AGP Executive Report

Rugby League World Cup squads: England named a 23-man Rugby League World Cup squad with Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis included, while Leeds playmaker Jake Connor was the shock omission; the selection leaves England with no Leeds or Wakefield Trinity players in the final squad. PNG sport pathway boost: PNG’s Junior Kumuls made history with an 18–10 win over the Australian Schoolboys, drawing praise from Prime Minister James Marape and PNG Chiefs leadership as the country pushes for stronger junior pathways ahead of the PNG Chiefs’ NRL entry in 2028. Kina and cost of living: Opposition leader James Nomane warned that “Kina convertibility” must not mask ongoing depreciation, saying families are paying more for essentials as the kina buys less US dollars. Election readiness: Nomane urged the Electoral Commission to fix the common roll and provide regular updates as GE27 writs near, warning delays could undermine a safe, secure vote. Business and jobs: Taylor Pacific Group signed on as a five-year Foundation Major Partner of the PNG Chiefs, backing the club’s push onto the NRL stage. Health support: Eastern Highlands received a new ultrasound scanner for maternal care at the ANC Kama Clinic in Goroka, aiming to improve early diagnosis and referrals. Climate diplomacy: PM Marape said PNG is ready to work with Tuvalu on practical climate solutions ahead of COP31. Regional investment: AkzoNobel agreed to sell its Southeast Asia decorative paints business to Nippon Paint for US$1.35b, including operations in Papua New Guinea.

Police Discipline: Prime Minister James Marape urged newly commissioned RPNGC officers to avoid betel nut, smoking, alcohol and gambling in their first five years, warning such habits can stall careers. Maritime Security: Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko called for stronger international cooperation and technology-driven surveillance to tackle illegal fishing, highlighting PNG’s MCS Command Centre in Daru and vessel-tracking efforts. Sports—PNG in the Spotlight: Australia beat PNG 60–10 in PM’s XIII in Port Moresby, while the Junior Kumuls made history by defeating the Australian Schoolboys 18–10; in boxing, John Ume won a short-notice bout to take the BX-9 interim welterweight title. Climate Pressure: West New Britain faces severe El Niño-linked bushfires destroying gardens and plantations, while Pacific leaders at Pre-COP31 push for stronger climate finance and tougher outcomes. Media & Governance: PNG secured three seats on the new PINA board, and the IRC and PNGNIO signed an MoU to strengthen intelligence cooperation on revenue and national security. Community & Conservation: Torres Strait and PNG rangers held a cross-border ranger knowledge exchange to protect land and sea using shared cultural and conservation practices.

Rugby League (PNG ties): Australia crushed Papua New Guinea 60-10 in the Prime Minister’s XIII in Port Moresby, with Ezra Mam starring and PNG’s late tries offering brief relief. Junior Kumuls breakthrough: The Junior Kumuls made history by beating the Australian Schoolboys 18-10, a win credited to the PNG pathway and academy pipeline. Women’s rugby league: Australia also thumped PNG 66-6 in the women’s PM’s XIII, setting a new high for the fixture’s winning margin. Development & youth sport: PNGRFL Academy graduates featured heavily in the PM’s XIII fixtures, underlining the push to grow local talent ahead of the PNG Chiefs’ NRL entry. Environment & disaster: West New Britain is battling severe El Niño-linked wildfires, destroying gardens and plantations and threatening communities and air operations. Revenue security: PNG’s Internal Revenue Commission and PNG National Intelligence Organisation signed an MoU to strengthen intelligence and protect the national revenue base. Climate diplomacy: PNG environment officials say Pre-COP31 must deliver real climate action, warning against “weak” outcomes. Cross-border conservation: Torres Strait and PNG rangers held a knowledge exchange under the Torres Strait Treaty to boost shared land and sea protection.

Junior Kumuls pathway: PNG’s Junior Kumuls made history with an 18-10 win over the Australian Schoolboys, with coach Joe Grima pointing to the growing academy-to-national pathway now covering 14 provinces and 1,680 boys and girls. PM’s XIII results: Australia dominated the men’s Prime Minister’s XIII in Port Moresby, winning 60-10, while the women’s clash went Australia’s way 66-6. NRL coaching links: Dean Young is reportedly targeting Nathan Fien to join the St George Illawarra Dragons coaching staff for 2027, after their shared Dragons premiership history. Revenue & security: The IRC and PNGNIO signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation on intelligence gathering and protecting PNG’s revenue base. Climate pressure: Pre-COP31 talks are under fire, with a Pacific environment official warning negotiators not to accept a weak climate deal. Conservation on the border: Torres Strait and PNG rangers held a knowledge exchange under the Torres Strait Treaty to boost land and sea conservation. Disaster watch: West New Britain is battling severe El Niño bushfires, threatening plantations, wildlife, and air operations. Health push: Morobe launched routine distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets to strengthen malaria prevention. US visa bond update: The US introduced refundable visa bonds up to $20,000 for 50 countries; India is not on the list.

