national renewal.

El Niño Response: Cabinet has approved K10m for every province and K5m per district to help communities respond to worsening drought conditions, with the National Disaster Centre coordinating support. Police & Elections Prep: Japan has donated 60 vehicles worth K12.8m to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to boost patrol reach and incident response ahead of the 2027 election. Financial Inclusion: Telikom received a Payment Service Provider Licence from the Bank of Papua New Guinea, clearing the way for nationwide digital wallet services. Women’s Empowerment: In a first for the RPNGC, sixteen women from the Blue Haven Women’s Alliance and wives of officers completed a two-day financial literacy course at Morata Barracks. Bougainville Watch: PNG Prime Minister James Marape urged MPs to handle this week’s debate on ratifying Bougainville’s 2019 independence vote with care, warning against division. Higher Education Law: Parliament unanimously passed the Pacific Adventist University Bill 2026, replacing the 1997 Act to modernise governance and accountability. Tourism Push: Air Niugini and PNGTPA showcased PNG at Singapore’s NATAS Travel Fair, highlighting culture and travel opportunities. Sports & Youth: PNG’s U19 men’s team departs for Samoa for the OFC Under-19 Championship, with qualification to the FIFA U-20 World Cup at stake.

El Niño Response: PNG Cabinet has approved K10 million for every province and K5 million per district to respond to worsening El Niño drought, with the National Disaster Centre coordinating support while provinces lead on the ground. Parliament Watch: Parliament resumes today with election-law amendments, Connect PNG updates, Bougainville consultation matters, and log export monitoring on the agenda. Police Ahead of 2027: Police Minister Sir John Pundari warned officers to resist political interference and stressed impartial policing during elections, alongside a gun amnesty push that ends Sept 16. Japan-Backed Policing: Japan handed over 60 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to the Royal PNG Constabulary, worth K12.8 million, to improve patrol reach and incident response. Digital Money Push: Telikom received a Payment Service Provider Licence from the Bank of PNG, clearing the way for nationwide mobile wallet services. Women’s Financial Skills: RPNGC held the first financial literacy training for women and police families at Morata Barracks, focusing on budgeting, saving and long-term planning. Governance Appointments: Three new Permanent Secretaries were sworn in, including David Teika Dennis (Finance and Treasury), Trevor Unusu (Police, National Security and Correctional Services), and Bunyan Sivoro (Culture and Tourism). Local Drought Pressure: Central Province and NCD are extremely dry, with crop damage, water shortages, and school closures; the province has allocated K5.3 million but says K40 million is needed for full response.

Election policing warning: Police Minister Sir John Pundari told officers to stick to their oath and resist political interference as PNG heads toward the 2027 election, stressing police must protect voters and keep peace without favour. Gun amnesty push: Pundari also urged communities to surrender illegal firearms before the grace period ends on Sept 16, saying the national effort aims to cut violence linked to tribal fighting and armed crime. El Niño impacts: Central Province and NCD are struggling with tinder-dry conditions, crop damage and water outages, with the Central Governor Ruffina Peter saying K5.3 million has been allocated and more support is needed. Health milestone: Port Moresby General Hospital received PNG’s first Halcyon Linear Accelerator for advanced cancer radiation treatment, with services expected later this year and K10 million from Kumul Petroleum Holdings. Telecoms deal: Telikom PNG and Vodafone PNG signed a network-sharing pact to share towers and fibre and move to a “bill and keep” model to reduce cross-network call and text costs. Sports—Chiefs signing: PNG Chiefs confirmed star Joseph Manu as Player #007 on a two-year deal for the 2028 NRL season, with Manu saying a conversation with PM James Marape helped seal the move. Tourism and infrastructure: PM Marape opened Gurney Airport in Milne Bay, positioning it as PNG’s first “Tourism Airport” and paving the way for international status. Biosecurity and education: PNG’s first specialised PCR suite is progressing in Port Moresby to strengthen pest and disease testing, while Port Moresby Business College launched a new website as part of PNG’s digital education push. Environment and science: Local communities helped rediscover the spinach pipefish in the Sepik River after nearly 40 years, highlighting the value of local knowledge in conservation.

