By DALCY LULUA
PARLIAMENT made history last week with the unanimous passage of the Disability Services Bill 2025, setting a new benchmark for inclusivity, social protection, and national unity.
All 67 MPs present during the session voted in favour of the Bill, demonstrating collective political will to improve the lives of the 1.6 million Papua New Guineans living with disabilities.
The legislation was introduced by the Minister for Community Development and Religion, Jason Peter, and aims to establish a long-term, inclusive framework that recognises and protects the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Prime Minister James Marape praised Minister
Peter for his strong leadership and commitment in bringing the Bill to Parliament.
“I commend Minister Jason Peter for the compassion and courage he has shown in leading this landmark legislation,” PM Marape said.
“This Bill reflects our government’s resolve to build an inclusive Papua New Guinea-one that embraces and supports every citizen, regardless of physical or mental ability.”
He described the Bill’s passage as a “national milestone”, stating that it fulfils the Marape-Rosso Government’s commitment to equity and human rights.
“The unanimous support from all MPs today sends a clear message that our Parliament stands united in ensuring no one is left behind,” Mr Marape said.
The Disability Services Bill 2025 is designed to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which PNG ratified in 2013, and operationalise the National Policy on Disability (NEC Decision No.100/2015).
The Bill addresses three major barrier commonly faced by PWDs:
- Discrimination and stigma in society
- Physical and infrastructural inaccessibility in buildings, transport, and public services
- Limited access to essential services, such as education, employment, healthcare, and political participation
Minister Peter stressed the importance of the Bill for all Papua New Guineans, noting that disability can affect anyone at any stage of life.
“Disability is not limited to a particular group, it’s a human condition that can arise through illness, aging, or injury,” he said. “This Bill establishes a sustainable, national support system that will empower all persons with disabilities and protect their dignity.”
The Bill creates a comprehensive national framework with coordination at every level of government. Key implementation bodies include:
- The National Disability Advisory Committee (NDAC)
- Provincial Disability Coordinating Committees (PDCC)
- District Coordinating Committees on Disability (DCCD)
Awareness and education campaigns will be led by the Department for Community Development and Religion and supported by the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs.
Consequential legal amendments will also be pursued in consultation with the Department of Justice and Attorney General (DJAG) and the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) to align current laws with the new legislation.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the government would remain committed to ensuring full implementation of the Bill across the country.
“This is a proud moment for our Parliament and our people,” PM Marape said. “We have taken a unified step toward building a country where everyone, regardless of ability, is supported and valued.”