Prime Minister James Marape today reaffirmed the Executive Government’s support for the Legislature, which he described as the “Seat of Democracy”.
He said this during the presentation by Speaker Job Pomat of the National Parliament’s 2026 Budget submission of more than K615 million.
Mr Pomat emphasized that the Legislature, as one of the three arms of government, must receive the same level of support as the Executive and Judiciary.
He elaborated that Parliament was an important symbol of governance and law enactment for the nation and must be given priority in terms of funding support.
He added that funding of Parliament’s operations and infrastructure was essential to strengthening Papua New Guinea’s democracy.
Prime Minister Marape welcomed the Budget submission and commended the Speaker’s leadership in ensuring Parliament was adequately resourced to meet both present and future needs.
“Our Parliament is not just another building. It is the very ‘Seat of Papua New Guinea’s Democracy’. As we celebrate our 50th Independence Anniversary, we must honor and invest in the institution that embodies the voice of our people,” Mr Marape said.
Equal Support for All Arms of Government
The Prime Minister noted that the Government has already demonstrated strong commitment to the Judiciary through the construction of the new National Court Complex, and pledged that similar support will be extended to the Legislature, in particular the National Parliament.
“Just as we built a new Court House for the Judiciary, we must also invest in Parliament as the Legislative Arm of Government. These three Arms – Legislature, Judiciary and Executive – must each be supported to function effectively, for they uphold the rule of law and governance in our nation,” Mr Marape said.
He added that his government had invested over K400 million over the last six years since taking Office towards supporting the Judiciary, culminating in the completion of the state-of-the-art Court Complex that houses both the Supreme and National Courts. He stressed that substantial support in similar fashion will be mobilized to maintain and expand the National Parliament.
The 2026 Budget Submission includes provisions for physical renovations to Parliament House, modernization of ICT systems for a “Paperless Parliament,” and operational support to strengthen the capacity of Members of Parliament and Parliamentary Staff, as well as Parliament Library and Archives.
PM Marape said his Government would restore and maintain Parliament and construct a new D-Wing to ensure that Parliament served it purposes in the future.
“We will not only refurbish and maintain the building, but also construct a ‘new D-Wing’. This is about
preparing Parliament for life beyond our first 50 years as a nation. It will be restored and modernized to be a 21st century institution worthy of our Democracy,” Mr Marape said.
Government’s Commitment to Strengthening Democracy
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that strengthening Parliament was a national priority, especially in the context of the country’s Golden Jubilee. “Our Parliament has served the nation faithfully for 50 years. It has been the arena where laws are made, policies debated, and where the will of our people is expressed. We owe it to future generations to maintain and modernize this institution so that it continues to serve the country with dignity and efficiency,” he said.
He further outlined planned reforms, including upgrading Parliament’s sound, electronic, computer, library, and archival systems, as well as strengthening the Parliamentary Committee System and providing a separate Budget line for the Opposition. “We want the Opposition to be properly resourced, not held to ransom, because they are an essential part of the Check-and-Balance mechanism for our Democracy. A vibrant Parliament requires strong Committees and an empowered Opposition that can hold Government to account,” Mr Marape stated.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of ensuring that Parliament operates at arm’s length from the Executive while functioning effectively to pass good laws for the country.
“This is part of the Reset and reconstruction of our democratic institutions as we move beyond our 50th anniversary. Parliament will be linked more closely with Provincial Legislatures and the Bougainville Legislature, so that Law-Making at all levels is strengthened,” he added.
Moving Forward
The Prime Minister assured the Speaker and the people of Papua New Guinea that his Government will give serious consideration to the K615 million Submission as part of the 2026 National Budget process.
“I commend Speaker Pomat for bringing forward this Submission. Our government will work closely with Parliament to ensure that this institution, the heart of our Democracy, is strengthened for the next 50 years and beyond,” Prime Minister Marape concluded.