23/07/2026
: More Than 70 Non-Compliant Public Sector Heads Suspended
PNG Online News | Thur. July 23, 2026 |
THE National Executive Council (NEC) has approved the immediate suspension of more than 70 heads of public sector institutions who failed to submit their mandatory annual performance reports, as required under Papua New Guinea's public sector performance management laws.
Prime Minister James Marape announced the decision following the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, describing the move as a firm step towards restoring accountability, transparency and discipline across the public service.
Marape said the suspensions apply to a wide range of senior public officials, including departmental heads, chief executive officers of government agencies and Provincial Health Authorities, Provincial Administrators, university heads, State-Owned Enterprise CEOs, heads of the disciplined forces, and constitutional office holders.
He said the Government's decision applies equally to all public sector leaders, regardless of their position.
"It does not matter who you are or what position you hold. If your name appears on the list of non-compliant agency heads, your suspension takes immediate effect," the Prime Minister said.
A government review found that many agencies had failed to meet their statutory reporting obligations for several years, with outstanding annual reports dating back to 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The Prime Minister said annual performance reporting is a legal requirement and a cornerstone of accountability, transparency and good governance, enabling Parliament and the public to assess how government funds have been spent and what outcomes have been achieved.
During the suspension period, affected officials will be given an opportunity to explain why the reports were not submitted. Investigations will determine whether further disciplinary action, including dismissal, is necessary.
Meanwhile, deputies will be asked to act on their positions during the suspension period.
Marape said accountability would also extend to finance, human resource and other officers if investigations show they were responsible for the reporting failures.
Describing 2026 as Papua New Guinea's "Year of Reset," the Prime Minister said restoring discipline across the public service begins with compliance with the law.
"Leadership comes with responsibility. You must account for the work you have done, the public funds you have managed and the results you have delivered."
"We have had enough of people failing to report on the work entrusted to them. That culture must end."
He said as Papua New Guinea prepares to enter its 51st year of Independence, every public servant must uphold the principles of accountability by reporting on the use of public resources and the work completed during the previous year.
"2026 is our Year of Reset. Let us get the basics right," Marape said.
