PNG Haus Bung

Eight employees from the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) have officially received the keys to their new homes, marking the successful launch of the department’s staff housing initiative.The Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Hon. Kinoka Feo, MP, congratulated the inaugural cohort of homeowners during a presentation ceremony held recently in Port Moresby. Minister Feo described the milestone as a tangible demonstration of the National Government’s commitment to improving the welfare, living standards, and financial security of public servants."Education transforms lives, while responsible homeownership builds financial security and a better future for families," Minister Feo stated.In his keynote address, the Minister extended his profound gratitude to the project's key stakeholders, acknowledging the critical roles played by customary landowners, private developers, and institutional partners. He highlighted that such strategic collaborations are vital for creating long-term economic opportunities and overcoming urban housing challenges.Minister Feo urged the new homeowners to maintain strict financial discipline, advising them to prioritize their mortgage repayments and view their properties as foundational investments for their families' futures.To fund this initial phase of the housing program, the Minister revealed that approximately K3 million had been successfully secured. Reaffirming his department's long-term vision, Minister Feo pledged to aggressively pursue additional funding streams to expand the initiative, ensuring that more DHERST personnel can benefit from affordable housing in the future.

The New Zealand High Court’s decision today has come as a great news for the PNG Chiefs.The PNG Chiefs welcome today’s decision that Justice Karen Grau has declined the New Zealand Rugby Union’s application for an interim injunction in New Zealand’s High Court.“The PNG Chiefs welcome today’s decision in the New Zealand High Court and look forward to the launch of our inaugural logo and supporter jersey in Port Moresby on Wednesday, October 21,” PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said.“As the matter remains before the Court, no further comment on this matter will be provided at this time.”

The country’s consumer watchdog has given the thumbs up for the increase of public transport fares going forward. The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) is advising all licensed Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) and Taxi Operators, as well as the general public, that it has decided to bring forward certain approved fare increases in response to the recent significant rise in fuel prices in October 2026.Under the regulatory determinations made following the 2024 PMV and Taxi Fare Review, the ICCC provided for phased cost-recovery increases during the current regulatory period (2025–2029), alongside adjustments reflecting movements in the underlying Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Fuel Index.For PMV fares, the phased cost-recovery component is 20% per year for 2025, 2026 and 2027. The first phase was incorporated into the approved fares for 2026. As a result, the maximum approved urban fare in Port Moresby increased from K1.40 to K1.60; in Lae from K1.30 to K1.50; in Mt Hagen from K1.10 to K1.30; and in Kokopo from K1.40 to K1.60.For Taxi fares in Port Moresby, the ICCC’s 2024 review provided for phased increases of 16% in 2025, 14% in 2026 and 10% in 2027. The review found that taxi operations in Port Moresby were operating at approximately 40% below cost, while taxi operations in other centres were operating at break-even. Accordingly, the regulatory framework provided for CPI and Fuel Index adjustments for Taxi fares in other centres during the 2025–2029 regulatory period.In light of the significant increases in fuel costs, the ICCC has decided to bring forward the 20% phased PMV fare increase in all centers and routes in PNG including the 14% phased Taxi fare increase applicable to Port Moresby.The ICCC has also decided to apply the corresponding Taxi fare adjustment to all centres in Papua New Guinea where taxi services operate.1. Interim PMV Fare Adjustments The approved maximum urban PMV fares in the following centres will be adjusted for the period October to December 2026 as set out on the over page:In other urban centres and non-urban centres, the current approved maximum PMV fares will also increase by 20%, subject to applicable concessions. These interim adjustments apply from October to December 2026.2. Interim Taxi Fare Adjustments The approved taxi fare components will be adjusted for the period October to December 2026 as follows:Taxi operators are required to install and use taxi meters in accordance with applicable transport laws. The ICCC will work with the Road Traffic Authority (RTA) to ensure that taxi licences are issued only where the required meters have been installed and calibrated to apply the ICCC-approved fares.3. Regular Annual Adjustment and Publication of Fares In December 2026, as part of its regular annual adjustment process, the ICCC will adjust the unrounded fares to reflect movements in the CPI and Fuel Index. The resulting fares will apply starting January 2027.The ICCC will publish the complete schedule of interim adjusted fares for all centres in the National Gazette. The Gazette will also be provided to relevant sector authorities enforcement agencies and regulators, including the respective Provincial Administration, to assist with distributing the approved fares to PMV and Taxi operators throughout the country.4. Compliance and Enforcement The ICCC regulates fares on a market-based basis, taking account of inflation and relevant cost movements, with the aim of allowing operators to recover efficient costs and earn an appropriate return on investment while protecting commuters from overcharging.The ICCC will work with relevant authorities, including the RTA, the Police Traffic Directorate and Provincial Administrations, to promote compliance and enforce the approved fares under the Prices Regulation Act and other applicable laws. Operators who charge fares above the approved maximum will be prosecuted under the Prices Regulation Act. The penalties stated under the Prices Regulation (Amendment) Act 2026 are K10,000 for summary prosecution or K30,000 on indictment.For all enquiries and complaints, please contact the ICCC’s Prices Regulation Division and the Consumer Protection Division on telephone 312 4600 or via email prd@iccc.gov.pg, or complaints@iccc.gov.pg. 

Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed the overwhelming passage of landmark Capital Markets legislation in National Parliament today, describing it as a significant Reform aimed at unlocking domestic investment, strengthening Papua New Guinea’s Financial Markets and supporting the Government’s ambition of growing the National Economy to K200 billion by 2029–2030.The legislation, presented by Minister for International Trade and Investment Hon. Richard Maru, received strong bipartisan support from Members of Parliament on both sides of the House before being passed by 76 votes to nil, comfortably exceeding the required absolute majority of 60 votes.Speaking in support of the Bill, Prime Minister Marape said the legislation represented another important step in the Government’s continuing efforts to modernise Papua New Guinea’s Economy and create a stronger regulatory environment for investment and capital mobilisation.“This is not a mistake. This was a work in progress,” Prime Minister Marape told Parliament. “The Minister is bringing this to assist us in the construct of our economy. Since 2019, we’ve been working to grow our economy.”Mr. Marape said the Government remained firmly committed to building a K200 billion Economy by the end of the decade, taking into account Papua New Guinea’s growing population and increasing demand for economic opportunities.“By 2029, if not 2030, we must have a K200 billion economy. An economy the size enough to feed a minimum of 11 million people,” he said.The Prime Minister noted that Papua New Guinea’s population was growing at approximately three (3) per cent annually, making sustained economic expansion essential to improving living standards and creating opportunities for future generations.He said the proposed Reforms were particularly important as the country continued transitioning towards a larger and more diversified economy.

Prime Minister James Marape has expressed his heartfelt condolences on the passing of renowned Gulf musician Robert Oeka, recalling his famous song, “Kerema, Yu Yet Kam Na Lukim,” and revealing his personal admiration for the late musician and the legendary Hollie Maea Band.Prime Minister Marape said the passing of Robert Oeka was a great loss to Gulf Province and Papua New Guinea’s music industry, describing him as a gifted artist whose songs had become part of the country’s musical and cultural heritage.“I am a great fan of Robert Oeka and the Hollie Maea Band. Their music has been part of our lives for many years, and their songs continue to bring back wonderful memories,” Prime Minister Marape said.“During my recent drive through Gulf Province on the way to Morobe and the Highlands, I was reminded of Robert Oeka’s famous song, ‘Kerema, Yu Yet Kam Na Lukim.’“That song is more than just music. It is an invitation to visit Kerema, to appreciate the beauty of Gulf Province, and to experience the warmth, culture, and hospitality of its people.“As we travelled through Gulf Province, seeing its landscape, communities and tremendous potential, the words of that song carried a special meaning. Robert Oeka was proudly promoting his home province through music long before many others recognised its beauty and potential.”Prime Minister Marape said musicians like Robert Oeka had played an important role in promoting provincial pride and strengthening Papua New Guinea’s national identity.“Robert Oeka and the Hollie Maea Band gave us music that crossed generations and provincial boundaries. Their songs brought happiness to countless families and remain treasured by Papua New Guineans everywhere.“On behalf of my family, the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea, I extend my deepest condolences to his family, relatives, friends and the people of Gulf Province.“His voice may be silent, but his music will continue to live on. Every time we hear ‘Kerema, Yu Yet Kam Na Lukim,’ we will remember Robert Oeka and his love for his home province.“Rest in eternal peace, Robert Oeka. Thank you for the music, the memories and your contribution to our nation.”

