A growing network of trained leaders across Papua New Guinea’s law and justice sector is helping strengthen institutions, improve workplace performance and support better services for communities.
Delivered through the Leadership Learning and Development Reference Group (LLDRG), Foundational Leadership Training is a flagship initiative supported by the Australia–PNG Law and Justice Partnership (APLJ).
Related news: https://www.dfat.gov.au/publications/development/australias-support-law-and-justice-papua-new-guinea
The program equips officers with practical leadership skills to improve communication, manage teams more effectively and strengthen collaboration across agencies.
Eighteen participants have graduated from the training, bringing the total number of graduates to 80, with equal participation of women and men.
Participant Ernestine Vinau from the Department of Justice and Attorney General’s Office of the Public Trustee, reflecting on the program, said: “We witnessed a noticeable shift in how our conversations are carried out.
“The growth and confidence shown by our officers and colleagues have been encouraging, and we are grateful for the positive change this training has brought.”
Since the first cohort in 2022, the training has been delivered through both virtual and face-to-face formats, helping build leadership capability across the sector in a practical and sustainable way.
Another participant, Eugenie Nayau from the Corporate Division of the Village Court and Land Mediation Secretariat said, her key takeaway is the value of guiding others through thoughtful questioning.
“Instead of providing answers, I’ve learnt to coach in a way that empowers people to think, explore, and arrive at their own solutions. This approach has been transformative for how I support my team.”
The training is designed as an ongoing leadership journey, with alumni from the first two cohorts returning in October 2025 for refresher training on key concepts and enhance skills already being applied in their workplaces.
The impact of the program continues beyond the classroom, with alumni from across the sector contributing to leadership in their respective workplaces.
With another cohort planned for later in the year, Australia and PNG will continue co-investing in leadership that supports a stronger, more trusted and more effective law and justice sector.