AGP Executive Report

Drought Emergency: PNG has declared a humanitarian emergency as severe drought affects 20 of 22 provinces. About 5.5 million people are affected or at risk, with water shortages, failed gardens and rising health concerns. Chiefs Name Dispute: New Zealand Rugby has taken the NRL to court to block the incoming PNG franchise from using “Chiefs” in New Zealand, seeking an injunction ahead of the team’s planned October 21 launch. The club is due to enter the NRL in 2028. Biosecurity: A new PCR testing suite at the Kilakila veterinary laboratory is expected to speed up detection of plant and animal diseases and strengthen PNG’s agricultural export prospects. Climate Action: Prime Minister James Marape says PNG will study Tuvalu’s climate-resilience measures to help protect vulnerable island communities from rising seas and water shortages. World Cup: PNG has named its Kumuls and Orchids squads for the Rugby League World Cup, while the Barramundis face five must-win matches in Kenya to keep their Cricket World Cup qualification hopes alive.

Drought Emergency: Papua New Guinea has declared a national humanitarian emergency as El Niño-driven drought threatens water, food, health services and education. Communities in Chimbu report drying water sources, food shortages and illness; Ok Tedi has pledged K50 million for the response. Economy: The IMF and PNG authorities reached a staff-level deal on the final reviews of three lending programmes, potentially unlocking about US$189 million. World Cup: PNG named its Kumuls and Orchids squads for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. Lachlan Lam and Alex Johnston are among the high-profile Kumuls absentees, both sidelined for surgery. Climate Partnership: PNG has committed K25 million over five years to help Tuvalu protect and reclaim land from rising seas, with the first K5 million transferred. Energy and Biosecurity: Australian-backed solar projects are set to bring power to more than 66,000 people in Oro and Bougainville, while a new PCR laboratory in Port Moresby aims to strengthen disease detection and protect agricultural exports. Cricket: The Barramundis named a 14-player squad for the ICC Challenge League in Kenya, where they need a strong campaign to stay in contention for a top-two finish.

IMF Deal for PNG: The IMF says it has reached a staff-level agreement with Papua New Guinea on reviews of its funding facilities, potentially unlocking up to US$189m once approved, with about US$82m expected right away and more climate financing later. El Niño Emergency: PNG has declared a national humanitarian emergency as intensifying El Niño drought threatens water, food, health and education nationwide. Climate Push at Pre-COP31: Pacific leaders, including PNG PM James Marape, pressed wealthy nations for stronger climate action; PNG also pledged K25m (about US$5.5m) to Tuvalu over five years for coastal adaptation and land reclamation. Rugby League World Cup—PNG Squad Shock: The Kumuls face a depleted squad, with key absences including Lachlan Lam (wrist surgery) and Cooper Bai (hamstring), while Jack de Belin and debutant Josh Feledy headline the team. World Cup Format Update: The Rugby League World Cup’s new “inter-group” format will send teams into semi-finals after a shortened group stage, changing how PNG and rivals will line up. Science from PNG: Researchers studying a hot rock from northern PNG’s subduction zone found unexpected temperature changes deep underground, offering new clues for earthquakes and volcanism. Business & Trade: AkzoNobel has agreed to sell its South East Asia decorative paints business to Nippon Paint for about US$1.35b, including operations in PNG.

Rugby League World Cup squads: The Kumuls’ World Cup squad is set, but Leigh halfback Lachlan Lam will miss the tournament after wrist surgery is required, while London Broncos’ championship-winning group will join PNG’s campaign; PNG opens against Lebanon in Port Moresby on Oct 17 and then faces Samoa on Oct 24. World Cup squad depth: England named its 23-man squad with Mikey Lewis making the cut, and New Zealand’s Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns squads were announced with Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai leading the men and Stacey Waaka’s cross-code return highlighted in the women’s team. Climate finance for Tuvalu: Prime Minister James Marape says PNG will provide K25 million over five years to Tuvalu for coastal adaptation and land reclamation, with the first K5 million already transferred. El Niño drought relief: Ok Tedi has committed K50 million to support PNG’s drought response and recovery, working with disaster offices and humanitarian partners. Youth and services: Western Highlands has registered over 15,000 disengaged youth under the National Youth Engagement Strategy, and the Education Department says the remaining K226 million of tuition fee-free funding will be paid to schools this week.

