Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, has issued a strong call to officers of the Prime Minister’s Department to lift performance and deliver results in what he described as the “full year of opportunity.”

Addressing staff during an in-house meeting at the Prime Minister’s Department on Tuesday (12.01.2026), Mr Pomaleu said the expectations of the Prime Minister, Government and the people of Papua New Guinea are clear and the responsibility to deliver now rests firmly with the public service.

“When the Prime Minister makes the call, the onus is on us as agencies of government to deliver,” Mr Pomaleu said.

“This year is critical. It is the final full year before we go into election mode, and we must show real results on the priorities that have been set for our people.”

He said the year 2026 marks the country’s 51st year of independence, following the 50-year celebrations, and this should serve as a reminder that there is no time to waste.

“Yesterday (Monday 12.01.2026), we heard the Prime Minister’s message very clearly. We don’t have time. The people have expectations in infrastructure, economic development, law and order, education, and health. These commitments have been made, and now they must be delivered,” he said.

Mr Pomaleu directed all policy and operational teams to immediately engage with their respective agencies to confirm priorities and ensure delivery is aligned with the Government’s 2026 Budget and Operating Plans.

“We must start early. Holidays are over. Leadership at unit and division level must take charge and ensure staff are at work and focused,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of completing the Department’s Operating Plan this month and ensuring that all agencies submit their reports for the Whole-of-Government report due by 31 March 2026.

“We  must be leading from  the  front.  Our reporting  and  coordination  role  is  central to government performance,” Mr Pomaleu said.

On resourcing, Mr Pomaleu urged staff to focus on delivering outcomes within the approved 2026 Budget.

“If it’s not in the budget, we focus on what is. Policy and legislative work do not always require large funding. We must use the systems and institutions already in place,” he said.

He also warned against misuse of allowances and so-called “special assignments”, saying such duties are part of normal public service responsibilities.

“We are paid to do our jobs. We will reward exemplary performance, but extra payments must be justified,” he said.

Mr Pomaleu called on all staff to raise their standards of professionalism, timeliness, and quality of work.

“What needs to be turned around in 24 hours must be turned around in 24 hours. Challenge yourself to do better every day, in meetings, in how you speak, and in the written work you submit,” he said.

Deputy Secretaries also addressed staff, reinforcing the message that the Department must fully support the Chief Secretary in his role as principal adviser to the Prime Minister, and outlining operational priorities for 2026, including improvements to financial systems, accountability, security, and staff welfare.

Mr Pomaleu concluded by encouraging staff to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to public service.

“Let us leave excuses behind. This must be a year of strong delivery. We are here to support you and to be fair, but we all have a duty to work hard for our country,” he said.