Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has urged elected leaders, public servants, and financial administrators across Papua New Guinea to ensure that every Kina allocated through government budgets is spent effectively and delivers tangible improvements to communities.
Speaking at the launch of a new Public Finance and Expenditure Management initiative at Parliament’s State Function Room, PM Marape stressed that accountability and service delivery must be strengthened as PNG moves beyond its 50th Independence anniversary.
He reminded leaders that PNG’s decentralised system of government places immense responsibility on district, provincial, and local officials to ensure public funds reach ordinary citizens. “Every day, our people depend on local leaders to make sure schools, health centres, roads, police services, and essential services are functioning well,” he said.
Highlighting PNG’s economic growth — from K15 billion in 2002 to K135 billion today — Marape warned that growth alone is meaningless if spending does not directly improve lives. Using a dartboard analogy, he said: “Resources are always limited, so we must ensure every Kina hits the bull’s eye.”
The Prime Minister outlined reforms already underway, including the Independent Commission Against Corruption, changes to the National Procurement Act, and amendments to the Proceeds of Crime Act — all aimed at ensuring public money is used for its intended purpose.
He also emphasized fiscal discipline, noting that PNG’s deficit has been reduced to 1.1 percent, with a balanced budget targeted for 2027. Major resource projects such as Wafi-Golpu and Papua LNG are being carefully negotiated to secure long-term revenue streams.
Districts are expected to receive at least K70 million each in funding support this year, representing a significant shift toward empowering provinces and districts to deliver essential services.
PM Marape urged leaders to act with urgency and integrity: “We are all temporary custodians of leadership, but the impact of our decisions will remain with our people long after we are gone.”