NRL & Chiefs Partnership: Taylor Pacific Group has signed on as a major foundation partner of the PNG Chiefs, with its brands set to appear on the club’s inaugural NRL jersey from 2028, linking local consumer businesses to supporters nationwide. Education Funding: The Education Department says it will pay schools the remaining K226 million of this year’s K904 million tuition fee-free funding, using a new electronic funds transfer system to speed payments and improve tracking. Rugby League Pathway: Junior Kumuls coach Joey Grima credits composure for the team’s historic 18-10 win over Australia’s Schoolboys, with playmaker Ellyjah Birve delivering on a promise. Swimming Selections: PNG Swimming will use the Fedex National Championships in Lae to select swimmers for World Championships in Beijing and future Pacific Games squads. Game Fishing Goes Digital: Lae will host the 50th GFA PNG National Titles in March, with Angler Hub launched to record catches and share results online. Politics & Accountability: A political parties official says there’s no system to track how state funding is spent, despite the government paying more than K85 million to parties since 2001. Climate Support: PNG will provide Tuvalu PGK25 million over five years for land reclamation as sea levels rise. Disaster Update: Wildfires in West New Britain have destroyed oil palm plantations, gardens and homes, threatening livelihoods.

Rugby League World Cup squads: England named a 23-man Rugby League World Cup squad with Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis included, while Leeds playmaker Jake Connor was the shock omission; the selection leaves England with no Leeds or Wakefield Trinity players in the final squad. PNG sport pathway boost: PNG’s Junior Kumuls made history with an 18–10 win over the Australian Schoolboys, drawing praise from Prime Minister James Marape and PNG Chiefs leadership as the country pushes for stronger junior pathways ahead of the PNG Chiefs’ NRL entry in 2028. Kina and cost of living: Opposition leader James Nomane warned that “Kina convertibility” must not mask ongoing depreciation, saying families are paying more for essentials as the kina buys less US dollars. Election readiness: Nomane urged the Electoral Commission to fix the common roll and provide regular updates as GE27 writs near, warning delays could undermine a safe, secure vote. Business and jobs: Taylor Pacific Group signed on as a five-year Foundation Major Partner of the PNG Chiefs, backing the club’s push onto the NRL stage. Health support: Eastern Highlands received a new ultrasound scanner for maternal care at the ANC Kama Clinic in Goroka, aiming to improve early diagnosis and referrals. Climate diplomacy: PM Marape said PNG is ready to work with Tuvalu on practical climate solutions ahead of COP31. Regional investment: AkzoNobel agreed to sell its Southeast Asia decorative paints business to Nippon Paint for US$1.35b, including operations in Papua New Guinea.

Police Discipline: Prime Minister James Marape urged newly commissioned RPNGC officers to avoid betel nut, smoking, alcohol and gambling in their first five years, warning such habits can stall careers. Maritime Security: Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko called for stronger international cooperation and technology-driven surveillance to tackle illegal fishing, highlighting PNG’s MCS Command Centre in Daru and vessel-tracking efforts. Sports—PNG in the Spotlight: Australia beat PNG 60–10 in PM’s XIII in Port Moresby, while the Junior Kumuls made history by defeating the Australian Schoolboys 18–10; in boxing, John Ume won a short-notice bout to take the BX-9 interim welterweight title. Climate Pressure: West New Britain faces severe El Niño-linked bushfires destroying gardens and plantations, while Pacific leaders at Pre-COP31 push for stronger climate finance and tougher outcomes. Media & Governance: PNG secured three seats on the new PINA board, and the IRC and PNGNIO signed an MoU to strengthen intelligence cooperation on revenue and national security. Community & Conservation: Torres Strait and PNG rangers held a cross-border ranger knowledge exchange to protect land and sea using shared cultural and conservation practices.

Rugby League (PNG ties): Australia crushed Papua New Guinea 60-10 in the Prime Minister’s XIII in Port Moresby, with Ezra Mam starring and PNG’s late tries offering brief relief. Junior Kumuls breakthrough: The Junior Kumuls made history by beating the Australian Schoolboys 18-10, a win credited to the PNG pathway and academy pipeline. Women’s rugby league: Australia also thumped PNG 66-6 in the women’s PM’s XIII, setting a new high for the fixture’s winning margin. Development & youth sport: PNGRFL Academy graduates featured heavily in the PM’s XIII fixtures, underlining the push to grow local talent ahead of the PNG Chiefs’ NRL entry. Environment & disaster: West New Britain is battling severe El Niño-linked wildfires, destroying gardens and plantations and threatening communities and air operations. Revenue security: PNG’s Internal Revenue Commission and PNG National Intelligence Organisation signed an MoU to strengthen intelligence and protect the national revenue base. Climate diplomacy: PNG environment officials say Pre-COP31 must deliver real climate action, warning against “weak” outcomes. Cross-border conservation: Torres Strait and PNG rangers held a knowledge exchange under the Torres Strait Treaty to boost shared land and sea protection.

