Mr Marape said Papua New Guinea was moving into a new phase of economic activity driven by major resource developments such as Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu, P’nyang and Pasca A.

According to the Prime Minister, the country’s energy and mining industries would continue to play a major role in supporting employment, business growth and government income over the next decade.

He said Papua LNG remained one of the Government’s priority projects and once it reached the Final Investment Decision stage, it was expected to trigger large-scale construction and investment activity across the country.

Mr Marape said the developments would create jobs during both the construction and production phases while also increasing economic activity in different sectors.

He also pointed to growth in the non-mining and petroleum sector, saying agriculture had continued to perform strongly with most Papua New Guineans relying on the sector for their livelihoods.

Mr Marape said the Government would continue pushing for a fairer return from major resource developments.

“We get Papua LNG and Wafi-Golpu online and get more revenue into the country and ensure our foreign reserves improve for the Government, landowners and developers,” he said.

“These projects will provide long-term construction activity, production opportunities, employment and revenue for Papua New Guinea.

“We’re looking at the next 10 to 15 years as a period of sustained energy sector activity, not only in construction but also in long-term production and economic growth.

“We will not compromise on ensuring the State secures around or above 55 per cent of the total benefit from our major resource projects.

“There can be no clearer example than the New Porgera Limited agreement.”

Headlines
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• PNG Government Tightens Internet Controls
• PNG Man Charged Over Social Media Threats Against Ok Tedi Mine
• PNG Government Orders Review on Referral of Chief Justice to NEC

PAPUA New Guinea has appointed former Australian Federal Police officer Chief Superintendent Amanda Kates as the new police commander for East New Britain Province in a move aimed at strengthening policing leadership in the province.
Chief Supt Kates was officially sworn in at police headquarters by Police Commissioner David Manning, who described her appointment as an important step towards improving command capacity and supporting frontline policing operations within the Royal PNG Constabulary.

Mr Manning said Chief Supt Kates had already proven herself during her earlier service in Papua New Guinea under the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership program.
He said her understanding of local communities and policing challenges would assist East New Britain police in maintaining discipline, improving operational coordination and supporting community safety efforts.
According to Mr Manning, the appointment would also allow national officers in the province to focus more on investigations and frontline duties while benefiting from experienced leadership at the provincial level.
Chief Supt Kates brings more than 32 years of service with the Australian Federal Police, including senior command positions across Australia and Pacific countries.
Mr Manning also highlighted the growing number of women stepping into senior leadership roles within the Royal PNG Constabulary.
“Kates proved her capability when she served here as an AFP officer,” Mr Manning said.
“She understands our policing environment, our communities, and the operational realities of PNG.
“I have no doubt she will perform to expectation as a member of the Royal PNG Constabulary.”
“East New Britain deserves strong, stable, and experienced leadership. Kates brings that, and she will work diligently to strengthen policing outcomes for the people of ENB,” he said.

Headlines
​

• PNG Government Tightens Internet Controls
• PNG Man Charged Over Social Media Threats Against Ok Tedi Mine
• PNG Government Orders Review on Referral of Chief Justice to NEC
• Oral Cancer Cases Reach Alarming Levels in PNG Highlands

A Papua New Guinea man has been arrested and charged by police over alleged threatening messages posted on social media targeting Ok Tedi Mining Limited operations in Western Province.

North Fly Acting Provincial Police Commander Inspector Anjap Minata confirmed that the 34-year-old suspect was charged under Section 23(4) of the Cyber Crime Act 2016 following a complaint lodged by Ok Tedi Mining Ltd.

Police alleged the man used his mobile phone to publish messages calling on communities to block the Kiunga–Tabubil Highway and shut down Pump Station KM59.

The posts were allegedly shared on the Fly River Forum Facebook page and quickly attracted widespread attention online.

According to police, the company’s Community Relations Manager reported the matter after becoming concerned about the content of the posts. Investigators later identified and arrested the suspect, who is now being held at Kiunga Police Station.

Inspector Minata warned the public against misusing social media platforms to spread threats or incite unlawful actions.

“Do not abuse your rights. If you have issues, there are proper avenues to resolve them amicably. We must protect our mine, our future, and our pride,” he said.

He also warned that anyone attempting to disrupt mining operations would be arrested and prosecuted, adding that the mine was an important asset for Papua New Guinea and its people.

Headlines

• PNG Government Orders Review on Referral of Chief Justice to NEC
• Oral Cancer Cases Reach Alarming Levels in PNG Highlands
• NICTA Begins Internet Content Filtering Enforcement
• Court Rejects Rosso Bid to Stop Ombudsman Probe
  

Papua New Guinea’s top public servant has been directed to review the process that led to the referral of Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika to the National Executive Council following action taken by the Ombudsman Commission.

Prime Minister James Marape confirmed that Cabinet has not yet convened to discuss the matter, saying the Government is taking a measured approach because of the constitutional and institutional implications involved.

“It’s a matter we’re handling very diligently. We don’t want to rush,” Mr Marape said.

