The government has moved to privatize a portion of its state-owned power company, PNG Power Limited, to improve on its services to the people. This was announced by Prime Minister James Marape today at the PNG CORE 2024 Investment Week in Sydney, Australia. Marape told the PNG CORE Investment Week that Cabinet has approved the decision in one of its final meetings this year the partial privatization of the State-owned enterprise to improve its operations and efficiency of power supply to Papua New Guinea (PNG). The partial privatization means the State will continue to maintain its interest in PNG Power with the investor taking over management of the enterprise and equity- assets worth over K4 billion in the company. This will be the second decision the Cabinet has made on PNG Power following an earlier decision that was made to look at the company’s power generation, retail and distribution status. The Prime Minister then urged investors to keep an eye out for Expressions of Interest soon to be advertised, pointing out the advantage in PNG Power’s “first right to supply power” monopoly in PNG. “Power supply is a strategic asset and investment, and PNG Power has two important assets. It has asset that are K4 billion in total, and more importantly it has monopoly in first right of supplying power with its community service obligation that it still holds," said the Prime Minister. PM Marape said reforms in the energy sector have begun with the government ministry responsible ready to issue licenses to investors willing to partner his government to take power supply to parts of PNG that are out of reach of PNG Power, as up to 70 percent of the country remains without electricity supply. He also highlighted the Government’s long-term decision to move into clean, green energy in the next 20 years, while pointing out PNG’s numerous clean energy potential in hydro, thermal, wind and solar sources. He urged investors to seriously consider this space and to look further down the line to selling power over the borders to Indonesia and Australia. “We want to unlock power in our country by bringing cheaper reliable and cleaner power to our people at the earliest. We have more than enough sources of clean energy where hydro remains the biggest available source." “I encourage investors to think big and take up these opportunities that are available in our country,” said PM Marape.

It’s the festive season, a time for joy, peace and harmony but most importantly for many Christians in Papua New Guinea, it's the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our King and Savior. That’s the festivity message the good Governor for National Capital District Powes Parkop is delivering while spreading the Christmas cheer to all the residents of Port Moresby city. The Governor also has a lineup of activities and programs for city residents to participate and enjoy this festive season, with activities planned for this Sunday. PROGRAM SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, 15TH DECEMBER 2024 1. Whitecember Walk •     Start Time: 5:00 AM •     Location: From Ela Beach to Sir Hubert Murray Stadium. •     Residents are encouraged to wear white to symbolize peace in the city. 2. Combined Church Service •     Time: 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM •     Venue: Sir Hubert Murray Stadium. •     A light refreshment will be provided for attendees. 3. Carols by the Sea •     Start Time: 5:00 PM onwards •     Location: Ela Beach. •     The event will feature Christmas dramas, choirs, performances, stalls, and markets, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display.

The New Porgera Limited (NPL) is a step closer to finalising the Community Development Agreement following the recent signing of Long- Term Compensation Agreements (LTCAs) in Porgera, Enga province. NPL announced over the weekend that it has signed the LTCAs with recognized landholder agents for 14 of its 15 tenements that require compensation to be paid, including Special Mining Lease (SML) 13, in compliance with Part VII of the Mining Act 1992. The LTCAs supersede and replace the Consent Compensation Agreements (CCA) signed and registered in November-December 2023, which paved the way for the Porgera Mine to restart on 23rd December 2023. The parties commenced negotiations on the LTCAs in February 2024 and held a series of meetings in a transparent manner to ensure free, prior and informed consent by landholder agents. An overwhelming majority of 94% of landholder agents (or their authorized proxies) signed the LTCAs over the period from 24 November to 4 December in both Tari and Porgera. Due to a court order, NPL was unable to engage with the landholders of certain land that is subject to an order by the National Court in proceedings brought by the Tieni-Yangua Incorporated Land Group. The LTCAs provide for increased compensation and contain provisions that were settled with the Chief Mining Warden at the Mineral Resources Authority (MRA)to improve transparency, provide clarity and aid effective dispute resolution. For instance, NPL will now provide annual reports to the MRA on compensation payments made. NPL respects the rights of the landholder agents for Mining Easement 119, who chose not to sign an LTCA and, accordingly, remain subject to the CCA in respect of that tenement. Having achieved this important milestone, NPL now looks forward to finalizing the Community Development Agreement for SML 13 and will continue to push for fair and equitable distribution of benefits between all tenements to ensure social licence for the life of the mine.

