The Mutual Defence Treaty between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia is not only going to strengthen security, bilateral relations and create employment opportunities, it is something Prime Minister James Marape will use to build the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) to the highest level than what it is today.The prime minister revealed this to the media in a press conference after his return to Port Moresby city from Canberra, Australia on Monday 6th October, where he outlined his plans to build the PNGDF on the back of the “Pukpuk Treaty”. He bluntly said PNG at this stage after 50 years of independence, is not in the best form to protect its own land and sea borders. But, through this Defence Treaty, PNG stands to benefit from the technology and equipment available to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) for surveillance, and also to build PNG’s defence capabilities. “In the start of the next 50 years, what is a country without its own ability to defend the sovereignty we have?” Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed that national security continues to be priority. It has been so for previous governments and for his government, as the current prime minister, he is adamant in ensuring that the PNGDF is built up to the highest level in terms of manpower and resources to provide that security guarantee, and this Treaty opens the door for that to happen. “Our defence force, we will work to build 7, 000 strong unit by 2035, also a 3, 000 reserve force so we have a force strong of 10, 000. That is what we envisage, and we will work on that space.” Marape also clarified that the planned PNGDF build up is not for domestic deployment or mobilization. “This is part of our work to protect our sovereignty, our external borders from the abuse of resources. We want our country to be secured in as borders are concerned by a well-resourced defence force and partnering with Australia in my considered view, gives us an opportunity to ramp up this space,” said the prime minister. The aim is to resuscitate, rebuild and strengthen the PNGDF at the earliest, which PM Marape said is something Australia clearly understands regarding the strategic interest to build PNG defence force. “This means if PNG is exposed in some place, then Australia’s capacity is there for us to lean on.” This will be done through a request from PNG to Australia to assist, subject to their own constitutional process.

Fuel consumers will have to dig a little deeper into their pockets to purchase fuel because the price for fuel has increased for the month right across the country, starting today Wednesday 8th October 2025.According to the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC), for this month, the Indicative Retail Prices (IRP) for petrol, diesel and kerosene has increased on average across Papua New Guinea (PNG). “The price increase was due mainly to increases in the prices of crude oil and refined petroleum products due to supply restrictions caused by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine,” stated the ICCC. The domestic retail fuel for this month is inclusive of the Import Parity Price (IPP) or the imported costs for each petroleum product, domestic sea and road freight rates for the fourth quarter of 2025, the approval annual wholesale and retail margins for 2025 and the Goods and Services Tax (GST), including the applicable excise duties, among other parameters. Meanwhile, as part of the ICCC’s enforcement and compliance of fuel prices, the ICCC Officers will conduct inspections to all service stations across the country to ensure prices of fuel products are consistent with the allowable maximum prices.

In a milestone achievement for landowner companies in Ok Tedi, Western province, three new Dash 8 Aircrafts were just recently bought to serve as charter aircrafts for Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi).The Ok Tedi Landowners Royalty Investment Trust (OTLRIT) and the Milum Group of Companies were congratulated by Ok Tedi on the launch of Milum Aviation Limited and thesuccessful acquisition of three Dash 8 aircrafts that currently operate Ok Tedi’s charter service. Ok Tedi Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Kedi Ilimbit, said: “This is a proud moment for our landowners.” “The acquisition marks a significant milestone in our journey to empower landowner companies to become profitable and sustainable enterprises.” “This investment is part of our broader vision to support landowner companies in securing Tier 1 contracts,” Mr. Ilimbit added.“We want to see our landowners involved in major business areas such as mining fleet leasing, warehousing, aircraft charter, drilling, and even contract mining in the future.” The Dash 8 aircrafts will continue to be leased to Ok Tedi to support its fly in fly out charter service, which transports workers to and from operational sites.To commemorate this achievement, the three Dash 8 aircrafts will also be renamed in honour of prominent people who played a vital role in realizing the creation of Milum Aviation. • Ilimbit Dream – named after Kedi Ilimbit, Ok Tedi Managing Director and CEO • Asekim Pride – named after Henry Asekim, Chairman OTLRIT • DeSouza Spirit – named after Aubrey DeSouza, CEO Milum Group of Companies The OTLRIT, which represents the 12 Mine Villages, acquired the aircrafts at a cost of approximately $10.1 million from a Singapore-based company who had owned the aircrafts for the last 35 years. They are now 100% owned by OTLRIT and will operate under the banner Milum Aviation. In addition to the Dash 8 aircrafts, OTLRIT and Milum have also acquired two Q400 Series Dash 8 aircrafts from Qantas, Australia. These will be added to their fleet this month. One aircraft will service domestic routes, while the other will operate international flights to Cairns and Brisbane. Aircraft management, servicing, and maintenance will continue to be handled by Pacific Direct Limited.The three aircrafts, affectionately known as the pride of Tabubil over the last three decades, will soon be rebranded under Milum Aviation.