Prime Minister’s XIII: Australia crushed PNG 60–10 at Santos National Football Stadium, racing to a 38–0 halftime lead and finishing with 11 tries; PNG’s late replies came from Sylvester Namo and Jeremiah Ben, but the match highlighted PNG’s missed tackles and discipline issues. Junior Kumuls: In the same rugby double-header, the Junior Kumuls made history with a 18–10 win over the Australian Schoolboys, led by Jason Daniel’s two tries and a late penalty goal from Elijah Birve. BX-9 boxing: John “The Ring Monster” Ume won the BX-9 interim welterweight title in Auckland, setting up a shot at the official title in early 2027. Disaster and health: West New Britain is battling severe El Niño bushfires, with flames destroying coconut palms and threatening Hoskins Airport operations; Morobe meanwhile rolled out insecticide-treated bed nets to strengthen malaria prevention. Governance and identity: PNG is finalising rules to link SIM cards to the SevisPass digital ID, while Marape reiterated PNG’s goal to leave the FATF Grey List with lasting reforms. Business and youth: K92 Mining announced leadership changes at its Kainantu Gold Mine, and a PNG–Fiji business council was launched to help SMEs find new markets.

Prime Minister’s XIII Rugby: Australia’s PM’s XIII and PNG’s PM’s XIII meet again in Port Moresby, with PNG naming Sanny Wabo as captain Ila Alu and Australia bringing stars including David Fifita and Ezra Mam; the match is set for tomorrow at the Santos National Football Stadium. Election Readiness: A parliamentary elections committee warning says funding shortfalls, security planning gaps and procurement issues still threaten PNG’s 2027 National General Election. Anti-Money Laundering Push: PM James Marape says PNG’s goal to exit the FATF “Gray List” must come with lasting reforms, not quick fixes, as financial crime and weak tracing of transactions remain concerns. Digital Identity & SIM Rules: PNG is finalising rules to link SIM registration to the SevisPass national digital ID, giving adults 12 months to connect numbers once endorsed. Education Support: BSP donates 20 computers and a full LAN to Tabubil Secondary School to restore practical ICT learning. Health & Malaria: PNG and Japan launch a five-year research project to strengthen malaria prevention, detection and response, with East Sepik as a main field site. Sports Discipline: PNGDF Commander’s Cup moves into semi-finals today, with the tournament framed as building fitness, discipline and teamwork across units.

PNG–Fiji Business Council: A new council was launched in Port Moresby to help PNG and Fiji SMEs find partners and enter new markets, using a database approach instead of endless conferences. Governance & Integrity: Prime Minister James Marape says PNG’s push to exit the FATF “Grey List” must bring lasting reforms, including stronger anti-money laundering and better tracing in a digital economy. Leadership Change: Planning Secretary Koney Samuel has resigned after 27 years in public service, citing personal reasons and a need to make way for younger leaders. Media in the Pacific: PNG has bid to host the 9th PINA Media Summit in 2028, with Neville Choi saying the industry wants to build on recent gains before the 2027 election. Roads & Development: Engineers have begun scoping work for Kokoda Highway sealing, with a 50-50 cost share expected once funding is confirmed. Security & Sport: PNGDF Commander’s Cup moves into semi-finals today, framed as building discipline and unity through sport. Public Safety: Financial institutions warn PNG faces rising illegal gambling, cybercrime, online scams and money laundering.

PNG-Australia Defence: Exercise Wantok Warrior 2026 has brought more than 230 PNG and Australian troops near Port Moresby for joint drills on patrols, convoy protection, checkpoints and maritime training, aimed at stronger coordination under the PNG–Australia alliance. Security Treaty Watch: Australia and Fiji’s Ocean of Peace Alliance is being described as “deliberately not prescriptive” on what happens in a conflict, with lawmakers saying the mutual defence language is broad by design. Police Capacity: The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary is ramping up officer and recruit training to help reach the 10,000-strong force target by 2030. Economy & Risks: The Bank of Papua New Guinea lifted its 2026 growth forecast to 3.5% but warns 2027 could slow to around 2% as costs rise and El Niño threatens agriculture and water. Infrastructure: Hoskins Airport upgrade is 78% complete, with the runway extended to 1,580 metres and works continuing toward late-2026 completion. Sports & Community: PNGDF’s Commander’s Cup is in semi-finals after five rounds, while Bomana hosted cadet commissioning and the Prime Minister’s XIII rugby league fixtures continue to build Australia–PNG ties. Health: Fiji passed a needle exchange law to tackle an HIV emergency, joining Australia, New Zealand and PNG with formal programmes.

