PNG Payroll Reforms on Track, Says DPM

Papua New Guinea’s Department of Personnel Management has welcomed the Auditor-General’s payroll audit, saying it validates reforms already approved and being rolled out across the public service.

DPM Secretary Taies Sansan

DPM Secretary Taies Sansan said the concerns raised mirror findings from the 2023 Deloitte Payroll Diagnostic Audit, which reviewed the governance and control systems of the whole-of-government payroll.

She said the Deloitte audit played a central role in shaping the reform framework, with its findings guiding the 11 recommendations now forming the backbone of the reform process.

Ms Sansan said the National Executive Council had formally endorsed the reform agenda, setting out governance arrangements and assigning responsibilities to key agencies involved in implementation.

The reform program is being delivered jointly by DPM, the Department of Finance and the Department of Treasury, under an agreed oversight structure.

She said the Auditor-General’s report should be seen as confirmation that the government is on the right path, rather than as an indication of new failures.

Ms Sansan said completing the reforms remains a priority to improve payroll discipline and protect public finances.

“The Auditor-General’s report does not raise new concerns but confirms the reform path already taken by government,” Ms Sansan said.