It seems Papua New Guineans will have to wait just a little bit more to hear the official name of their PNG NRL team as the PNG NRL Board deliberates on the right time to announce it to the people.Upon his arrival back in country from his recent work trip to Australia, Prime Minister (PM) James Marape confirmed that a short list of chosen names, has been submitted already to the Australian NRL to go through the process of cross- checking to see if the name is copyrighted elsewhere.Once that process is complete, the PNG NRL Board will then have the last say in revealing the official PNG NRL Franchise name to the country.Prime Minister Marape said this is expected to take place this Saturday and should the PNG NRL Board agree, the name will the announced-onSunday 12th October, on the day of the Prime Ministers XIII clash between PNG and Australia at the Santos National Football Stadium (NFS), Port Moresby. “I can’t preempt the board’s process,” said PM Marape.“The board is completely independent from myself and so it is subject to the process that is running.”He said once the PNG NRL Board does announce the team's name, this will then allow for the other processes to commence like the logo design, uniform colours and the design.“As soon as name is given, the construct from everything else will flow on from there on. So, we should get the name out of the way at the earliest if everything goes to plan.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Marape said the survey poll for the name for the PNG NRL franchise was the highest ever public engagement recorded.

The Mutual Defence Treaty, the “Pukpuk Treaty”, has been finally signed after the Treaty was given the clearance by Cabinet last week despite some opposition from concerned Papua New Guineans of its implications on the country’s Constitution and sovereignty. Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister (PM) James Marape and his Australian counterpart, PM Anthony Albanese signed the Pukpuk Treaty at a ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia this morning. The leaders were meant to sign the treaty during PM Albanese’s visit to PNG a few weeks ago, but it was delayed by PNG's 50th anniversary celebrations. PM Marape earlier said the signing marks a new chapter in the bilateral relationship. “This agreement opens many doors for us and fine-tunes our relationship with Australia going forward into the next 50 years,” he said. The Treaty, described by both governments as a “landmark agreement,” aims to strengthen defence cooperation while expanding collaboration across multiple sectors as well. The treaty will now need to be ratified by parliaments in both countries for it to come into force.

The Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru, is in Sri Lanka to gain insight on the downstream processing of coconut products and also what a Sri Lankan company plans to do in Papua New Guinea (PNG). He will be visiting the world-class operations of a Sri Lankan large-scale coconut-based food and beverages manufacturer/exporter, Jaindi Exports Pvt Limited. Jaindi Exports had recently expressed their keen interest in setting up a coconut processing plant in Madang Province under a joint venture arrangement with the local investors. Minister Maru said: “Our Government, together with the Madang Provincial Government are very keen to work in partnership with Jaindi Exports and KIK to develop the proposed processing plant in Madang that would have the capacity to process up to 100,000 coconuts per day to produce high-end coconut products. “This is a long overdue initiative, and I am so delighted that they are keen to start this project. I am so excited that after 50 years of independence, we will finally go into downstream processing of our coconuts to produce high-end products for the global market.” “The coconut industry is one of the industries in our country that has been around for a long time, but we have been semi-processing. We now want to process our coconuts into final products to maximize our value, create more jobs, and encourage the industry to grow if our people can see a better value.” Minister Maru said an independent financial evaluation of the investment proposal for a ten-year period will be conducted within two weeks after the visit to prove the viability of the project before a submission is made to the National Executive Council (NEC) for the approval of this project to be located within the Madang Integrated Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Meanwhile, Minister Maru is working very closely with Madang Provincial Government to secure 10 hectares of land in Madang for this very important investment that will transform the coconut industry in PNG. Governor Pariwa said he was very keen and excited to see this project get off the ground as soon as practical. The minister is accompanied by the Governor for Madang, Ramsey Pariwa, Secretary for Department of International Trade and Investment, Mrs. Jacinta Warakai-Manua, and Managing Director for Kokonas Koporesen Indastri, Mr. Alan Aku, on this trip.

