Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu has called on Public Service to “do better” and “lead” to deliver and meet expectations of the Government.

The Chief Secretary has made this statement during his opening remarks at  the Department of Prime  Minister’s  2026  Annual  Planning  and  Budget  Workshop  at  the  APEC  Haus  in  Port Moresby.

Mr. Pomaleu said public service must do better and to 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.

Further Mr. Pomaleu also expressed gratitude to the speakers and key public servants who have stepped forward to support these efforts:

      Mr. Charles Abel (Director, 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, 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” on 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.