Australia Police Officer Appointed as PNG Enga Commander

Papua New Guinea has appointed Australian Commonwealth police officer Chief Superintendent Steven Harris as the new commander of Enga Province, Police Commissioner David Manning has confirmed.

Mr Manning said Harris brings decades of experience in policing and public service, and his appointment will help strengthen discipline and professionalism within the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).

Australia Police Officer Appointed as PNG Enga Commander

“Our Commonwealth police officers have sworn an oath to protect and serve the people of Papua New Guinea,” Mr Manning said.

He added that officers recruited from overseas were highly respected for their impartiality and professionalism.

“There is an appreciation within the ranks of hardworking police and in the community that these Commonwealth police officers are unbiased professionals,” he said.

Harris recently accompanied Police and Internal Security Minister Sir John Pundari on a visit to Enga, where he met with police officers and community leaders at Wabag Police Station.

Sir John is leading peace talks and ceasefire negotiations between rival tribal groups in the province, where tensions have threatened law and order.

Mr Manning said the absence of clan or provincial ties among Commonwealth officers helps maintain objectivity, especially in provinces with complex local dynamics.

He said Harris has more than 20 years of experience in senior policing roles across Australia and overseas, including specialist investigations in the Solomon Islands, and has now been sworn in as a member of the RPNGC.

Harris previously served as executive director of the RPNGC Internal Affairs Directorate, where he led reforms focused on integrity, discipline and professional standards.

“The use of alcohol and drugs is a threat to professional policing, and Harris is tasked with ensuring such unprofessional and dangerous conduct has no place in our police force,” Mr Manning said.

He added: “More than anyone else, police personnel must respect the rule of law so that they have the moral position to enforce the law. Harris will maintain the pressure for accountability without fear or favour.”