PNG Association of Public Policy Professionals

08/04/2026

This is the most honorable thing to do..to clear your name and maintain your reputation...some politicians should follow suit...since security is a sensitive matter..it seems you are fit for the post...because you have displayed the highest standard of leadership.

BREAKING NEWS: Defence Minister Steps Aside Amid PNGDF Recruitment Allegations

Sunday Bulletin Online
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Minister for Defence, Dr. Billy Joseph, has announced his decision to step aside temporarily following ongoing allegations surrounding recruitment processes within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF).

Speaking during a press conference this afternoon, Dr. Joseph emphasized that recruitment into the PNGDF is a structured and disciplined process conducted solely by the Defence Force, without involvement from the Minister, Secretary, or any civilian officials.

Click this link and read full story: https://thepngbulletin.com/news/27547/

01/04/2026

Insightful... looks like BRICS purpose is being tested and is failing. As a group, it's framework of co-existence is fundamental.. there are now questions on the reasons why this group was formed..

The Iran conflict has again shown unity isn’t a strong suit for the grouping.

25/03/2026

Every policies should be tied to the overarching policy framework such as , , and . This connection must be linked down to specific departments and agencies. There must be clear line of ex*****on, monitoring and evaluation.

Papua New Guinea is losing nearly a billion kina every year importing livestock products, prompting renewed calls in Parliament for urgent policy direction to grow the local livestock industry.

During Parliament session on Tuesday, March 24, Deputy Speaker and Markham MP Koni Iguan questioned the lack of progress from the Livestock Ministry, urging the government to present a clear policy to guide development in the sector.

Read more: https://tvwan.com.pg/news/8817

20/03/2026

is one of most outstanding and reputable public policy analyst and advisor that PNG ever had in the

Lae, Tuesday, 8 April 2025 – The Executive Director of the Institute of National Affairs (INA), Paul Barker, has called for well-targeted and balanced regulation of Papua New Guinea’s oil palm industry, cautioning against efforts that could undermine the sector’s progress or penalise responsib...

20/03/2026

Every policies being developed or law's being passed must always have in place process of implementing them... from policy perspective.. grey listing can be seen as the law implementing and enforcement agencies facing "dead letter"

Lack of effective law enforcement in Papua New Guinea is a key factor that led to the country being grey listed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Acting Public Prosecutor Helen Roalakona said this during a presentation to MBA students at the Divine Word University’s Port Moresby Campus, yesterday.

Read More: https://tvwan.com.pg/news/8733

20/03/2026

Informal sector plays an important role in our micro economic level... rather than totally removing those street side vendors.. government should provide alternatives as well.. like providing roadside ready made food stalls.. Many streets in some developed countries have such arrangements where local vendors sold their produce in properly constructed food stalls..

NATIONAL Capital District Commission (NCDC) officials under the watch of police have started removing informal markets around the city.

At midday yesterday, the NCDC senior officials and workers kept watch as police instructed vendors along Islander to move their items out or face penalties.

– Nationalpic By ZARA KANU

Read More : https://www.thenational.com.pg/ncd-officials-police-begin-removal-of-informal-markets-around-city/

20/03/2026

CIMC is an important player in PNG''s policy development process where vital laws legislation and policies can be consulted and develop for the betterment of our country.

The Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council (CIMC) is set to host Regional Development Forums for the four regions beginning with New Guinea Islands (NGI) in Kokopo, East New Britain, next week, from March 25 to 26, 2026.

20/03/2026

GOVERNMENT'S GUN PURCHASE POLICY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON GREY LISTING (A COMPLETELY OPPOSITE PICTURE)
Impact on Financial Integrity and International Reputation
The government’s policy to purchase illegal guns from warlords and traffickers aims to reduce firearm-related violence. However, this approach raises significant concerns regarding the country’s financial systems and its international standing, especially in light of its current grey listing by the FATF due to AML/CFT deficiencies.

Connection Between Gun Transactions and Money Laundering
A primary issue is that engaging in firearm transactions with illicit actors can facilitate money laundering. These transactions often serve as conduits for laundering illicit profits, and government involvement risks legitimizing these illegal financial flows.