The most talked about Defence Treaty between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia, will enforce the country’s security for the next fifty (50) years to come; hence, signing it is in the best interest of the National Government. That’s the message from Prime Minister (PM) James Marape when announcing that the cabinet has finally, formally approved the landmark Mutual Defence Treaty, taking it one step closer to it being signed, and with it, elevate the two countries’ defence and security partnership to its highest level in history. Prime Minister Marape also made it clear that the treaty is not about geopolitics but is focused on strengthening the shared region and PNG domestic security. “Papua New Guinea is a big country with over 10 million people and security fragility is evident and it is PNG’s interest to develop our security forces to best standards and with this synergy, I am certain we will reach this goal,” PM Marape said. “This treaty allows PNG’s defence capacity to be elevated by leveraging Australian defence capabilities. This partnership strengthens our ability to respond to our country’s key security priorities.” Prime Minister Marape also assured the nation that PNG’s sovereignty remains intact. “Our Defence Force will always report to the Commander of the PNG Defence Force. Australians, including Papua New Guineans enlisted into the Australian Defence Force, will report to the Australian commander. “Both forces will train and operate side by side, but sovereignty is never compromised. We also respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our neighbours.” The treaty also recognizes that both PNG and Australia maintain defence relationships with other nations. “Provisions are in place to respect third-party relationships,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Our sovereignty is defined by our national security. This treaty strengthens PNG’s security and defence capacities as we embark on the next 50 years. It is about ensuring Papua New Guinea is safe, secure, and prepared to protect its people and borders,” the prime minister stressed.

The casket of the Late Governor for Morobe, Luther Wenge arrived at Parliament House this morning to a somber reception for his final farewell at the State Funeral.Received by the guard of honor from the Correctional Service, his casket was then taken into the Parliament Grand Hall where his fellow colleagues awaited him. Starting the paying of respect process was Speaker of the House Job Pomat, followed by the Governor General, Prime Minister James Marape and his deputy and Member for Lae, John Rosso. Other leaders then followed after. It was also an emotional moment for the Members of Parliament and the late Governor's family who were there also. Late Luther Wenge served his people and Papua New Guinea with distinction and honor till his very last breath at the Port Moresby General Hospital. His passing is a great loss to his people of Morobe, his family and PNG. The late Governor's casket will leave for Lae, Morobe province tomorrow.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) will farewell the late Governor for Morobe province, Luther Wenge today in Port Moresby city.The official State Funeral of the late Governor will take place this morning at 10AM where he will Lie- in- State at the Grand Hall in the Parliament House at Waigani, where fellow Members of Parliament (MPs) will pay their last respects to the fallen leader of the people of Morobe province. Late Luther Wenge was first elected to the Sixth National Parliament in 1997 General Elections, re- elected to the Seventh National Parliament in 2002 General Elections, Eight National Parliament in 2007 General Elections and elected again to the Eleventh National Parliament in 2022 General Elections as the Provincial Member. During these terms he served as member of the Parliament Referral Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Referral Committee on Industry and Industrial Relations from July 1997 to July 1998, member of Special Committee on Social Development Committee on Plans and Estimates from November 1999 and Special Committee on Provincial and Local Government Reforms from June 2000 and many more parliamentary committees. He also served as the Chairman of the Momase Regional Governor’s Council from 1997 to 2003 and launched the Pipol First Party on 7th August 2001 in Lae city, Morobe province. Meanwhile, the body of late Luther Wenge will leave Port Moresby city for his home in Morobe province tomorrow.