Prime Minister James Marape has announced his intention to review existing firearms legislation to impose much heavier penalties on illegal gun ownership and trafficking before the 2027 National General Election. He said the Government would consider life imprisonment for individuals illegally possessing firearms and those responsible for sponsoring, financing or purchasing illegal weapons. “Before we go to the next election, I want us to step up the penalties,” he said. “I want life imprisonment for those illegally holding guns. Life imprisonment for those sponsoring guns, buying guns and purchasing guns." “I also want maximum penalties for those who knowingly harbour people with illegal firearms or store these weapons in their communities." “We cannot continue allowing dangerous weapons to circulate among our people while innocent citizens live in fear."The Prime Minister said the Government would also review the categories of firearms that could be legally possessed by private individuals and security companies. He said legitimate firearms ownership for hunting, recreation and authorised security work should be restricted to appropriate weapons, with consideration given to limiting civilian and private security access to pistols and shotguns.Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea had suffered enough from gun-related violence and warned that individuals involved in the illegal firearms trade would face the full force of the law.

The prime minister has warned that there would be serious legal complications ahead of the 2027 National Election if the discrepancies identified in the electoral boundaries are not fully addressed.Prime Minister James Marape said this during question time in Parliament this week when responding to questions from East Sepik Governor and Chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Elections, Allan Bird.  He said the discrepancies originated from the work of the Electoral Boundaries Commission in 2022 and that the government was fully aware of the concerns and was working through the necessary administrative processes to determine how they should be resolved.Marape then went on to assure Parliament that his government will take the necessary steps to address electoral boundary discrepancies identified by the Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 National General Election.Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns and assured Parliament that the Government would work to address the outstanding issues.“I am fully aware of the issues pertaining to electoral boundaries,” Prime Minister Marape said. “We intend to leave no stone unturned in making sure that the electoral boundaries have integrity as we face the 2027 elections.”The prime minister confirmed that the Chief Secretary was overseeing the necessary administrative processes and that the National Executive Council submission relating to the Electoral Boundaries Commission was being processed.He explained that the delay was partly due to the need to obtain considered input from relevant government agencies, particularly those responsible for provincial and local-level government affairs. Prime Minister Marape said he expected to receive a comprehensive briefing from the Electoral Commissioner next Tuesday on the outstanding boundary issues and the steps required to address them.“Next Tuesday, we will get a full brief from the Electoral Commissioner on what needs to be done,” he said. The Prime Minister clarified that he had not, at this stage, directed the Electoral Boundaries Commission to recommence its work, noting the normal 10-year interval associated with electoral boundary reviews. However, he said the Government would examine the discrepancies identified by the Electoral Commissioner and determine the appropriate corrective measures.