The Prime Minister said Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu had been asked to examine the process surrounding the referral before any formal government action is taken.

Mr Marape described the situation as one without precedent in the country’s governance history, pointing out that both the Office of the Chief Justice and the Office of the Prime Minister carry equal constitutional standing.

“This is an unprecedented matter, and as equal heads of government, we are treating it very carefully and diligently,” he said.

He said legal advice has also been requested from the State Solicitor after what he described as a conclusive determination by another constitutional office, and Cabinet will consider its legal authority once that advice is received.

“An equally important constitutional office in the Public Prosecutor has made a conclusive finding, and so we asked the State Solicitor to look into this matter. Advice is due and pending,” Mr Marape said.

“As soon as the advice comes, we will look at firstly what power Cabinet has and what Cabinet can do, and then we’ll finalise the process,” he added.

Headlines

• Oral Cancer Cases Reach Alarming Levels in PNG Highlands
• NICTA Begins Internet Content Filtering Enforcement
• Court Rejects Rosso Bid to Stop Ombudsman Probe
• Australia Delivers Bell 412 Helicopters To PNG Police
  

Papua New Guinea is facing a worsening oral cancer crisis, with doctors warning that more people are dying from the disease as hospitals continue to receive new cases almost every day.

At the centre of the growing concern is the Highlands Region, where health authorities say the majority of oral cancer patients are coming from. Dental Specialist Dr. Thomas Tatua from the Mt Hagen Specialist Hospital says PNG now records the highest number of oral cancer cases in the world.

Speaking during an oral cancer and wellness training in Tambul Nebilyer District, Dr. Tatua said the disease is spreading rapidly and many patients are arriving at hospital when the cancer has already reached dangerous stages.

Dr. Tatua revealed that statistics show 68 per cent of oral cancer cases in PNG are from the Highlands Region. Momase Region follows with 18 per cent, Southern Region with 9 per cent while the New Guinea Islands Region records 5 per cent.

He described oral cancer as a fast-moving disease that destroys lives quickly when treatment is delayed.

According to Dr. Tatua, Mt Hagen Specialist Hospital is now treating oral cancer patients daily, with many cases already advanced by the time patients seek medical attention.

He said the number of people suffering from mouth cancer continues to rise across the country and warned that betelnut chewing remains the biggest contributor to the disease.

Dr. Tatua stated that close to 80 per cent of oral cancer patients treated at the hospital have a history of chewing buai.

Because of the growing number of cases, the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority has started awareness and training programs aimed at helping communities identify symptoms early.

The authority recently carried out a two-day oral cancer and wellness training at Tambul Health Centre involving health workers, Village Health Assistants, staff from Kiripia Health Centre, representatives from Marie Stopes and members of Upper and Lower Nebilyer communities.

During the training, Dr. Tatua urged clinicians and community health workers to examine patients carefully for early warning signs before referring them to Mt Hagen Hospital.

He also conducted practical demonstrations to help participants recognise symptoms during patient checks.

“Early detection can save lives if symptoms are identified quickly,” Dr. Tatua said.

Headlines

• NICTA Begins Internet Content Filtering Enforcement
• Court Rejects Rosso Bid to Stop Ombudsman Probe
• Australia Delivers Bell 412 Helicopters To PNG Police
• ​PNG Chief Justice Matter Escalated to NEC by Ombudsman Commission
  

The authority also confirmed that a separate 30-day compliance instruction has been issued to ISPs, including wholesale provider PNG DataCo Limited, directing them to remove unsuitable content from their networks.
According to NICTA, the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Office of Censorship and the Department of Information and Communication Technology under a whole-of-government approach led by Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr.
The enforcement program will initially target five categories of prohibited online content: pornography and sexually explicit material, violent content, hate speech and discrimination, substance abuse-related material, and illegal online activities.
NICTA stated that its latest compliance measures strengthen existing efforts under the Restricted Content framework, with particular attention on pornography and explicit material, while the Office of Censorship will continue addressing the remaining categories through established procedures.
The authority also warned reseller licensees that regulatory compliance requirements do not remove obligations relating to upstream wholesale network resilience. It further noted that Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellite operators operating in the country will also be required to comply with the directive.
NICTA said show-cause notices would be issued under Section 244 to operators and licensees that fail to comply with the directive within the specified timeframe.
Meanwhile, the Office of Censorship will provide monthly reports to NICTA outlining the classification methodology and updates relating to the removal and addition of restricted content.
At the end of the 30-day implementation period, a Technical Working Group is expected to submit a final compliance report to Minister Tsiamalili detailing the progress of the nationwide internet content filtering rollout.

headlines
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• Court Rejects Rosso Bid to Stop Ombudsman Probe
• Australia Delivers Bell 412 Helicopters To PNG Police
• ​PNG Chief Justice Matter Escalated to NEC by Ombudsman Commission
• ​PNG Hosts Major Ocean Talks as Marape Welcomes Pacific Leaders

The National Court has refused an application by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Lands and Physical Planning John Rosso, seeking leave for judicial review against the Ombudsman Commission to halt an ongoing investigation against him.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Paulus Dowa this morning confirms that constitutional investigative processes under the Leadership Code cannot be prematurely halted by the courts.
​The matter arose after the Ombudsman Commission issued a notice to Mr. Rosso, alerting him of allegations that he failed to declare income in his Annual Statements during 2016.

