Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, has called on the Public Service to “do better” and “lead” in delivering and meeting the expectations of the Government.
The Chief Secretary made this statement during his opening remarks at the Department of Prime Minister’s 2026 Annual Planning and Budget Workshop held at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby.
Mr. Pomaleu said the Public Service must do better and take the lead in meeting the high expectations of the Prime Minister and the Government.
He stressed that 2026 is the final full year of programme implementation before the next national elections, making effective delivery of government commitments paramount.
Describing the workshop as the engine of government delivery, Chief Secretary Pomaleu said, “This forum must translate policy intent into executable pledges supported by credible, disciplined, and well-sequenced budgets.”
He emphasized that rigorous planning and budgeting are the core instruments that will determine the Government’s success or failure in implementing public policy.
In addition, Mr. Pomaleu reiterated two key initiatives as directed by the Prime Minister and led by the department:
1. The establishment of the National Monitoring and Coordination Authority; and
2. The “Reset at 50” agenda.
Both initiatives aim to achieve whole-of-government coordination and to ensure that the Government’s vision is translated into clear corporate and organizational objectives.
Mr. Pomaleu also expressed gratitude to the speakers and key public servants who have stepped forward to support these efforts:
* Mr. Charles Abel, Director of the Reset @ 50 Delivery Unit, who returned from retirement to help focus on critical national outcomes, demonstrating a commitment to the country beyond political alignment; and,
* Mr. David Wereh, Chief Executive Officer of the National Monitoring and Coordination Authority, who chose public service over more lucrative private sector opportunities to assist the Prime Minister with monitoring and coordination.
In addition, he cautioned that traditional ways of working in government must be completely disrupted and set aside.
Mr. Pomaleu stressed that he made a deliberate choice to be “disruptive” upon appointment, reflecting the Prime Minister’s own ambitious approach to reform.
“Those who do not adapt risk being left behind, while those who embrace the change have a unique opportunity to contribute to major national reforms and to leave a lasting legacy,” he said.
He closed by reassuring attendees that there will be ample work and challenge for all involved as the Government intensifies efforts to deliver on its commitments before the upcoming election year.