Gerehu Secondary School in Port Moresby is using its Student Representative Council (SRC) election as a practical lesson in democracy, giving students firsthand experience of the electoral process ahead of Papua New Guinea’s next National General Election (NGE). School Principal Mr. Saju Francis said the initiative is particularly significant this year as many students will become eligible voters by the time the country goes to the polls next year. “Gerehu Secondary School is one of the largest secondary schools in the country and the largest in the city, with almost 3, 000 students,” Mr. Francis said. “While SRC elections are held in schools every year, this year’s election carries greater importance because the national election is coming up next year.” Mr. Francis said the school aims to teach students key democratic principles, including freedom of choice, fairness, respect for different opinions, and the value of every vote. To strengthen the learning experience, officers from the PNG Electoral Commission attended the election and provided demonstrations on how national elections are conducted. “The students will witness how a general election should be conducted and learn the importance of democracy and the power of citizens in a democratic country.” The election is being conducted using the Limited Preferential Voting (LPV) system, the same voting method used in PNG’s national elections. Students cast their votes in an organized process at the school assembly hall, where polling booths have been established, and election officials appointed. Mr. Francis explained that only students who will remain at the school next year are eligible to vote. Grade 10 and Grade 12 students are excluded because they will leave the school at the end of the academic year. Instead, students from Grades 7, 9, and 11, are voting to elect the school’s Head Boy and Head Girl for the following year. This year’s candidates are drawn from Grade 11 students, with three candidates contesting for Head Boy and four candidates contesting for Head Girl. “We have declared the writ in the normal way during assembly and will close the writ after counting is completed next Monday.” According to Mr. Francis, the election serves as a practical lesson that extends beyond classroom learning. “We want to showcase to parents and the public how we teach democracy in the school, not only through textbooks but through real experiences.” “In a small population such as a school, sometimes one or two votes can determine the winner. That teaches students how important every single vote is.” He stressed that the exercise is especially important because many students are approaching voting age. “Most of our students are now 17 or 18 years old. By the time the national election arrives, many will be eligible to vote for the first time.” “They are excited, and this election helps prepare them for that responsibility,” he concluded.

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) could play a major role in strengthening Papua New Guinea’s media sector and restoring public trust in information, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology. Deputy Secretary Flierl Shongol said Digital Public Infrastructure is emerging globally as the foundation for trusted digital interactions between governments, citizens, businesses, and institutions. He identified three key pillars of DPI which include digital identity, digital payments, and secure data exchange platforms. “Together, these create a trusted digital ecosystem,” Shongol said, noting that digital identity systems could help verify journalists and media organizations, reducing fake accounts, and improving the credibility of information online. Meanwhile, digital payment systems could help media companies develop new revenue streams through online subscriptions, memberships, and micro-payment models. “Traditional ways of making money are being challenged. DPI can help media organizations diversify their income sources and improve sustainability.” Shongol also said secure data exchange systems would improve media access to government information, open data, and real-time statistics, enhancing transparency and journalism quality. During emergencies and natural disasters, he said trusted digital systems could help citizens identify reliable sources of information and reduce the spread of rumors and fake news. He further revealed that the government had recently issued a license to Starlink, a move expected to improve internet connectivity and expand digital access across the country. He said improved connectivity, combined with stronger digital infrastructure, would help ensure more inclusive access to information for rural communities, women, youth and persons with disabilities. “DPI has the potential to significantly strengthen media interactions across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Lands, Physical Planning, and Urbanisation John Rosso, has acknowledged that Papua New Guinea’s Incorporated Land Group (ILG) registration process remains lengthy and unmanageable, assuring Parliament that reforms are being developed to improve accessibility and reduce abuse within the system. The issue was raised in Parliament this week by Talasea MP Freddie Kumai, who highlighted concerns from customary landowners about delays, high costs, and administrative challenges associated with registering ILGs. Kumai said the registration process often involves extensive community mobilization, preparation of family genealogies, verification of birth certificates through the National Identification (NID) system, and the submission of applications to the Registrar of ILGs. He noted that many applicants are required to make repeated trips to Port Moresby to resolve administrative issues, creating significant financial burdens for rural communities. The Talasea MP questioned why many ILG applications continue to take more than 12 months before registration certificates are issued and sought information on the number of applications currently awaiting processing. He also asked whether the government plans to decentralize ILG registration services to provincial lands offices and establish an integrated digital system linking the Department of Lands, the National Identification system and other relevant agencies to streamline the process. Responding on behalf of the government, Rosso agreed that the current ILG registration process is overly complex and requires reform. “I agree it is a very long, cumbersome process,” Rosso told Parliament. He said the Department of Lands is currently working on legislative amendments aimed at making the registration process easier and more accessible for customary landowners. Rosso also raised concerns about the misuse of the existing system, saying loopholes have enabled some individuals to take advantage of customary landowners during land registration and development processes. “The ILG process that we currently use, although it is meant for a good purpose, has been constantly abused by a lot of learned individuals taking advantage of the system and abusing the rights of many customary landowners.” According to Rosso, some landowners have been persuaded to sign documents without fully understanding their implications, while others have been sidelined during negotiations involving land development projects. He said the Department of Lands is consulting with relevant stakeholders and reviewing recommendations from parliamentary committees to identify improvements to the current system. In addition, he also assured Parliament that the government is committed to either reforming the existing ILG framework or exploring alternative mechanisms that better protect customary landowners while making land registration more efficient. “Land is very sensitive, and we need to approach it in a way that makes it accessible and easier for our landowners to register, survey and ensure that they benefit from the land that they own.” The Deputy Prime Minister also invited Kumai to submit his questions in writing to allow the government to provide more detailed responses, including information on application backlogs and ongoing reform measures. The issue of ILG registration has remained a key concern for customary landowners across the country, particularly as landowners seek greater participation and benefits from agriculture, resource projects and other development activities.