Junior Kumuls pathway: PNG’s Junior Kumuls made history with an 18-10 win over the Australian Schoolboys, with coach Joe Grima pointing to the growing academy-to-national pathway now covering 14 provinces and 1,680 boys and girls. PM’s XIII results: Australia dominated the men’s Prime Minister’s XIII in Port Moresby, winning 60-10, while the women’s clash went Australia’s way 66-6. NRL coaching links: Dean Young is reportedly targeting Nathan Fien to join the St George Illawarra Dragons coaching staff for 2027, after their shared Dragons premiership history. Revenue & security: The IRC and PNGNIO signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation on intelligence gathering and protecting PNG’s revenue base. Climate pressure: Pre-COP31 talks are under fire, with a Pacific environment official warning negotiators not to accept a weak climate deal. Conservation on the border: Torres Strait and PNG rangers held a knowledge exchange under the Torres Strait Treaty to boost land and sea conservation. Disaster watch: West New Britain is battling severe El Niño bushfires, threatening plantations, wildlife, and air operations. Health push: Morobe launched routine distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets to strengthen malaria prevention. US visa bond update: The US introduced refundable visa bonds up to $20,000 for 50 countries; India is not on the list.

Prime Minister’s XIII: Australia crushed PNG 60–10 at Santos National Football Stadium, racing to a 38–0 halftime lead and finishing with 11 tries; PNG’s late replies came from Sylvester Namo and Jeremiah Ben, but the match highlighted PNG’s missed tackles and discipline issues. Junior Kumuls: In the same rugby double-header, the Junior Kumuls made history with a 18–10 win over the Australian Schoolboys, led by Jason Daniel’s two tries and a late penalty goal from Elijah Birve. BX-9 boxing: John “The Ring Monster” Ume won the BX-9 interim welterweight title in Auckland, setting up a shot at the official title in early 2027. Disaster and health: West New Britain is battling severe El Niño bushfires, with flames destroying coconut palms and threatening Hoskins Airport operations; Morobe meanwhile rolled out insecticide-treated bed nets to strengthen malaria prevention. Governance and identity: PNG is finalising rules to link SIM cards to the SevisPass digital ID, while Marape reiterated PNG’s goal to leave the FATF Grey List with lasting reforms. Business and youth: K92 Mining announced leadership changes at its Kainantu Gold Mine, and a PNG–Fiji business council was launched to help SMEs find new markets.

Prime Minister’s XIII Rugby: Australia’s PM’s XIII and PNG’s PM’s XIII meet again in Port Moresby, with PNG naming Sanny Wabo as captain Ila Alu and Australia bringing stars including David Fifita and Ezra Mam; the match is set for tomorrow at the Santos National Football Stadium. Election Readiness: A parliamentary elections committee warning says funding shortfalls, security planning gaps and procurement issues still threaten PNG’s 2027 National General Election. Anti-Money Laundering Push: PM James Marape says PNG’s goal to exit the FATF “Gray List” must come with lasting reforms, not quick fixes, as financial crime and weak tracing of transactions remain concerns. Digital Identity & SIM Rules: PNG is finalising rules to link SIM registration to the SevisPass national digital ID, giving adults 12 months to connect numbers once endorsed. Education Support: BSP donates 20 computers and a full LAN to Tabubil Secondary School to restore practical ICT learning. Health & Malaria: PNG and Japan launch a five-year research project to strengthen malaria prevention, detection and response, with East Sepik as a main field site. Sports Discipline: PNGDF Commander’s Cup moves into semi-finals today, with the tournament framed as building fitness, discipline and teamwork across units.

PNG–Fiji Business Council: A new council was launched in Port Moresby to help PNG and Fiji SMEs find partners and enter new markets, using a database approach instead of endless conferences. Governance & Integrity: Prime Minister James Marape says PNG’s push to exit the FATF “Grey List” must bring lasting reforms, including stronger anti-money laundering and better tracing in a digital economy. Leadership Change: Planning Secretary Koney Samuel has resigned after 27 years in public service, citing personal reasons and a need to make way for younger leaders. Media in the Pacific: PNG has bid to host the 9th PINA Media Summit in 2028, with Neville Choi saying the industry wants to build on recent gains before the 2027 election. Roads & Development: Engineers have begun scoping work for Kokoda Highway sealing, with a 50-50 cost share expected once funding is confirmed. Security & Sport: PNGDF Commander’s Cup moves into semi-finals today, framed as building discipline and unity through sport. Public Safety: Financial institutions warn PNG faces rising illegal gambling, cybercrime, online scams and money laundering.

