Prime Minister James Marape has called on public servants across the country to reset, recommit and dedicate themselves to accountable, efficient and result-driven service, saying the government will be judged by outcomes delivered and not by how much money is spent.
The Prime Minister made the remarks this morning while delivering a keynote address at the National Public Servants Dedication Service under the theme “Reset, Recommit, Dedicate for a New Beginning in Public Service.”
“The government will not be measured by the amount of money we use, but by the outcomes we deliver to our people,” he said.
He said the people are demanding results, particularly in areas of employment, connectivity, infrastructure and basic services.
“Our people are no longer asking for intentions. They are demanding results, and rightfully so,” he said.
The Prime Minister reminded public servants that they are accountable not only to their departments and ministers, but ultimately to God and the people.
“To whom much is given, much is required,” he said, quoting from Luke 12:48.
Using biblical parables, Mr. Marape stressed productivity and stewardship, saying every public servant, regardless of position, is expected to fully use the responsibility entrusted to them.
“A country that is not focused on God will not progress,” PM Marape said.
Quoting scripture, the Prime Minister said leadership and public service must be guided by faith and accountability.
“Matthew 6:33 says, seek ye first the kingdom of God. Putting God first is a fundamental prerequisite to finding progress as a nation,” he said.
He reflected on his own journey from growing up in a remote rural area to serving as Prime Minister, saying faith had played a major role in his life.
He said 2026 marks a critical year of reset following the country’s 50th anniversary of Independence and urged public servants to recommit themselves to their duties.
“This is not just a mark on our calendar. It is a moment in which we dedicate ourselves to the cause of public service,” he said.
He also highlighted statistics showing that public servants work about 20 percent of the total hours in a year yet consume around 40 percent of the national budget through salaries and operational costs.
“This very small percentage of our population carries a very big responsibility,” he said.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that there will be no increase in taxes this year, saying tax levels will remain the same as last year.
“We have not increased taxes, and we will not increase taxes this year. Collections have improved because of efficiency in the system,” he said.
He commended the Internal Revenue Commission and Customs for record collections achieved through improved systems and efficiency rather than new taxes.
The Prime Minister outlined key national priorities including fiscal discipline, economic reform, human capital development, infrastructure, job creation, commercial agriculture, SMEs, manufacturing, tourism and growth of the informal sector.
The Prime Minister stressed that integrity, discipline and accountability must guide public service work.
“Efficiency is not optional. Accountability is not negotiable. Delivery is the bare minimum expected of us,” he said.
He then announced proposed reforms to public service recruitment, calling for merit-based selection using digital platforms.
“Selection of public servants should be on merit through online selection, supported by artificial intelligence,” Mr. Marape said.
He urged senior public servants, particularly those nearing retirement, to reflect on the legacy they will leave behind.
“Are we retiring to a better country that we have created, or a country that we have destroyed?” he asked.
Mr. Marape cited South Korea as an example of a nation that transformed itself through hard work, discipline and commitment over several decades.
“Nations do not change by policy alone, but when hearts change and people put the nation first,” he told the dedication ceremony.
The Prime Minister called on all public servants to reset from within, maximize productivity in the limited time devoted to public service, and remain loyal to God and the country.
“When our time in public service is up, it is not man but our Creator who will judge us,” he said.
He thanked all public servants for their service and called for unity, recommitment and integrity to build a better Papua New Guinea over the next 20 years.