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s (PNGDF) Air Transport Wing (ATW) will lead its first bilateral air exercise from 16 to 24 October 2026, marking a significant milestone in strengthening PNG’s sovereign aviation capability.Exercise Kapa Pisin will operate across critical strategic hubs, including Port Moresby, Vanimo, and Green River.Exercise Director Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Miro said the PNGDF-led exercise demonstrates the ATW’s growing ability to plan, lead, and sustain complex aviation operations independently.“Exercise Kapa Pisin represents a significant milestone in the growth of PNGDF’s sovereign air capability,” Lieutenant Colonel Miro said.“From expanding our PAC 750 fleet in 2023 to developing our personnel through the Australia-supported Flights of Excellence program, this exercise shows the immense progress we have made in building a capable and professional air transport wing.”Utilizing two PNGDF ATW PAC 750 aircraft, the exercise will test the Wing’s capability to deploy and sustain operations in remote and austere locations. Field activities will include:Aerial surveillance and search and rescue (SAR) missions.Joint personnel recovery and medical evacuations (MEDEVAC).Aerial logistics support to remote outposts.Commanding Officer ATW, Lieutenant Colonel Doug Vavar, emphasized that the training will directly enhance the wing's operational readiness.“Air power gives us the ability to respond rapidly and effectively to emerging security and humanitarian requirements across Papua New Guinea,” Lieutenant Colonel Vavar said. “This activity will strengthen our operational readiness while deepening the practical cooperation and trust between the PNGDF and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).”The ADF will support the PNGDF-led exercise with Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) personnel, a C-27J Spartan aircraft and crew, alongside Australian Army Special Operations Command personnel.RAAF Detachment Commander Squadron Leader Jason Appleton said Australian personnel are proud to support the PNGDF ATW’s inaugural bilateral command exercise.“We are honored to train alongside PNGDF ATW personnel and support this PNGDF-led exercise with a C-27J Spartan aircraft, crew, and specialist personnel,” Squadron Leader Appleton said. “We highly value opportunities to work side-by-side with Papua New Guinea, strengthening the practical cooperation, interoperability, and trust that underpin our enduring alliance under the bilateral Defence Cooperation Treaty. Operating in Papua New Guinea’s challenging terrain also provides invaluable training for our crews.”Exercise Kapa Pisin builds on decades of defense cooperation between Australia and Papua New Guinea. Through the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP), Australia supports PNGDF priorities across education, training, mentoring, and capability development across the land, aviation, maritime, and departmental domains.The exercise underscores how Australia and Papua New Guinea, as close neighbors, partners, and allies, train together to reinforce PNG’s sovereign security and contribute to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Pacific region.

The Rumginae School of Nursing in the North Fly District of Western Province is in urgent need of emergency food supplies to support its staff members and boarding students. Currently, the school has zero stock of food rations left. The severe shortage has begun affecting daily teaching, learning activities, and student clinical practicals. Essential store goods—including rice, flour, oil, and biscuits—are entirely unavailable due to widespread supply depletion across major commercial outlets in Kiunga, Ningerum, and Tabubil.Despite an ongoing, severe dry spell impacting the region, the health institution has pushed forward with classes and academic assessments to ensure students can successfully graduate this year. School Principal Mr. Amos Kupaloma stated that the administration has been forced to buy whatever local garden food is available in surrounding villages near Kiunga just to sustain operations.“We have been surviving on sago, bananas, greens, pumpkins, and whatever other local foods we can source over the last six months. We have completely exhausted the school's operational budget to feed the students. This school belongs to the people of Western Province, and we desperately need relevant provincial and district authorities to step in and assist us,” Kupaloma saidThe institution has been waiting for relief provisions promised by the North Fly District Development Authority (NFDDA). While the NFDDA committed to distributing relief supplies to the North Fly population this month, the cargo remains stalled in Port Moresby, creating a critical bottleneck that directly threatens student welfare.“We have only two months left before the end of the academic year,” Kupaloma warned. “If these supplies do not arrive on time, the school will likely be forced to close early.” The administration originally planned to rely on local village markets to feed its 102 students, but the prolonged drought has dried up area gardens, leaving local vendors with very little produce to sell. Compounding the food shortage, the facility is also facing water challenges. The campus currently relies on the nearby Wai Mairi River for washing, laundry, and ablution blocks. Clean drinking and cooking water must be fetched and transported from limited fresh sources at Tope Village and select spots 17 kilometers out along the Kiunga-Tabubil Highway. The school administration is issuing an urgent appeal to neighboring village communities in the North Fly District, corporate partners, and state authorities to support the frontline medical training facility with immediate food and relief supplies