The Commission's letter required a response to determine whether a prima facie case of misconduct in office exists for referral to the Public Prosecutor.
​Mr. Rosso sought to challenge this decision through judicial review, alleging that the investigation was fueled by personal bias, bad faith, and improper motives.
He claimed the investigation was fast-tracked after he refused to intervene in a private property dispute between Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen and his daughter and Emma Rosso.
​
​In dismissing the Deputy Prime Minister's application, Justice Dowa stated several critical legal principles.
He said the application is premature.
"The judicial review is a remedy of last resort. Because the Ombudsman Commission is still in the preliminary stages of assessment and has not made a final decision to refer the matter to the Public Prosecutor, Mr. Rosso's legal rights have not been impacted".
Justice Dowa stressed that all administrative avenues must be exhausted before a judicial review can take place and for this case, administrative processes have not been exhausted yet.
"The constitutional framework provides ample opportunity for leaders to clear their names before a Public Prosecutor or a Leadership Tribunal. Mr. Rosso must allow these established administrative processes to run their course".
Justice Dowa also noted that there was no arguable case established in Rosso's application especially when the Ombudsman Commission was acting within its jurisdiction.
" The court noted that under Section 217(6) of the Constitution, the proceedings of the Commission can only be challenged if it exceeds its jurisdiction. Mr. Rosso failed to plead any jurisdictional overreach"
The Court also found that the allegations of biasness against the Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen were unfounded.
While the allegations of bias were aimed at Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen, the court observed that the investigation notice was actually reviewed and issued by Ombudsman Tabitha M. Suwae and Acting Ombudsman Simon Bole, neither of whom had any connection to the alleged personal dispute.
​
​Justice Dowa concluded that granting judicial review at this juncture would inappropriately interfere with the proper administration of the Leadership Code and prejudice the lawful operations of the Ombudsman Commission.

headlines
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• Australia Delivers Bell 412 Helicopters To PNG Police
• ​PNG Chief Justice Matter Escalated to NEC by Ombudsman Commission
• ​PNG Hosts Major Ocean Talks as Marape Welcomes Pacific Leaders
• PNG future in doubt as Philemon condemns corruption in leadership

​

Australia has delivered two Bell 412 helicopters to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary in a major boost to policing and emergency response operations across the country.

The helicopters arrived in Lae yesterday under the Papua New Guinea-Australia Policing Partnership and are expected to strengthen crime prevention, search and rescue missions, and rapid deployment operations in remote regions.

Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso, who officiated at the handover ceremony, described the arrival as a historic moment for the police force.

“This is the first of its kind for the RPNGC to have such aviation capabilities that will help boost the work of the police,” Mr Rosso said.

He said the support reflected the strong partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia and thanked the Australian Federal Police for providing the aircraft.

Police Commissioner David Manning said the helicopters would significantly improve police mobility and operational reach in difficult terrain.

“PNG’s remote and vast terrain makes the return of the helicopters essential for preventing crime and keeping our people safe,” Commissioner Manning said.

The helicopters are expected to begin frontline operations after all aviation compliance requirements are completed. They will support law and order operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions throughout the country.

Headlines

• ​PNG Chief Justice Matter Escalated to NEC by Ombudsman Commission
• ​PNG Hosts Major Ocean Talks as Marape Welcomes Pacific Leaders
• PNG future in doubt as Philemon condemns corruption in leadership
• Starlink goes live in PNG as SpaceX launches satellite internet service
  

Acting Public Prosecutor Helen Roalakona later informed the Commission that she would not proceed with the case, stating that the material submitted lacked evidence that was “insufficient, not credible and cogent” across all allegations.

Following that decision, the Ombudsman Commission said it relied on constitutional reserve powers provided under Section 29(2) of the Constitution and Section 27(3) of the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership to take the matter directly to the NEC.

The Commission argued that it retains authority to act where it considers that a case has not been prosecuted within a reasonable time or where a matter has not been properly referred to a tribunal.

Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen said the Commission was satisfied that the case involving Sir Gibbs warranted further consideration and had therefore forwarded its statement of reasons to the Chairman of the NEC.

The Commission also referred to Supreme Court Reference No.3 of 2005, which outlined the responsibilities of the Public Prosecutor in leadership matters and clarified procedures relating to tribunal referrals.

The NEC is now expected to determine whether a tribunal should be appointed to investigate the allegations against the Chief Justice.

Acting Public Prosecutor Helen Roalakona said the evidence presented was “insufficient, not credible and cogent”.

Headlines
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• PNG future in doubt as Philemon condemns corruption in leadership
• Starlink goes live in PNG as SpaceX launches satellite internet service
• ​PNG Court Advances ICAC Case Against Malol
• PM Marape Hails Luai Visit as Boost for PNG Rugby League Dream