Health Minister Elias Kapavore has clarified that Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) is now classified as a Level Six National Referral Hospital under Papua New Guinea's National Health Service Standards.The clarification was made in Parliament yesterday after Abau MP Sir Puka Temu questioned whether the government had changed the classification of PMGH, which had previously been regarded as the country's Level Seven national referral hospital. Sir Puka raised concerns that references to PMGH as a Level Six facility could create confusion within the health sector and affect referral pathways across the country. In response, Kapavore explained that Papua New Guinea's health system now operates under a six-level structure introduced through the National Health Service Standards in 2021. "Under the new standards there are only six levels of health facilities," he told Parliament. "PMGH is now Level Six and serves as the National Referral Hospital and super-specialist hospital." The minister outlined the six levels of healthcare facilities, ranging from level one being the Health Posts with three health officers, to level two which is a Community Health Post with up to five community officers stationed there, level three has Health Centres, Level four has District Hospitals and level six is a National Referral Hospital where the Port Moresby General Hospital comes under. He said the reforms were designed to strengthen lower-level health facilities and ensure more patients receive treatment closer to home. Kapavore said PMGH's role is increasingly focused on delivering highly specialised services that are unavailable elsewhere in the country. He highlighted recent advances at the hospital, including successful kidney transplant procedures and the introduction of advanced cardiac services. The minister also pointed to the government's investment in specialist healthcare, including a K200 million commitment to upgrade cancer treatment services. "Our aim is to ensure Papua New Guineans can access specialist treatment here at home instead of travelling overseas," he said. Kapavore said the government's broader health reform agenda seeks to improve services at every level of the health system while allowing PMGH to concentrate on complex and specialised care.