Telecom Deal: Telikom PNG and Vodafone PNG have signed a network-sharing pact, agreeing to share towers and fibre and switch to a “bill and keep” model to cut cross-network call and text costs. Sports (NRL): The PNG Chiefs have confirmed Kiwi Joseph “Joey” Manu as Player #007 on a two-year deal for the 2028 and 2029 seasons, adding another marquee name to their inaugural NRL squad. Justice (Bougainville): Bougainville is training magistrates, clerks and peace officers in Arawa as it rolls out its Community Court system, ahead of the Bougainville Community Court Act 2024 taking effect. Health (Cancer Care): Port Moresby General Hospital has received PNG’s first Halcyon Linear Accelerator, a major step toward nationwide cancer radiation treatment later this year. Corrections (Enga): The Correctional Service has released K4 million to Enga for the long-delayed Mukurumanda Correctional Institution, targeting an opening in September. Environment (Sepik Fish): Researchers have rediscovered the spinach pipefish on the Sepik River after more than 40 years, with local community help key to the search. Education (IEA): IEA PNG marks 50 years of education, highlighting teacher induction and upgrades to learning facilities across its schools.

NRL Expansion Buzz: PNG Chiefs have officially confirmed Joseph “Joey” Manu as their marquee Player #007 on a two-year deal for the 2028 and 2029 seasons, after a string of major signings that already includes Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Zac Lomax and Brian To’o—Manu, a two-time Roosters premiership winner and New Zealand international Golden Boot winner, is set to join the club after playing rugby union in France. Climate & Water Security: The Autonomous Bougainville Government is urging communities to prepare for El Niño-linked drought, warning of an 80–90% chance of below-normal rainfall through the end of the year and calling for water conservation and early reporting of shortages. Infrastructure & Services: In Morobe, a Bulolo MP says daily blackouts of 4–5 hours have dragged on for months, pushing businesses to rely on generators; meanwhile, Gurney Airport in Alotau has opened after a K76.8m upgrade backed by the Asian Development Bank, improving safety and connectivity. Sports (Women’s Football): FIFA has released 2027 Women’s World Cup playoff fixtures, with PNG drawn in Group B against Chinese Taipei, and also facing Uzbekistan and Ghana across the preliminary phase.

Aviation Upgrade: Gurney Airport in Alotau officially opened after a K76.8m upgrade supported by the Asian Development Bank, bringing a new terminal, runway and airfield works to boost safety and Milne Bay connectivity. Disaster-Ready Schools: PNG launched a Resilient School Infrastructure Policy to set stronger standards for planning, building and maintaining schools against earthquakes, floods, landslides and cyclones. Power Crisis: Morobe’s Bulolo MP Sam Basil Jnr demanded urgent action over months of daily blackouts, saying businesses and health and education services are being hit hard. Governance in Focus: Bougainville’s ABG and the PNG Auditor-General renewed a partnership to strengthen public financial management and accountability. Anti-Fraud Crackdown: NFACD charged a former UPNG bursar over alleged USIS database manipulation and fraudulent transfers totalling K602,785.87, including alleged wrongful student registrations. Tech Leap: Datec PNG and Telikom PNG inaugurated Kumul Cloud Infinity, PNG’s first sovereign cloud and AI data centre, with onshore data processing. Women’s Football: FIFA released 2027 Women’s World Cup playoff preliminary fixtures, with PNG drawn in Group B against Chinese Taipei and facing matches against Uzbekistan and Ghana. Business & Mobility: Ela Motors unveiled the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux, marking over six decades of mobility support in PNG. Politics: PNG Party and the new Nesenel Unity Party signed a Memorandum of Agreement ahead of the 2027 election.