PNG Parliament this evening overwhelmingly passed the revised 2025 Vagrancy Act, with an 80–1 vote in its favor, marking a significant move to strengthen law and order in the capital city and across other urban centers nationwide.
The bill, sponsored by National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop, targets repeat offenders and individuals involved in summary offenses and serious criminal activities.
Related news: https://news.pngfacts.com/2026/03/png-parliament-passes-tough-vagrancy.html
Speaking in Parliament today, Governor Parkop said under the new law, habitual offenders can be declared vagrants by the District or National Court and issued exclusion orders back to their home villages for a period of time prescribed by the courts.
“If a person is repeatedly involved in serious crime or summary offenses, it is better they return to their home area, reflect, and change before coming back,” he said.
He added that those engaged in financing tribal fights, inciting violence, ethnic tensions, and other illegal activities will be dealt with under the law.
“This bill provides another tool and mechanism to deal with law-and-order issues in our urban centers across the country,” Governor Parkop said.
He stressed that the law is not limited to Port Moresby but can be applied in other major centers including Lae, Kokopo, Kimbe, Mount Hagen and Madang.
“There are already adequate laws in place; our main challenge has always been enforcement,” he said.
Governor Parkop clarified that the law does not target homeless or unemployed individuals unless they are involved repeatedly in summary offenses or criminal activities that threaten public safety.
“This law targets behavior, not identity,” he said.
“If you are homeless or unemployed but not committing crime, this law will not apply to you.”
He emphasized that the law applies equally to all citizens.
“This law does not discriminate — it applies equally to everyone, whether you are unemployed, member of Parliament or a senior public official,” he said.
Governor Parkop further explained that exclusion orders will be determined by the courts, depending on the severity of offences, ranging from short-term bans to longer periods.
He also highlighted ongoing security initiatives in the capital, including a K20 million CCTV project, City Wardens, POM City Watch, and the Neighborhood Watch Program, saying the new law will complement these efforts.
“We must never compromise the security of our capital city. It is important for residents, for our country, and for our national image,” he said.
“We are taking all necessary steps to support police and ensure a high level of safety in our cities.”
He also clarified that the new law does not defy national unity in any form or shape, adding it encourages people to respect each other and live together as one people, one city and one nation.
He added that the broader goal is to promote peaceful coexistence.
“We must learn to live together peacefully and respect each other in our urban communities. The intention is to build safe, peaceful, and orderly cities for all residents and visitors,” Governor Parkop said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister James Marape commended Governor Parkop for the initiative and offered an apology to the Motu Koitabuans and other residents for issues caused by people from the Highlands region.