Health Minister Elias Kapavore told parliament on the 3rd of June 2026, that the National Government is strengthening urban health facilities across Port Moresby in an effort to reduce overcrowding at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH). Responding to questions from Abau MP Sir Puka Temu, the minister acknowledged the growing pressure on the country's premier referral hospital, which is serving a population far larger than it was originally designed to accommodate. Kapavore said PMGH was built in the 1980s to cater for around 300,000 people, but the National Capital District's population has now grown to more than one million. He said, "Today, PMGH is delivering about 17,000 babies every year, which is around 60 births every day. The pressure on the hospital continues to increase because many patients who could be treated at lower-level facilities are still seeking treatment at PMGH." Sir Puka raised concerns about overcrowding in the hospital's emergency, surgical and maternity wards, citing information indicating that a significant number of patients attending PMGH do not require specialist care. He told Parliament that studies had shown category three emergency patients account for around 60% of emergency department presentations and that extending emergency services at Six Mile had previously reduced emergency cases at PMGH. The Abau MP also said normal deliveries occupy the majority of maternity beds at PMGH and argued that expanding maternity services at urban clinics would significantly reduce pressure on the hospital. In response, Kapavore said the government was already investing in lower-level health facilities to provide more services closer to communities. He said upgrades were underway at Six Mile and Gerehu clinics, while Metoreia Urban Clinic had already been upgraded and now offers maternity delivery services. "More mothers are now delivering outside of PMGH because of these improvements," he said. The minister also pointed to ongoing health projects in NCD, Central and Gulf provinces aimed at strengthening primary healthcare services and reducing unnecessary referrals to PMGH. Kapavore said the government's long-term objective is to ensure lower-level facilities handle routine healthcare needs while PMGH focuses on specialist and complex medical services. "PMGH should be concentrating on higher-level healthcare services and specialist treatment," he said. The minister also highlighted recent improvements in specialist services at the hospital, including kidney transplant procedures and expanded cardiac care. While outlining the government's efforts to ease pressure on PMGH, Kapavore did not directly address Sir Puka's questions on whether the department had conducted studies into surgical and obstetric bed shortages, nor did he provide details on the status of a reported K12 million allocation approved by the National Executive Council in 2025 for additional maternity beds in NCD clinics. Sir Puka also recommended the establishment of additional Level Four and Level Five hospitals in Port Moresby, Central Province and surrounding districts as part of a long-term solution to overcrowding at PMGH.

Central Governor Rufina Peter has challenged Health Minister Elias Kapavore, over delays in releasing funds earmarked for the Central Provincial Health Authority (CPHA), questioning whether health allocations approved by Parliament are reaching the province.The issue was raised during Question Time in Parliament when Governor Peter said funding appropriate for the CPHA had largely failed to materialize despite repeated budget commitments. “In the years that I have been in office as Governor of Central Province, there is only one time that I signed for an amount of K15 million to be disbursed to the CPHA,” Governor Peter said. “All the other years that the appropriation has been given for Central Health Authority, none of those funding’s were made available to the CPHA.” The Governor said there was a disconnect between funding announced by the Government and money actually reaching provincial health authorities. “It is very easy to stand here and say money is going, but it is not getting down to wards. It is not translating into cash in the operational accounts of these PHAs,” she said. Governor Peter questioned the status of previous allocations, including K50 million approved for provincial health authorities and a further K25 million allocated in the 2026 Budget for the Central Provincial Hospital project. She said the PHA was still waiting for the release of the funds. In addition, the exchange prompted support from Abau MP Sir Puka Temu and Deputy Opposition Leader Keith Iduhu, who both raised points of order seeking clarification on whether the funds had actually been released. Sir Puka told Parliament the question was straightforward and centered on whether appropriate funding had reached the intended recipient. Meanwhile, Iduhu further questioned whether efforts had been made to secure the release of funds, arguing that only a small portion of previously allocated money had been disbursed. In response, Minister Kapavore said the K50 million formed part of broader government support provided to provincial health authorities and that the government remained committed to supporting the Central Provincial Hospital project. However, he did not provide a specific date for when the K25 million allocation would be released to the CPHA and further stated that when work commences, than funds will be released. The parliamentary exchange highlighted ongoing concerns among Central Province leaders over funding delays affecting major health infrastructure projects and service delivery in the province.

Health Minister Elias Kapavore has reaffirmed the Government's commitment to the long-awaited Central Provincial Hospital, telling Parliament that K25 million has been allocated in the 2026 Budget to progress the project and will be released only when work commences for the Central Provincial Hospital.The Minister made the announcement while responding to questions from Central Governor Rufina Peter regarding health funding and hospital development in the province. Kapavore said the funding was specifically intended to advance the establishment of the Central Provincial Hospital and was not meant for operational expenses. "That funding is allocated to start the work of the Central Provincial Hospital. It is not to be used for any other purpose," he told Parliament. The Minister said the funding would support the initial stages of the project, including design and preparatory works, which must be completed before construction can proceed. He stressed that the Government was committed to strengthening health infrastructure across the country through its broader health sector development strategy. Kapavore also highlighted staffing challenges within the Central Provincial Health Authority, claiming the authority had only filled around 30 per cent of its required workforce positions. He urged provincial health administrators to continue recruitment efforts while working closely with the National Department of Health. The Minister said improving provincial health infrastructure was critical to easing pressure on major referral hospitals and ensuring healthcare services were available closer to communities. The proposed Central Provincial Hospital is expected to become a major healthcare facility for the province and help improve access to specialist medical services for residents. Once completed, the hospital is expected to reduce the burden on healthcare facilities in the National Capital District while supporting growing populations in Central Province.

