20/09/2025
Navigating the New Minimum Wage
A Call for Adaptation in Papua New Guinea's Security Sector
Effective January 1st, 2026, the minimum wage in Papua New Guinea will increase from K3.50 to K5.00 per hour. While this is a positive step for workers, it presents a significant challenge for labor-intensive industries, particularly the security sector.
The security industry is a major employer in our nation, and this wage adjustment will inevitably impact how businesses manage their operational costs. We anticipate that clients, especially those with multiple locations, may consider downsizing their guard workforce to mitigate the increase in labor expenses.
To proactively address this shift, I propose that the industry focuses on developing a highly versatile, multiskilled workforce. Instead of hiring for a single role, companies can invest in training their employees with a broader range of competencies. For instance, a security professional could be a licensed driver who is also capable of performing supervisory duties or even basic mechanical maintenance.
This strategy of upskilling our national workforce can enhance efficiency, reduce overall costs for clients, and create more valuable, resilient jobs. It's an opportunity for the security industry to lead by example and demonstrate its ability to adapt and thrive in a changing economic landscape.