One hundred and three Papua New Guineans will study at leading Australian universities in 2027 through the prestigious Australia Awards, building essential skills and professional connections that will support Papua New Guinea’s future.The selected scholars have officially begun two weeks of rigorous Pre-Departure Training in Port Moresby. This preparation ensures they are fully ready for academic life and study cultures in Australia, focusing on academic expectations, critical thinking, cultural awareness, personal wellbeing, leadership, and scholarship responsibilities.Australia’s Minister-Counsellor for Subnational, Governance and Human Capital, Madeleine Moss, congratulated the cohort and highlighted the deep, enduring partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea.“Australia Awards are an investment in people and in the institutions, they will help lead. The knowledge, perspectives, and professional networks scholars gain in Australia will equip them to contribute directly to Papua New Guinea’s development priorities while deepening the historic ties between our countries,” Ms. Moss said.The 2027 intake cohort features strong demographic and institutional diversity, including 61 women and two scholars with a disability, diverse participants drawn from government, the private sector, and civil society across PNG, including scholars pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in critical priority fields, including health, education, governance, engineering, law and justice, economics, and science and technology. Delivered through the PNG–Australia Partnership, the Australia Awards reflect Australia’s long-term commitment to education, leadership development, and fostering people-to-people links. Upon graduating with internationally recognized qualifications, these scholars will return home to join a growing, highly impactful alumni network dedicated to advancing the country’s socioeconomic development and prosperity.

The Remington Group is pleased to announce its official appointment as an authorized Xerox Dealer in Papua New Guinea and the broader Pacific region. Delivered through its dedicated print and document management business unit, FX Business Centre PNG, this strategic partnership introduces Xerox’s world-class office technology to local markets, signaling positive growth and enhanced enterprise capabilities across the region.Under this appointment, FX Business Centre PNG will distribute a comprehensive line of premium Xerox multifunctional devices (MFDs), ranging from compact A4 desktop units to high-volume A3 enterprise printing systems.Xerox, a pioneer in modern document technology, invented the plain-paper photocopier and has led workplace innovation for nearly a century. Bringing Xerox’s global legacy of reliability, security, and sustainability to the region will significantly elevate operational standards for government agencies and private sector enterprises across Papua New Guinea and neighboring markets, including the Solomon Islands.“Xerox fills a gap in what we can offer, and it opens the door to new markets for us across the Pacific,” said Remington Group CEO, Mr. Justin Kieseker. “We know what it takes to do business in this part of the world, and we’re excited to bring that experience, and Xerox technology, to customers in the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands.”With immediate effect, the full range of Xerox MFD solutions, genuine consumables, and certified technical services are available across Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands through the Remington Group network

ExxonMobil PNG Antelope Limited (EMPNGA), an affiliate of Exxon Mobil Corporation, has formally assumed operatorship of the Papua LNG Project. This follows a landmark agreement finalized in September 2026 where former operator TotalEnergies transferred overall operational control and sold a 9.1% interest to its project co-venturers. As operator, EMPNGA will work closely with the Government of Papua New Guinea, the Gulf and Central Provincial Governments, local communities, and project co-venturers to advance the project safely, responsibly, and efficiently. By placing Papua LNG under the same operational leadership as the adjacent, producing PNG LNG Project, the joint venture aims to maximize construction and operational synergies. The co-venturers remain intensely focused on progressing the project toward a final investment decision (FID). Following a revised gas agreement signed with the PNG government, the project is bound by a drop-dead deadline to achieve FID by 15 December 2026.“Amidst global uncertainty, Papua New Guinea continues to be an attractive investment destination for investors. The success of the ExxonMobil PNG-operated PNG LNG Project demonstrated what PNG can deliver, with the Papua LNG Project set to further strengthen the country’s position in the global energy landscape,” said Dinesh Sivasamboo, Chairman and Managing Director of EMPNGA.“We are honored to assume operatorship of the Project and appreciate the confidence placed in ExxonMobil by our co-venturers, the Government of Papua New Guinea, and the Gulf and Central Provincial Governments.''"Also, we thank TotalEnergies for their efforts to progress the Project and look forward to working together with all stakeholders toward a final investment decision and helping advance Papua New Guinea’s next chapter of LNG development.” EMPNGA has collaborated closely with all levels of government and the Papua LNG co-venturers to progress the Project. The operatorship transfer builds on ExxonMobil’s longstanding presence in Papua New Guinea and leverages the company’s experience in LNG development and operations, creating opportunities for seamless integration with existing facilities at Caution Bay. Papua LNG is expected to support Papua New Guinea’s long-term economic development by creating jobs during construction, supporting local businesses, and generating benefits for communities across the country.The Project is a key part of the government’s economic vision that will, along with the intended development of the P’nyang LNG Project after Papua LNG as well as resources such as Muruk and Wildebeest, see over a decade of continuous investment in the country.