The Papua New Guinea Government is developing a national Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy to address the growing risks posed by misinformation and AI-generated content. Deputy Secretary for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Flierl Shongol, revealed the initiative while addressing media representatives from the pacific and within the country recently in Port Moresby city. Shongol said AI presents significant opportunities for development but also poses serious risks if left unchecked. "We realise AI has the potential to benefit the country, but it also has the potential to break apart our families and societies. That is why we need a framework in place," he said. He said the increasing use of AI-generated content has created new challenges for governments, media organisations and the public, particularly in identifying false information and preventing the spread of misinformation. According to Shongol, Papua New Guinea's culture of readily accepting information shared on social media makes the country particularly vulnerable to misinformation campaigns. "Anything people see on social media, they believe it. It is very easy for misinformation and disinformation to spread panic and fear among our people," he said. The proposed AI strategy will focus on transparency, accountability, and safeguards against the misuse of artificial intelligence technologies. Shongol said the media industry will play a critical role in helping verify information and combat the spread of false content in the digital era. He also highlighted the need for greater AI literacy among journalists and citizens to help identify AI-generated material and apply effective verification techniques.

Dedication and perseverance have earned young winger McWin Worinu a dream debut for the SP PNG Hunters this weekend. Hunters coach Paul Aiton confirmed McWin will make his first Hostplus Cup appearance against the Tweed Seagulls after overcoming a pre-season injury setback that threatened to derail his season before it began. According to Aiton, WcWin’s commitment throughout his rehabilitation impressed the coaching staff and ultimately earned him a contract. "He got injured during pre-season and kept turning up to rehabilitation sessions without getting paid," Aiton said. "He was very disciplined with his recovery, got back ahead of schedule and earned a contract through his dedication and attitude." McWin’s determination saw him return to full training earlier than expected, with Aiton describing his recovery as a reflection of the hard work he put in behind the scenes. "To come back ahead of schedule, a player has to be doing everything right, and that's exactly what he did," the coach said. Following his recovery, McWin returned to action with the Hela Wigmen and quickly caught the attention of selectors with a series of strong performances, including multiple man-of-the-match displays. His elevation to the Hunters squad comes as the club continues to battle a lengthy injury list that has sidelined several senior players. While injuries have forced changes across the team, Aiton said McWin's selection was fully deserved. He said, "It's quite an interesting story. He earned his opportunity through hard work and commitment, and now he gets the chance to show what he can do at this level." McWin will be one of several changes to the Hunters line-up this weekend, with development player Christopher Culligan also included in the squad and experienced Myles Banam returning from injury. For McWin, however, Saturday's clash represents the culmination of months of sacrifice and determination as he takes the field for his long-awaited Hostplus Cup debut.

Papua New Guinea must build a resilient media sector capable of adapting to rapid technological change while maintaining public trust, says the Deputy Secretary for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Flierl Shongol. Speaking at the 2026 Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, Shongol said Pacific nations are experiencing significant digital transformation as internet connectivity expands and digital platforms increasingly shape how citizens access information. However, he warned that the opportunities presented by digital technologies are accompanied by growing challenges, including misinformation, disinformation, cybersecurity threats and declining traditional media revenue streams. "The question before us is not whether media will become digital. That transition is already underway," Shongol said. "The question is how do we build resilient Pacific media systems that remain trusted, sustainable, secure and relevant in the digital age?" He said media resilience involves the ability of media organisations to adapt to technological change, resist cyber threats, counter misinformation and continue serving communities during crises and disasters. For Pacific Island countries, he said, resilience must also account for geographical challenges, limited infrastructure, small advertising markets and climate-related risks. "Resilient media is not only a media issue. It is a national development issue, a governance issue and a digital transformation issue," he said. Shongol said governments, regulators and media organisations must work together to ensure the region's media sector remains strong and sustainable as digital transformation continues across the Pacific.