Diplomacy & Education: Indonesia’s embassy opened a two-day education and product exhibition in Port Moresby, with three universities offering PNG students study and scholarship options, including STEM and vocational pathways. Sports & Community: Australia’s Prime Minister’s XIII teams arrived in Port Moresby ahead of Saturday fixtures, while the PNG Chiefs’ Coca-Cola partnership is set to “start connecting” communities now, not just at the club’s 2028 NRL debut. Governance & Integrity: Prime Minister James Marape urged police, financial institutions and public officials to enforce existing laws, track public money and recover stolen funds, warning that election trust erodes when money dominates politics. Economy Watch: The Bank of Papua New Guinea lifted its 2026 growth forecast to 3.5% but warned 2027 could soften as costs rise and El Niño risks hit agriculture. Infrastructure & Jobs: Hoskins Airport upgrade reached 78% completion, with the runway extended to 1,580 metres; Australia also announced expanded PNG infrastructure investment and skills support. Health & Safety: Education clarified the Kerevat National School of Excellence name remains unchanged, with a new James Marape Legacy Campus block unveiled. National News: Daulo MP Ekime Gorosahu has died, prompting condolences from Marape and the URP. Environment: The Bezos Earth Fund announced $25 million in grants for Pacific ocean conservation, including support for PNG’s first large offshore marine protected area.

Election Integrity & Governance: CPS PNG will launch Project 2027 to promote integrity and good governance ahead of the 2027 National General Elections. Science & Innovation: A University of Natural Resources and Environment researcher, Kathleen Diapong, won Innovator of the Year at the PNG Research, Science and Technology Conference in Goroka for a local stockfeed formulation. Judicial Wellbeing: Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie urged judges and magistrates to balance duty with personal life without weakening accountability. Public Safety: A murder suspect surrendered to Port Moresby police over an Eight Mile killing, with investigators now preparing the case. Health in the Highlands: Three premature babies died in remote Markham after delayed access to specialised neonatal care. Remote Connectivity & Services: Australia partnered with Samaritan Aviation to keep remote PNG communities connected for emergency medical flights and disaster relief. Finance & Inclusion: Bank of Papua New Guinea issued licences to DealCorp Finance and PayItNow PNG to expand loans and digital payments. Diplomacy & Trade: PNG and Montenegro established diplomatic ties, with future cooperation flagged in tourism, renewable energy, agriculture and digital innovation. Sports & Youth: Pacific teams are finalising squads for the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar, with PNG among confirmed participants.

Gender-Based Violence Response: Bel isi PNG says Australian-backed workplace leadership is turning GBV/FSV policies into practical action, linking survivors to case management, safe accommodation and referrals. Remote Health Access: Australia is partnering with Samaritan Aviation to keep seaplane medical flights running for East Sepik and Gulf communities, cutting days-long travel to emergency care. Law & Order in Enga: Police arrested a suspected drug smuggler and six alleged tribal fight leaders after seizing about 10kg of marijuana at a checkpoint. Election Security Planning: A parliamentary committee warned police and defence budgets for 2027 election security are not aligned, raising double-dipping risks. Finance & Inclusion: Bank of PNG issued licences to DealCorp Finance and PayItNow PNG to expand lending and digital payments. Local Digital Services: Lae City Authority launched ServiceLink with NiuPay for online land tax payments. Diplomacy & Peace: Marape returned from UNGA urging PNG not to take peace for granted, while PNG and Montenegro formalised diplomatic ties. Sports: Rigo hosts Southern PNGFA Cup qualifiers; Voro won Betfred Championship Player of the Year; PNG’s MSG PM’s Cup race tightens with Fiji’s 2-0 win over PNG.

IUU Fishing Crackdown: PNG called for stronger international action, technology-driven surveillance and tougher enforcement to stop illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing at UNGA81. Human Trafficking Charges: Police charged four Chinese nationals with 312 counts tied to alleged trafficking and deprivation of liberty of 39 Indonesian victims in Port Moresby. Lae Digital Land Taxes: Lae City Authority launched ServiceLink with NiuPay, letting residents pay land taxes online and reducing cash handling and office queues. Climate Pressure at UNGA: Pacific leaders, including PNG PM James Marape, urged the world to prioritise humanity over war and to act faster on climate, warning the worst impacts fall on those doing the least. Diplomacy in Europe: PNG formally established relations with Montenegro, opening doors for cooperation in trade, tourism, renewable energy, agriculture and digital innovation. Landowners vs Colonial-Era Laws: Oro Governor Gary Juffa warned outdated resource laws could leave Melanesian landowners exposed, calling for reforms in PNG and Solomon Islands. El Niño Food Threat: Severe frosts linked to El Niño have destroyed crops in PNG, with similar risks flagged for Australia. Sport & Community: PNG Bilums surged to a 5-1 win over Solomon Islands to stay unbeaten and secure their MSG Cup final spot.

