THE Budget is the most important document of any government because it confirms the country’s money plan – how it plans to translate government policy into tangible development through spending.
The Budget outlines the Marape government’s proposed spending and revenue for 2025 and is so important to confirm the government’s resolve to improve the quality of life for the people of Papua New Guinea.
A real concern is the tardiness surrounding the 2025 Budget, the lack of compliance to the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), and the lack of accountability to Parliament and the people of Papua New Guinea about how their money will be spent in 2025 and what they can expect from the Budget.
The 2024 MYEFO was delivered in November rather than July (5 months late), there was no Budget Strategy Paper, and today there is no Budget presentation in Parliament. Failure to report, account for public monies, and present reports on Budget performance on time confirms the total incompetence of the Treasurer, Hon Ian Ling-Stuckey.
Accountability in public office is mandatory and refers to how someone demonstrates competence, reliability, and honesty in a way that augments public trust in how public money and resources are being utilized. In true form as a stalwart of the Marpe government, the Treasurer treats Parliament and the people of Papua New Guinea with contempt by failing to comply with legislation and transparently report on Budget performance. The 2024 Budget failed so we expect the Treasurer to tender his resignation forthwith.
The failure to adhere to the Budget cycle and perform proficiently is demonstrable incompetence. If someone cannot do their job, they should be replaced. But this goes against the kakistocracy that is installed by the Prime Minister Hon James Marape. God help Papua New Guinea if this continues.
This lackadaisical management style by failing to get documents like the Budget prepared on time reflects out-of-touch leadership and poor management. Time is a critical resource that we cannot buy or buy back. The fact that the Treasurer’s attitude is not an isolated incident, but a trend, reflects a culture of mediocrity prevalent in the Marape government. The poor performance surrounding the preparation of the 2025 Budget is deplorable. Mediocrity breeds mediocrity and this will continue to result in lackluster implementation of public policy. The late 2025 Budget is a case in point.