It's the last month of the year and like every month, the public gets to know about the fuel prices for the month, well for December it will be a mixture of price increases and decreases to be experienced right across the country. The Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC) says starting tomorrow, Sunday 8th December, the price for petrol will decrease on average right across Papua New Guinea (PNG), but it won’t be a big decrease, only a 2 toea decrease from last month’s price. However, the prices for diesel and kerosene will increase on average right across the country. According to the ICCC, the decrease of the price of petrol reflects the decrease in crude oil prices observed in November. However, the increase in the price of diesel, kerosene and even Jet A1 fuel was due to a few reasons which include supply reduction from China and subsequent increase in refinery margins for diesel and jet fuel, increased demand for diesel and heating oil during the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere and increase demand for jet fuel in response to increased travel during the festive season. The domestic retail prices for this month are inclusive of the Import Parity Prices (IRPs) or the imported costs for each petroleum product, domestic sea and road freight rates for the third quarter of 2024, the annual wholesale and retail margins for 2024 and the Goods and Services Tax (GST), including the applicable excise duties, among other parameters. After adding all the various cost components mentioned above, the maximum retail price movements for petrol, diesel and kerosene in Port Moresby will charge as follows: · Petrol K4.22 per litre from K4.24 per litre in November; a 2 toea decrease · Diesel K4.07 per litre from K4.01 per litre in November; a 6 toea increase · Kerosene K3.79 per litre from K3.74 per litre in November; a 5 toea increase Meantime, the fuel retail prices in all other designated centres will change according to their quarterly approved domestic freight rates for the fourth quarter of 2024, and their respective annual retail margins for this year. For all other centres, the maximum retail prices for each regulated petroleum product will change on average consistent with the changes observed for Port Moresby city. The ICCC officers will also conduct compliance inspections at service stations in Lae, Mt. Hagen, Kokopo and Port Moresby cities. Inspection Administrators in other provinces will be supported by ICCC Agents and respective Provincial Administration in those provinces.

The New Porgera Limited (NPL) advised today that it has immediately suspended the employment of the persons of interest identified in the Emergency Orders issued by the State of Emergency (SOE) Controller until all criminal allegations against them have been resolved. NPL took this action in response to Emergency Orders No. 18 dated 1st December 2024 issued by Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police and State of Emergency Controller, Joseph T. Tondop, following the murder of eight people: two women and six men in an unprovoked attack on Suyan village by members of the Pianda tribe. It turned out that in the early hours of the 29th of November 2024, Councilor Tawa Kina and members of the Pianda tribe, their allies and supporters attacked Suyan village. According to police, Councilor Tawa’s actions have confirmed that he does not have the mandate of his people to be an elected official and government representative at the local level. In fact, Councilor Tawa has proven himself to be nothing more than a common criminal masquerading as a democratically mandated leader. Therefore, it is now necessary for this specific Emergency Order to be issued by the SOE Controller to ensure the apprehension of Mr. Tawa and his accomplices to face the law. “I, Joseph Tondop, QPM. DPS, Controller of the Porgera State of Emergency 2024 hereby make the following orders by virtue of the powers and authority conferred upon me by the National Executive Council in Decision 212/2024 (as endorsed by the Governor General on 20th September 2024) and under the National Emergencies Act and all other enabling acts to the following parties as specified hereunder.” The Order requires Councilor Tawa Kina and his brother Sedrick along with their supporters and accomplices to surrender to members of the State Security Forces (SSF) in Porgera or anywhere in Enga province to allow the process of the law to be followed through to its conclusion in accordance with the laws of Papua New Guinea. The Emergency Order also calls on members of the Pianda tribe, their allies and supporters to provide all facts and information needed that will lead to the immediate apprehension and arrest of Councilor Tawa Kina and his accomplices, identify any person or persons involved in the attack, and refrain from taking sides, harbouring, or protecting any person or persons who were party to the attack on Suyan village. Any person or persons who fail to comply with these orders will be arrested, charged, and prosecuted without further warning.