PNG-Australia Defence: Exercise Wantok Warrior 2026 has brought more than 230 PNG and Australian troops near Port Moresby for joint drills on patrols, convoy protection, checkpoints and maritime training, aimed at stronger coordination under the PNG–Australia alliance. Security Treaty Watch: Australia and Fiji’s Ocean of Peace Alliance is being described as “deliberately not prescriptive” on what happens in a conflict, with lawmakers saying the mutual defence language is broad by design. Police Capacity: The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary is ramping up officer and recruit training to help reach the 10,000-strong force target by 2030. Economy & Risks: The Bank of Papua New Guinea lifted its 2026 growth forecast to 3.5% but warns 2027 could slow to around 2% as costs rise and El Niño threatens agriculture and water. Infrastructure: Hoskins Airport upgrade is 78% complete, with the runway extended to 1,580 metres and works continuing toward late-2026 completion. Sports & Community: PNGDF’s Commander’s Cup is in semi-finals after five rounds, while Bomana hosted cadet commissioning and the Prime Minister’s XIII rugby league fixtures continue to build Australia–PNG ties. Health: Fiji passed a needle exchange law to tackle an HIV emergency, joining Australia, New Zealand and PNG with formal programmes.

Diplomacy & Education: Indonesia’s embassy opened a two-day education and product exhibition in Port Moresby, with three universities offering PNG students study and scholarship options, including STEM and vocational pathways. Sports & Community: Australia’s Prime Minister’s XIII teams arrived in Port Moresby ahead of Saturday fixtures, while the PNG Chiefs’ Coca-Cola partnership is set to “start connecting” communities now, not just at the club’s 2028 NRL debut. Governance & Integrity: Prime Minister James Marape urged police, financial institutions and public officials to enforce existing laws, track public money and recover stolen funds, warning that election trust erodes when money dominates politics. Economy Watch: The Bank of Papua New Guinea lifted its 2026 growth forecast to 3.5% but warned 2027 could soften as costs rise and El Niño risks hit agriculture. Infrastructure & Jobs: Hoskins Airport upgrade reached 78% completion, with the runway extended to 1,580 metres; Australia also announced expanded PNG infrastructure investment and skills support. Health & Safety: Education clarified the Kerevat National School of Excellence name remains unchanged, with a new James Marape Legacy Campus block unveiled. National News: Daulo MP Ekime Gorosahu has died, prompting condolences from Marape and the URP. Environment: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25 million in grants for Pacific ocean conservation, including support for PNG’s first large offshore marine protected area.

Election Integrity & Governance: CPS PNG will launch Project 2027 to promote integrity and good governance ahead of the 2027 National General Elections. Science & Innovation: A University of Natural Resources and Environment researcher, Kathleen Diapong, won Innovator of the Year at the PNG Research, Science and Technology Conference in Goroka for a local stockfeed formulation. Judicial Wellbeing: Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie urged judges and magistrates to balance duty with personal life without weakening accountability. Public Safety: A murder suspect surrendered to Port Moresby police over an Eight Mile killing, with investigators now preparing the case. Health in the Highlands: Three premature babies died in remote Markham after delayed access to specialised neonatal care. Remote Connectivity & Services: Australia partnered with Samaritan Aviation to keep remote PNG communities connected for emergency medical flights and disaster relief. Finance & Inclusion: Bank of Papua New Guinea issued licences to DealCorp Finance and PayItNow PNG to expand loans and digital payments. Diplomacy & Trade: PNG and Montenegro established diplomatic ties, with future cooperation flagged in tourism, renewable energy, agriculture and digital innovation. Sports & Youth: Pacific teams are finalising squads for the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar, with PNG among confirmed participants.

Gender-Based Violence Response: Bel isi PNG says Australian-backed workplace leadership is turning GBV/FSV policies into practical action, linking survivors to case management, safe accommodation and referrals. Remote Health Access: Australia is partnering with Samaritan Aviation to keep seaplane medical flights running for East Sepik and Gulf communities, cutting days-long travel to emergency care. Law & Order in Enga: Police arrested a suspected drug smuggler and six alleged tribal fight leaders after seizing about 10kg of marijuana at a checkpoint. Election Security Planning: A parliamentary committee warned police and defence budgets for 2027 election security are not aligned, raising double-dipping risks. Finance & Inclusion: Bank of PNG issued licences to DealCorp Finance and PayItNow PNG to expand lending and digital payments. Local Digital Services: Lae City Authority launched ServiceLink with NiuPay for online land tax payments. Diplomacy & Peace: Marape returned from UNGA urging PNG not to take peace for granted, while PNG and Montenegro formalised diplomatic ties. Sports: Rigo hosts Southern PNGFA Cup qualifiers; Voro won Betfred Championship Player of the Year; PNG’s MSG PM’s Cup race tightens with Fiji’s 2-0 win over PNG.