Reshuffle looms for PNG Government as Marape tightens performance checks

Papua New Guinea's Cabinet lineup is set for an overhaul, with Prime Minister James Marape signalling that a reshuffle will be announced within days. Speaking ahead of the expected Thursday or Friday announcement, the Prime Minister said the move stems from a lengthy review of how well ministers have carried out their duties since the coalition Government led by his Pangu Pati came to power in August 2022.

Marape framed the decision as one rooted in accountability rather than politics, pointing to concerns raised by the public over ministerial integrity, output and the sluggish pace of delivering on Government promises. He said the review process was nearly complete and that its outcome would determine who remains in Cabinet and who does not.

 Reshuffle looms for PNG Government as Marape tightens performance checks

"My department is completing its final assessment, and later this week I will announce changes to Cabinet that will position Government to deliver strongly during the remaining months of this parliamentary term," the Prime Minister said.

He said he had taken note of what people across the country had been saying about the performance of certain ministers, and that ensuring the Government stayed on track for results was ultimately his responsibility as leader. Marape added that ministers had long been put on notice that their performance would be weighed against the commitments Government made to the nation at the start of its term.

The Prime Minister pointed to the shrinking timeline before the next national election as reason enough for urgency.

"Our commitments to the country are being measured every day. With approximately nine months remaining before the issue of writs for the 2027 National General Election, we cannot afford complacency," he said.

Marape said the reshuffle was ultimately about putting the right individuals into the right roles so that unfinished Government business could be completed before the term draws to a close.

In a related move, the Prime Minister said he had instructed Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu to crack down on underperformance within the Public Service, particularly targeting agency heads who have not submitted annual reports or whose work has failed to meet expectations.

"Departmental heads entrusted with important responsibilities must understand that accountability is no longer optional. Those who consistently fail to perform or meet their statutory obligations cannot expect to remain in office," Marape said.