The Minister for Housing and Urbanisation is urging tenants of properties belonging to the National Housing Corporation (NHC) to be consistent in paying their rentals, having been given the opportunity to reside in, or even purchase these homes over the years. Minister Kobby Bomareo made this call on the floor of parliament today when he asked leave of parliament to respond in a statement to a question from Gulf Governor Sir Chris Haiveta, which was asked last week Wednesday regarding a NHC public notice published on 4th of November and its effects on tenants residing in NHC properties in certain parts of Port Moresby city. These areas of concern are Hohola, Waigani and Gerehu suburbs where the first public servants settled, and the settlement areas of Sabama, Kaugere and Kilakila. “Let me clarify that the government through the National Housing Corporation has compensated most of our senior public servants through various housing scheme, like the Give Away Scheme and the Government Sell off Scheme,” said the Minister. “They were given subsidised market prices lower than the market price to purchase their homes in areas like Hohola, Waigani, Gerehu, Boroko and even Paga Hill and Downtown area.” “These privileged public servants were given prices ranging from just around K11, 000 to K35, 000 and repayment terms.” He said the other group that were also given the privilege were the public servants under the colonial administration who were given lands to settle on. “In the 1960s to the 80s the low-ranking public servants and other citizens that worked in the colonial administration were given vacant land under the National Housing Corporation Self Help Settlement Scheme at Sabama, Kaugere, Horse Camp, Morata, Erima and similar National Housing Corporation settlements around the country.” He said these lot were only required to pay K50 annual rent for the land and they were required to construct permanent houses as per the State Lease Condition within two years, but unfortunately most have not done so. “We are in 2024 and there is a huge demand and public outcry for affordable public housing,” he stressed. “As the minister responsible for providing affordable homes to all citizens of this country, I am of the view that it is unfair to current working public servant to the so called senior and retired public servants who were given National Housing Corporation houses on a golden plate, on very low prices to continue residing in these houses without settling their arrears for decades.” He further stressed that the NHC does not provide free housing, its user pay, and the government did its part to subsidise the cost in accordance with the NHC Act 1990. “The country has to move forward and for National Housing Corporation to contribute and supply more affordable homes to citizens, current NHC tenants must pay these low rentals that are charged by the NHC as per the tenancy agreement and the landlord tenant relationship as per the NHC Act 1990,” said the minister, suggesting that those unable to pay up should make way for new tenants.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape has commended the Member of Parliament (MP) for Moresby North-East, John Kaupa, for the progressive work on the 9 Mile Saivara Satellite Township project in Port Moresby city. The satellite township contains over 5, 000 allotments and once completed, land titles will be awarded to long-time residents of Nine Mile. The launching of this millstone project took place last week on Friday, November 29th. The project also holds a K300 million Level 4 hospital, which is a 3-year project; a K10 million police station that is completed; 20 houses to accommodate police personnel which is still under construction; and a market that is currently being utilized. In appreciation of Mr. Kaupa's efforts in improving his electorate, Marape thanked him for a job well done and acknowledged his partnership with National Capital District (NCD) Governor, Powes Parkop and the private sector to propel this suburban project forward. The Prime Minister informed the crowd present that in 2019, Mr Kaupa mentioned to him that whether he became a minister or not, his utmost priority was to fix issues in his electorate. The issues included extension of settlements, no proper water supply, lack of hospital, absence of school and no land titles, which have led to eviction in his electorate. “Although Mr. Kaupa's district is given limited funding annually, he has done exceptionally well to improve the livelihoods of his people of Moresby North-East,” the Prime Minister said. Moreover, Prime Minister Marape said his government for the last 5 years has allocated K5 billion to all districts and provinces to carry out work. "We've tried our absolute best to transfer resources equally to all parts of the country including to those on the opposite side.” "Opposition members, governors and Government members all received the same DSIP and PSIP, " he said, adding that Pangu-led Government has distributed the funds fairly to all districts and provinces so work must be commensurate with the funding. "There are some who do very little in their constituencies but are good at beating their drums loudly in politics. And there are others who talk less but do the work like here in Moresby North-East, Moresby South and Moresby North-West where projects are happening, " PM Marape told the crowd in Tok Pisin. Following his speech, Prime Minister Marape, Governor Parkop, Health and HIV/Aids Minister Elias Kapavore, Kaupa and representatives from developer, YFIG Group Limited, signed an agreement for work to begin on the K300 million Level 4 hospital. After the signing, the leaders moved to cut ribbon to officially open the new police station for the electorate.

