Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today delivered a firm yet constructive response in Parliament to questions raised by Chuave MP Hon. James Nomane during Question Time, urging the Opposition to adopt a more positive, progressive, and nation-building approach when engaging on matters relating to the National Budget and Government funding allocations.
Prime Minister Marape welcomed the questions as part of a healthy Parliamentary Democracy, but stressed that National Leaders must elevate the conversation by focusing on development outcomes, accuracy of information, and the collective interest of Papua New Guinea.
“I appreciate the Member for Chuave for asking this important question, because every opportunity we have on this floor must help our people understand how their Government is delivering for them. But Leaders must speak in a way that promotes national progress, not national sabotage. We must be factual, constructive and positive about our country, not negative and misleading,” PM Marape said.
In clarifying the issue of Budget disbursements and DSIP allocations, Prime Minister Marape stated that his Government has consistently ensured fair and transparent distribution of Funding across all Districts, including Opposition-held Electorates.
He pointed to publicly available records on the Department of Treasury website, including Final Budget Outcomes dating back many years, which allow any citizen or leader to verify Government spending.
“Every year, Final Budget Outcomes are published by the Treasury. Anyone—including my good brother from Chuave—can check exactly how funds have been allocated and spent. Transparency is not an issue; the information is there. Let us use facts, not speculation,” the Prime Minister said.
Responding specifically to DSIP concerns, PM Marape reaffirmed that the Government has been
even-handed across all Districts.
“For 2025, Chuave has received K8 million so far—exactly the same amount my own District, Tari- Pori, has received at this point of the year. Last year, Chuave received the full K10 million. That is fairness. This Government does not discriminate based on political alignment,” he emphasized.
Prime Minister Marape also revealed upcoming Reforms that will further strengthen equitable development across Papua New Guinea.
“In 2026, we intend to introduce Constitutional amendments to guarantee minimum service funding to all Districts and Provinces. This will ensure future Governments cannot withhold funds at their discretion. Every District will have a protected minimum allocation for essential services,” he announced.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the Government’s ongoing development commitments in Chuave and surrounding areas, including road infrastructure and District-level programmes supported through national agencies and development partners.
“Just because a Member sits on the opposite side does not mean his people are not my people. I am Prime Minister for all Papua New Guineans. Chuave people are as important to me as Tari-Pori people or any other electorate,” he said.
PM Marape encouraged Hon. Nomane and all Opposition MPs to continue raising questions but to do so in a manner that builds confidence, unity and forward momentum for the country.
“I respect the Member’s right to ask questions. But I urge him, and all of us, to ask with the intention of lifting our nation up—not tearing it down. Papua New Guinea needs leaders who speak hope, progress and solutions. Let us work together for national advancement,” he stated.
The Prime Minister concluded by stating that his Government remains committed to transparency, fairness and responsible Budget management, and will continue to publish Financial information so that the public can hold all Leaders—Government and Opposition—accountable.
“Let us be Leaders who move PNG forward,” PM Marape said.