Mineral Resources Madang Limited (MRML), a subsidiary of the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), has come to support the development of sports in Madang recently with assistance to both rugby league and basketball.In rugby league, the MRML enabled the return of Madang Rugby League after a seven-year hiatus. The revival of the competition was made possible through a major sponsorship from MRML, which topped off with a successful grand final at the Royal Robson Field over the weekend. MRML Board Chairman Steven Saud said, “This initiative reflects MRML’s commitment to converting wealth from the projects into meaningful benefits for the people of Madang. “Rugby League is an invaluable instrument for unity. Our communities are stronger and more united through sport, and when Madang athletes achieve great things on the field, our provincial pride soars.” “Madang Rugby League must be a force for restoration and prosperity,” Chairman Saud remarked. In addition to rugby, MRML has also provided a K50,000 grant to the Madang Town Basketball Association this year, as a broad commitment to local sports. Athletes were encouraged to be role models, using their discipline and teamwork to set a powerful example for the community.

Engaging youths in resource projects gives the young people the opportunity to meaningfully participate in the development progress that will benefit them and their community. This was the focus of New Porgera Limited (NPL) when it recently announced the launch of the NPL Youth Community Development Committee (Youth CDC). The Youth CDC is an advisory committee, primarily responsible for proposing and evaluating youth related community development projects to NPL for funding and is made up of a male and female youth representative aged 18 to 24 from each of the four Local Level Governments (Porgera Urban, Porgera Rural, Paiela Hewa, and Maip- Mulitaka) in the Porgera-Paiela District. It also includes 2 youth living with disabilities. The ten members were officially sworn in, witnessed by their respective LLG representatives, and NPL management, as well as members of the community. Addressing the occasion, NPL General Manager James McTiernan encouraged the committee members to be good leaders and agents of change for the growing youth population in Porgera-Paiela District. “Today is an important occasion, as we witness the establishment of the first NPL CDC. Although this Committee is launched in partnership with NPL, its direction will be shaped by you - the youth.” The youth CDC is not just a committee – it is a platform – a new beginning for the youth of this region to be heard, to be involved, and to be part of building a future that works for youths. “The Committee’s actions are centered on the values of Faith, Inclusivity, Kindness, Growth, Transparency, and Honesty – values which are critical to bringing positive change in Porgera-Paiela District and will be guided by youth voices and ideas. Whether it's access to education and skills training, small business support, sports and arts, or simply a safe place to gather and express yourselves.” “We commend the inaugural members of the Youth CDC, and we look forward to working closely with them to bring positive development for Porgera-Paiela District,” he said. 

Ethaniel Dabura Kamuna has been officially appointed as the Project Manager for Kutubu Special Purpose Authority (KSPA), a government entity in Papua New Guinea (PNG), set up to help deliver development services to the people in the Kutubu area in the Southern Highlands province.It is part of PNG’s policy of decentralization, where the government aims to bring services down closer to the people, especially in areas hosting major resource projects (like oil). He was officially appointed by the Boards on Thursday 25th of September at Hideaway Hotel in Port Moresby city. Ethaniel has been working as overall chairman of Mustard Seed Christian Academy, a Christian based institution for Early Childhood learning prior being appointed as the Project Manager for KSPA. The school has almost 39 branches across Hela, Southern Highlands and Western Highlands provinces. “The KSPA board had seen what I have been doing and had asked if I am willing to take up this position”, said Mr. Kamuna when interviewed by PNG HAUSBUNG. “It's a Divine call so I said Yes. Whether it’s a paid or volunteer job I will do it for the entire population of Kutubu," said Mr. Kamuna.” “I accepted the offer and thank Mr. Mewaiyo, Chairman and the Board to have trust in me to shine a light at the end of the tunnel.” “I also appreciated the good work that has been done by the formers under the Chairmanship of Mr. Ba'abi and his team.” “We will start from where they left and continue to do more good work under the Chairmanship of Mr. Mewaiyo.” “KSPA today and beyond with the new team and board, will try our best to establish projects that will be beneficial for the entire Kutubu, including Moran and Bosavi for today, tomorrow and the future generations” “Right now, we will be working around the clock to negotiate with the Developers (Santos & Exxon Mobil) and the National Government to establish a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and a Tourism Hub for a start.” “Before our Oil and Gas runs out, these two impacted projects must be in place so that they will continue to sustain the cost of living for our ordinary people back in the villages.” “To my people back at home, under the Chairmanship of Mr. Mewaiyo, we're ready to work with everyone and equally distribute wealth through project implementations.”