The National Government’s proposal in its 2025 National Budget to reduce the Corporate Tax Rate has been well received by Kina Bank. This is because Kina Bank feels encouraged by the proposal to reduce the Corporate Tax Rate for commercial banks from 45% to 40% commencing 1st January 2025, and from 40% to 35% from 1st January 2026. Kina Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Greg Pawson, while thanking the Government and Prime Minister James Marape regarding the proposed changes, said: “We are encouraged that the Government is working to revise the increased 45% tax rate that was introduced on 1st January 2023. This proposed change will enable banks to allocate more capital for investment and business growth, thus supporting the Government’s growth agenda.” Then Government made this announcement when handing down the country’s 2025 National Budget on Friday 29th November at the Parliament House in Port Moresby city. The proposed changes apply to banks with annual earnings up to K300 million. For banks earning more than K300 million annually, the tax rate will reduce from 45% to 44% for 2025, and then by a further 1% in each successive financial year until the rate is 35%. In 2023, the PNG Government imposed a 15% increase in the Corporate Tax Rate from 30% to 45% for commercial banks.

Families nationwide will soon pay less for thirteen (13) selected basic food items and products all thanks to the National Government’s exemption of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on these items, which includes rice, tinned fish and chicken. Prime Minister (PM) James Marape announced this, stating that this positive change will come into effect on the 1st of July 2025. Prime Minister Marape said this while detailing the Household Assistance Support Package Government is giving to Papua New Guinean families under the 2025 National Budget. He was speaking in the Moresby North-East electorate, National Capital District, on Friday 29th November several hours after Treasurer, Ian Ling Stuckey, handed down the budget in Parliament. The Prime Minister was in Moresby North-East to officiate at the launch of several impact projects for the electorate, initiated under the leadership of local Member, John Kaupa. These projects included the development of Nine Mile Saivara Township, Level 4 Hospital and the opening of the Nine Mile Police Station. The PM said the Marape-Rosso Government is removing the 10 percent GST on 13 essential household items – rice, tinned fish, tinned meat, chicken, tea, coffee, biscuits, noodles, flour, cooking oil, women’s sanitary item, soap, and baby diapers. "By 1st July next year, 2025, you will not pay 10 percent GST on these essential household items. We have the tax exempted on these items to ease the burden on families throughout Papua New Guinea,” Prime Minister Marape told the people of North-East,” Marape said. He said to make this GST exemption on the essential items, K100 million is being allocated to the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) for the purchase of a Goods and Services Monitoring System (GMS) designed to collect tax at the point of sale. This system will be installed on all electronic cashier machines in all the shops and will be used in this new exercise. “We are also not increasing any tax for items including cigarettes and alcohol. We are paying school fees from elementary to university and colleges, and we are giving tax rebates to private education school fees,” said the Prime Minister. Meantime, Treasurer Ling-Stuckey, in his budget speech in Parliament, said the new GST Monitoring System will not charge this tax by 1st July 2025, and this exemption is expected to run through to 30th June 2026, with plans for extension as part of the 2026 budget. He added this new Household Assistance Support Package to families is costing K685 million and is part of the intervention the Pangu-led Government has been giving to PNG households in the last four years since the Ukraine-Russia war triggered surging prices worldwide. Over the four years to 2025, the Household Assistance Support Package will total over K2.3 billion. Government is also continuing next year to exempt Personal Income Tax for people earning salaries below K20,000 per year. For first home buyers, Government is lifting the stamp duty exemption threshold from K500,000 to K700,000, while it freezes the bi-annual indexation of excise on tobacco products and alcohol.