PNG Chiefs Coca-Cola deal: The PNG Chiefs have locked in Coca-Cola Europacific Partners as a premier partner ahead of their 2028 NRL entry, with Coke branding on the men’s jersey sleeves and rights across match-day, media, hospitality and community platforms. Women’s MSG Cup surge: The PNG Bilums stayed perfect, beating Solomon Islands 5-1 in Suva to secure the finals spot and an undefeated group run. Law & order leadership change: Police Commissioner David Manning appointed Chief Inspector Yangen as Enga Provincial Police Commander, replacing the previous leadership in a quick shake-up. Land tax goes digital in Lae: Lae City Authority launched ServiceLink, letting residents pay land taxes online via NiuPay and reducing cash handling and queues. Coffee export disruption: Highlands coffee shipments to Lae are stalled during peak season, risking delays and extra costs for growers and exporters. Health emergency in remote PNG: A mother was evacuated after giving birth to triplets in Markham, but all three babies died before specialised care arrived. Climate-linked violence warning: Researchers say drought and crop or livestock losses can trigger sorcery accusation-related violence, raising concern as El Niño deepens dry conditions.

Energy & Investment: TotalEnergies lifted its Q4 buybacks to $2.5b and plans $2b–$2.5b more in Q1 2027, while raising dividends by more than 5% annually through 2030, with oil and gas growth targets that include projects in Papua New Guinea. Health & Emergencies: A remote Markham mother was medevaced to Lae after premature triplets were born, but all three babies died before specialised neonatal care could arrive—another stark reminder of PNG’s access gaps. Health & Care Access: Rabaul’s cardiac screening clinic saw 43 children tested, with some flagged for possible surgery, while Misima’s MP delivered basic medicines amid El Niño-linked shortages. TVET & Skills: Australia-backed equipment was delivered to West New Britain Technical College to boost practical training for construction, agriculture, cocoa and oil palm. Cocoa Economy: PNG’s cocoa sector earned over K1.8b from exports last year on 61,000 tonnes, with government pushing toward K2b and more support for smallholders. Governance & Safety: Government measures to tackle law-and-order pressures include the Vagrancy Act, more CCTV in Port Moresby, and tougher action on illegal firearms. Media & AI: PNG’s Media Council president Neville Choi says PINA will focus on stronger support and transparency for Pacific newsrooms as AI reshapes newsroom work. Connectivity: PNG DataCo is preparing repairs on a Kumul cable fault affecting Vanimo services, with a target date of Oct 23.

Telecom Repairs: PNG DataCo is preparing repairs on a fault on the Kumul Domestic Submarine Cable branch serving Vanimo in Sandaun, after the issue was detected on Aug 25; the company’s target date is Oct 23, but services are not yet confirmed restored. Health & Access: A cardiac clinic in Rabaul screened 43 children under the Flying Doctors program, clearing 13 and flagging seven for possible open-heart surgery discussions. Health Supplies: Samarai-Murua MP Isi Henry Leonard delivered basic medicines to Misima District Hospital as drug shortages force facilities to scale back services. Cocoa Economy: PNG generated over K1.8b in cocoa export revenue in 2025 from 61,000 tonnes, with the government aiming to reach K2b. Climate Support: PNG’s drought insurance scheme triggered a second automatic payout, sending PGK 621,220 to 15,295 people across 14 districts. Labour Mobility: Under the PALM scheme, PNG says more than 2,700 workers are employed in Australia and remitted about K236m between 2022 and 2025. Rugby League Business: The PNG Chiefs locked in Coca-Cola Europacific Partners as a premier partner, with Coke branding on sleeves from the 2028 NRL debut. Student Safety: UPNG’s SRC called for calm after a fight between Western Highlands and Enga students left several injured.

Independence Rugby League 9s: The Powes Parkop Independence Rugby League 9s has narrowed to 12 teams after weekend finals at Kone Tigers Oval, setting up do-or-die Cup qualifiers and Plate/Bowl semi-finals as sides chase Cup, Plate and Bowl glory. UPNG Campus Safety: UPNG SRC leaders urged calm after a clash between Western Highlands and Enga students left several injured, with SRC calling for an end to violence and regional division. Cocoa Jobs Push: PNG’s Cocoa Board is driving a 10-year cocoa strategy aiming to unlock up to one million jobs by expanding processing and rural incomes. Women’s Football: PNG Bilums booked the MSG Prime Minister’s Cup final with a 2-0 win over Vanuatu, while Fiji beat PNG 2-0 in the men’s match. Election Readiness: The PNG Electoral Commission says it has launched crisis measures for 2027 election delays and is probing financial and procurement weaknesses. Media Leadership: Neville Choi was elected president of PINA, with fact-checking and verification flagged as priorities. Drought Warning: A very strong El Niño is deepening drought, with NCD and Gulf now in critical conditions.