PRIME Minister James Marape today announced a key Cabinet reshuffle, following the swearing-in of Kairuku MP, Hon. Peter Isoaimo, as the new Minister for Energy.
Minister Isoaimo replaces Kerema MP Hon. Thomas Opa, who has been appointed as Minister for Finance, while outgoing Finance Minister Hon. Miki Kaeok retains his Transport portfolio.
Prime Minister Marape thanked Minister Kaeok for his tenure at Finance.
Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony at Government House, PM Marape praised Mr Isoaimo as a seasoned leader and dedicated member of the government coalition, noting his long political service since entering the National Parliament in the 9th Parliament through a by-election and his earlier years in the Central Provincial Assembly.
“Minister Isoaimo has been a loyal and humble servant of this government,” PM Marape said.
“He brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously served as Vice Minister for Works and Highways, and has consistently demonstrated patience, loyalty, and sincerity—qualities we value as we build the next generation of Papua New Guinean leadership.”
Mr Isoaimo’s appointment also restores Cabinet representation for Central Province following the departure of Hon. Walter Schnaubelt, National Alliance Party leader, who moved to serve as Governor of New Ireland Province.
PM Marape acknowledged the continued partnership with the National Alliance Party, a coalition partner of Pangu Pati since 2019.
We are keeping faith with the coalition arrangement. This was not just about politics—it was the right choice based on experience, region, and merit,” said PM Marape.
The Prime Minister emphasised the growing importance of Central Province in the national energy and development agenda, pointing to strategic projects including Papua LNG, the Wildebeest gas fields, and the reopening of Tolukuma Gold Mine.
He highlighted the underutilised agricultural land across Central and Gulf provinces as a major frontier for national development.
“Minister Isoaimo’s Kairuku electorate lies between Port Moresby and Gulf, at the heart of emerging LNG, mining, and agricultural corridors. He is well placed to drive the energy portfolio in this critical time,” PM added.
On the reshuffle, PM Marape explained that the changes were part of a broader performance review aimed at enhancing service delivery ahead of the 2025 Budget and beyond.
“All departments and ministers are under review,” PM Marape said.
“This is about ensuring the right people are in the right portfolios as we head into our 50th anniversary and beyond. We’re doing this for the country—not for our districts or friends.”
Incoming Finance Minister Hon. Thomas Opa was praised for his integrity and capability.
PM Marape, himself a former Finance Minister, urged Minister Opa to maintain strict financial discipline and ensure that public funds are managed transparently and effectively.
In his first remarks as Energy Minister, Isoaimo thanked the Prime Minister and the coalition for his elevation.
“I did not see this coming,” Mr Isoaimo said. “But I am humbled by the trust placed in me. I thank the National Alliance Party and Governor Walter Schnaubelt for their confidence, and I pledge to serve the government and our people to the best of my ability.”
Minister Isoaimo reiterated his commitment to the Marape-Rosso Government and the national development agenda, expressing readiness to support the country’s energy ambitions.
“God bless Papua New Guinea,” he said.
“This is a proud moment for me and the people of Kairuku.”