By ORCHY REX
Police Commissioner David Manning has called on members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) to take pride in their new living spaces, reminded police officers that their attitude toward their accommodation reflects their professionalism and service to the community.
Speaking at the official handover of the new Gordons Police Single Quarters housing facility in Port Moresby today, Commissioner Manning said the completion of the new barracks marked another milestone in the ongoing partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia, under the PNG–Australia Policing Partnership Program.
“Firstly, let me say how honored I am to be here today at the official handover of the Gordons Police Quarters,” Commissioner Manning said: “It is definitely a significant moment for the ongoing partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia.”
He acknowledged the mature and responsive collaboration between the RPNGC, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the broader Australia Policing Partnership (APP), saying their joint efforts were producing “real, visible results” across the country.
“Our collaboration has brought about considerable infrastructure investments that are making a real difference across the country,” he said.
Commissioner Manning said the newly refurbished quarters were part of a broader infrastructure program that also includes facilities in the Highlands, New Guinea Islands, and the National Capital District, as well as specialist units such as forensics and the National Centre of Excellence at Bomana.
“These projects are critical to supporting my priority of rebuilding the RPNGC,” he said. “Infrastructure projects such as these are ensuring modern, fit-for-purpose housing is available for our members and the 700 new recruits that will be passing out through Bomana every year from this year onwards.”
He said the Marape–Rosso Government’s ongoing support through the Special Police Assistance Program, now in its third year, was ensuring that police officers were rewarded with decent accommodation and improved welfare conditions.
Commissioner Manning also reminded officers that respect for their living environment was a reflection of their discipline and commitment to the force.
“All we ask is show respect and pride in these barracks. How you live reflects how you work,” he said. “Serve diligently, serve professionally, and the RPNGC executive will support and back you all.”
He added that the next phase of the infrastructure partnership with the AFP would deliver new police housing outside Port Moresby to strengthen the frontline presence and support police families in regional areas.
“I look forward to phase two of the infrastructure program under our partnership with the AFP which will deliver new police housing outside NCD,” he said.
Meanwhile, PNG–APP Commander Jamie Strauss also commended the milestone, noting that similar housing projects were underway in Mount Hagen and Kokopo, forming part of a K21 million initiative to improve police accommodation nationwide.
“Today marks a significant milestone, with the completion and handover of this building, the male single quarters barracks,” Commander Strauss said. “There’s also an eight-room female barracks nearby which will accommodate 16 officers.”
He said the new Gordons quarters consist of 26 rooms, accommodating up to 48 RPNGC officers, complete with kitchen and dining areas, laundry facilities, storage spaces, and water tanks.
“These new barracks are not just buildings; they are a strategic investment in the future of the RPNGC,” he said.
Commander Strauss said the project was completed within an ambitious eight-month timeframe, commending the professionalism and dedication of all stakeholders involved.
“People think these things can be built like that but they can’t. But it’s a pretty quick turnaround, so that’s a big job on the back to everyone involved,” he added.
He said the broader initiative reflects a shared commitment between the AFP, RPNGC and the PNG Government to strengthen policing capability across the country.
“This initiative represents a shared commitment by the RPNGC, the AFP and all our partners to strengthening policing capability across Papua New Guinea,” Strauss said.
The Gordons Police Quarters are part of a long-term plan to modernize police infrastructure, boost officer morale and ensure better working and living standards for members of the RPNGC.