The Department of Personnel Management (DPM) has called on public servants, institutions, and key stakeholders to actively participate in the final stage of nationwide consultations on the review of the Public Service Management Act (PSMA), a significant reform initiative aimed at strengthening and modernising Papua New Guinea’s public sector governance.
The final phase of consultations is currently underway in the Southern Region at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby, marking the conclusion of an extensive national engagement process that has already covered three regions. The initiative reflects the Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent, and participatory reform.
Speaking on behalf of DPM Secretary Ms. Taies Sansan, Deputy Secretary for Policy, Mr. Ellison Kalimet, reaffirmed the importance of the PSMA as the legal and administrative foundation of the Public Service.
He said the Act continues to play a central role in guiding recruitment, management, and the enforcement of professional standards across the public sector.
However, Mr. Kalimet emphasised that the operating environment of the Public Service has evolved significantly.
“We are navigating a rapidly changing Public Service landscape shaped by technological advancement, increasing public expectations, and complex governance challenges. These realities demand a Public Service that is efficient, accountable, agile, and responsive,” he said.
He noted that the review of the PSMA is both timely and necessary, providing an opportunity to ensure the legislative framework remains relevant and responsive to current and future demands.
Mr. Kalimet explained that the consultation process is designed to promote meaningful engagement, allowing stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of the current Act, identify gaps, remove outdated provisions, and strengthen mechanisms that uphold merit, integrity, performance, and accountability.
“This process goes beyond legislative amendments. It is about shaping the future of our Public Service—ensuring institutions are capable of delivering results, maintaining public trust, and contributing to national development,” he said.
He further urged participants to approach the consultations with a shared commitment to reform, stressing that the success of the review depends on collective input and ownership from public servants, stakeholders, and the broader community.
“Open dialogue and constructive input are essential. The voices of those within the system, as well as those who depend on it, will ensure the revised Act reflects both practical realities and our shared aspirations for a capable, ethical, and modern Public Service,” Mr. Kalimet added.
The Department of Personnel Management has encouraged all participants in the Southern Region consultations to engage actively and provide candid feedback, noting that their contributions will directly influence the final reforms that will shape Papua New Guinea’s Public Service for years to come.