Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, has called on the Public Service to “do better” and take the lead in delivering on the Government’s priorities, as 2026 marks the final full year of programme implementation before the next national elections.
Mr Pomaleu made the remarks during his opening address at the Department of Prime Minister’s 2026 Annual Planning and Budget Workshop held at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby.
He said the Public Service must rise to meet the high expectations of Prime Minister James Marape and the Government, stressing that effective delivery of commitments is now critical.
“2026 is the last full year for implementation before the elections. This places a heavy responsibility on the Public Service to lead and deliver,” Mr Pomaleu said.
Describing the workshop as the “engine of government delivery,” the Chief Secretary said the forum must convert policy intentions into “executable pledges” supported by credible, disciplined and well-sequenced budgets.
He emphasised that rigorous planning and budgeting are central to the success or failure of public policy implementation.
Mr Pomaleu also reiterated two key initiatives directed by the Prime Minister and led by the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council: the establishment of the National Monitoring and Coordination Authority (NMCA), and the “Reset at 50” agenda.
He said both initiatives are designed to strengthen whole-of-government coordination and ensure the Government’s vision is translated into clear corporate and organisational objectives.
The Chief Secretary acknowledged the contribution of senior public
servants supporting these reforms, including Mr Charles Abel, Director of the Reset at 50 Delivery Unit, who returned from retirement to focus on critical national outcomes, and Mr David Wereh, Chief Executive Officer of the National Monitoring and Coordination Authority, who opted for public service over private sector opportunities.
Mr Pomaleu cautioned that traditional ways of working in government must be disrupted and set aside, noting that reform requires a shift in mindset and practice.
He said his decision to be “deliberately disruptive” upon appointment reflected the Prime Minister’s ambitious reform agenda.
“Those who do not adapt risk being left behind, while those who embrace change have a unique opportunity to contribute to major national reforms and leave a lasting legacy,” he said.
Mr Pomaleu concluded by assuring participants that significant work lies ahead as the Government intensifies efforts to deliver on its commitments ahead of the election year.