Supporting Illegal Arms Trade and Enabling Financial Crimes
The policy unintentionally endorses criminal activities such as arms smuggling, drug trafficking, and money laundering. By purchasing guns from illegal sources, the government may be inadvertently perpetuating these crimes, which directly undermine efforts to comply with international AML/CFT standards.

Challenges to Financial Transparency and Regulatory Oversight
The current approach complicates efforts to enhance financial transparency. Without strict controls, engaging with illegal gun traders creates vulnerabilities that allow illicit funds to move undetected across borders, hampering authorities’ AML/CFT enforcement.

Risk of Further Grey Listing and International Sanctions
Papua New Guinea’s grey list status is partly due to weaknesses in monitoring illicit financial activities. The gun purchase policy, if poorly managed, could exacerbate this situation by providing additional opportunities for money laundering, thereby impairing the country’s compliance with FATF standards and risking further sanctions.

Broader Security Implications and Indicators of Financial Crime
The proliferation of illegal fi****ms can lead to increased violence, conflict, and organized crime, which are often linked to financial crimes. Armed groups using these weapons may engage in extortion, control of territories, and illicit trade, further destabilizing the country and undermining its financial integrity.

Urgent Need for Reforms and Oversight
To mitigate these risks, the government must implement stringent oversight, transparency measures, and compliance protocols in firearm transactions. Addressing the underlying links between illegal arms trade and financial crimes is crucial for lifting the grey list, restoring international confidence, and ensuring sustainable security and development.

GOVERNMENT'S GUN PURCHASE POLICY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON GREY LISTING (A COMPLETELY OPPOSITE PICTURE) Impact on Financial Integrity and International Reputation The government’s policy to purchase illegal guns from warlords and traffickers aims to reduce firearm-related violence. However, this app...

19/03/2026

Motu Koitabu should have a municipal type government because all the people are living within the city

After careful thoughts and consideration,the Boundaries Commission also recommended Motu - Koitabu to become an open Electorate in 2027 General Election.

PNGEC picture below;

Acting Electoral Commissioner Margaret Vagi (middle between two Lady officers from PMs Department,on the right is Director General Robyna Ata and her officer on her left.

Far end is the Boundaries Commissioner Francis Kaigerua during Motu - Koitabu meeting to reaffirm the MKA boundaries at Kira Kira ward yesterday.

Acting Electoral Commissioner Margaret Vagi, she's also the Boundaries Commission Chairman

18/03/2026

Much improvement

OFFICE OF THE ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER

PRESS RELEASE

Friday March 13, 2026

NCD ELECTORAL ROLL DISPLAY STARTS THIS WEEKEND

The PNG Electoral Commission will be commencing a full roll out of the Electoral Roll Improvement Program for the country from May to July, 2026.

This begins this weekend with the public viewing of the electoral roll by the NCD Electoral Office, where the electoral roll will be displayed for the public to view their names and details on the roll.

This was made known by acting PNG Electoral Commissioner Margaret Vagi who said ‘this is part of the PNGEC’s Electoral Roll Improvement Strategy (ERIS) in 2026, leading up to the National General Elections (NGE) 2027.

The exercise begins on Saturday March 14 th at the NCD Provincial Electoral Office in Boroko from 9am to 2pm. It continues on Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm and is expected to be conducted for one month.

The acting commissioner urged eligible voters in NCD to find time to check their names and details “Whilst you have the right to vote, it is your responsibility to check your name on the electoral roll to ensure it is there, so that when polling happens, you are not
disappointed and can exercise your democratic right to vote,” she said.

Similar electoral roll displays will be conducted throughout the country.Following the display only, the next phase will be announced by PNGEC for electors to update their elector status on the roll.

Approved by
Margaret Vagi
Acting Electoral Commissioner

PNGEC pic below,

Acting Electoral Commissioner - Mrs Margaret Vagi (blue suit) with PNGEC officers having a meeting on Roll Improvement program.

18/03/2026

During a press conference at , UN Women Afghanistan Special Representative, Susan Ferguson, called on the international community to not normalize the obstacles and restrictions women and girls in face.

When we start to accept this as normal, we

🚫 Stop believing it can change
🚫 Stop seeing the change

Despite all the obstacles and restrictions, Afghan women continue to show extraordinary courage and determination, and we need to as well.

🔗 Press briefing: http://unwo.men/hAQY50YvveL