People who have fled tribal conflicts in the highlands and now residing in Port Moresby city, have been warned to behave themselves or return back to their homes. That is the warning issued by Prime Minister James Marape when speaking at the recent opening of a new police station at 9 Mile. While commenting on Moresby North- East Member of Parliament (MP) John Kaupa for the initiative to build the new police station, he also strongly warned people who escaped from tribal fights and are coming into the city, to respect each other and live in harmony with the city residents and not to break the law and cause disharmony in the community. He also said the new Bill that had been passed in Parliament will now help the police to punish people who do not abide by the law of this country. PM Marape said the Counter Terrorism Bill that was passed will now help police to come hard on those who break the law. Meantime, Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr also during his speech, talked about the difference between law- and- order and who is responsible for enforcing them. He said police are doing fine in enforcing the law in the country, but each family unit and the individual had failed their part to enforce order in their respective homes and that is why the country is facing a lot of law-and-order problems. He said when there is no order in each home, that will lead to more people breaking the law. He said when a family unit or a community is in order, there will be fewer lawbreakers and there will be fewer jobs for the police to do. Minister Tsiamalili, while thanking MP John Kaupa for the much-needed infrastructure, said the police department will work closely with him to fight the law-and-order problems in his electorate. Commander NCD and Central Provinces acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Turi, who was there to welcome and witness the opening of the police station, thanked Moresby North- East MP and the government for their support in building the police station. He said this will now help the people living in the Moresby North- East area to bring their complaints to the police station to seek police service. He said a new police station commander had been appointed and he would commence duty as soon as possible to make sure the people were served by the police around that area. He said the new Police Station Commander is Inspector Leonard Wai.

The government has come good on its word to provide better support for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) with over K700 million allocated for the police budget in the 2025 National Budget. Treasurer Ian Ling Stucky when handing down the 2025 National Budget at the Press Lockup at Parliament House today, told the audience that funding the police better is key to addressing the many law and order issues faced in the country, where this year alone saw a lot more crimes committed from tribal fights to killings. “As a government, we observe very, very closely, we’re listening, and for next year’s budget, we will spend,” said the Treasurer. “We’re securing our country by a massive investment in our police providing more than what was requested by the police department.” Indeed, the Department requested for K700 million, but the government went ahead and gave K703 million support for the RPNGC. “The 2025 Budget gives the police more than they have asked for. We will give them a 19% increase in wages, so they are able to grow the force to 10,000 by 2030,” Ling Stucky said. “We have increased their goods and services budget to K158.6 million, an extraordinary increase of 67% in just one year. Enough moneys to fund fuel for their vehicles, stationary to prepare court cases, and support for special operations. The capital budget is K200 million as they requested.” In addition to this, police will be given top priority in other areas of cross-agency funding, such as retirement funding. “This is a good budget for our police. We want our police forces to understand, from this budget, that the Marape-Rosso Government stands along-side you, and your vital work.” “In this security-focused budget, we have increased their wages budget by 15%. We have increased their goods and services budget by an extraordinary 32% and their capital budget by an even more extraordinary 116%.”

The National Government today handed down a total K28 billion deficit budget for 2025 with a K10.3 billion Capital Investment Budget and a K1 billion cut in deficit. The 2025 National Budget is not a big increase from this year's budget, just a K10 billion increase, 4.6%. The budget has been presented to parliament by the treasurer for debate. The theme of the 2025 National Budget is "Securing PNG in 2025 and Beyond," which Treasurer Ian Ling Stucky says focuses on continuing the government's plan to achieve a surplus budget by 2027. Listen in to the 5&6pm news on NAU FM, Yumi FM, Legend FM and follow PNG HAUSBUNG for more details on this story and more.