SP PNG Hunters Coach Paul Aiton says injuries remain the biggest obstacle facing his side as they prepare for this weekend's crucial R12 QRL Hostplus Cup clash against the Tweed Seagulls. The Hunters return from a bye round with just two wins from 11 matches, but Aiton believes the team's position on the ladder does not reflect how competitive they have been throughout the season. The coach revealed that around 10 players remain unavailable due to injury, forcing constant changes to the line-up since the opening round. "Since Round One we haven't had our full-strength team on the field," Aiton said. "We knew we had an inexperienced squad coming into the season, but we didn't plan for the number of injuries we've had." The Hunters used the bye week to focus on recovery while maintaining fitness through a modified training schedule. "It's been a good couple of weeks off, but we still trained three days of the week," Aiton said. "We gave the boys enough time to rest, but the focus was on maintaining our conditioning and making sure we're ready to go again." "I think we lost a lot of those games ourselves. There were probably a couple where the opposition was better than us, but the majority were games we were competing in before letting them slip away." The injury crisis has forced players into unfamiliar positions throughout the season, disrupting combinations and limiting consistency. However, Aiton praised the commitment of his squad despite the challenges. "Every time we train, everyone shows up and gives their best," he said. "There might be mistakes because of inexperience, but the effort has always been there." The Hunters will face the Tweed Seagulls at the Preston Building Sports Complex, Piggabeen in Australia this weekend after narrowly losing to them earlier this season by just eight points. While acknowledging the challenge ahead, Aiton remains confident the Hunters can still push for a place in the finals. "The Hostplus Cup is a tough competition and every game is difficult," he said. "But I still think we're a chance. With this group and a bit of confidence from a couple of wins, we can make a run towards the top eight, which remains our goal."

Media leaders, broadcasters and development partners from across the Pacific region gathered in Port Moresby this week for the 2026 Pacific Media Partnership Conference, with a strong focus on strengthening regional collaboration, media sustainability and resilience in an increasingly complex digital environment. Hosted by the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) of Papua New Guinea in partnership with the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU), the two-day conference brings together representatives from public broadcasters, media organizations, governments and development agencies under the theme “Resilient Voices: Empowering Blue Pacific Media.” In his opening address, NBC Managing Director Kora Nou welcomed delegates from across the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, describing the conference as an important platform for dialogue and cooperation among media organizations facing common challenges. “This gathering brings together some of the most influential voices in Pacific media at a time when our region faces both significant challenges and opportunities,” Nou said. He highlighted the rapid technological changes affecting the media industry, including the rise of artificial intelligence, shifting audience expectations, economic pressures, and climate-related challenges. Despite these obstacles, Nou said Pacific media organizations remain resilient because of their strong connection to local communities and cultures. “As broadcasters and media practitioners, we play a critical role in informing our citizens, preserving our cultural identities, promoting democratic values and amplifying Pacific perspectives on issues that matter most to our people,” he said. Nou also emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and maintaining high journalistic standards as media organizations adapt to a changing landscape. The conference opened with acknowledgements of several dignitaries unable to attend, including Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Peter Tsiamalili Jr., who was attending parliamentary business, and ABU Secretary-General Dr. Javad Mottaghi who was unable to travel due to a family matter. Representing the ABU, Director of News Indra Singh, praised NBC for hosting the conference for the first time, calling it a significant milestone for PNG’s national broadcaster and a reflection of the growing influence of Pacific broadcasters within the wider Asia-Pacific media community. Singh acknowledged the support of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), regional partners and local sponsors for helping delegates from across the Pacific attend the event. “The theme speaks directly to the realities our Pacific members face every day,” Singh said. He noted that media organizations across the region continue to operate in challenging environments marked by geographical isolation, limited infrastructure, climate vulnerability, declining revenues, and increasing digital competition. “Yet despite these challenges, Pacific media continues to play a vital role in informing audiences, preserving culture and strengthening social cohesion.” A key focus of the conference will be practical solutions to industry challenges, including sustainable business models, technological innovation, content partnerships and responsible reporting on sensitive social issues. Singh also highlighted several firsts for the conference, including all-female discussion panels and the introduction of a content pitching session designed to encourage collaboration and move discussions toward concrete outcomes. “We need to work together,” he said. “At times we must put aside our competitive nature and look at the best outcomes for all of us.” Over the next two days, delegates will participate in workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions and networking sessions aimed at strengthening public-interest journalism and enhancing the long-term sustainability of Pacific media. A call for continued support from international partners through capacity building, technology transfer and content exchange initiatives that amplify Pacific voices on regional and global issues.