PNG Parliament House Marks 41 Years of Democratic Progress
Papua New Guinea’s National Parliament House commemorated its 41st anniversary with a vibrant ceremony at the State Function Room on Thursday, 7 August 2025.
Speaker of Parliament Hon. Job Pomat led the event with a powerful keynote address, reminding those in attendance that the Parliament is not only a place for enacting laws but also "a house for all the people of Papua New Guinea." He highlighted the building’s opening by Prince Charles, now King Charles III, on 7 August 1984, calling it a lasting symbol of the country’s democratic journey and national identity.
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| PNG Parliament House Marks 41 Years of Democratic Progress [Parliament photo] |
“The architecture of this building reflects the strength of our traditions and the spirit of our people. Each carving, each design speaks of the thousand tribes that now work together as one nation,” said Speaker Pomat.
The event was attended by a diverse group of guests including former legislators, student leaders from across PNG, Miss Bird of Paradise titleholders past and present, and other dignitaries. Among them were respected pioneer leaders Dr. John Momis and Sir John Kaputin, who both offered emotional tributes and reflections on the journey of the country’s legislature.
Dr. Momis described politics as “the noblest of sciences,” while Sir Kaputin traced the evolution of PNG’s lawmaking institutions—from the early Legislative Council in the 1950s to the establishment of the National Parliament. He also explained that the Parliament’s iconic haus tambaran design was a deliberate choice to reflect PNG’s cultural roots.
UPNG Student Representative Council President Mr. Clinton Maliaba also addressed the audience with a speech titled “A House That Reflects the Nation.” He described the Parliament as a “living symbol of unity and democracy” that continues to inspire young leaders and citizens across the country.
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