Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has issued a strong call to government agencies to fully enforce existing laws, warning that failure to do so undermines Papua New Guinea’s efforts to address grey listing and strengthen financial integrity.

The Prime Minister made the remarks during a high-level meeting today with relevant government agencies tasked with addressing issues related to grey listing, including enforcement of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures.

Prime Minister Marape said Parliament had passed the necessary legislation to protect the country’s financial system, but stressed that laws alone would not deliver results unless they were properly implemented by those responsible.

“What is the use of passing laws if the people tasked with enforcing them are not doing their job?” he said.

“We can pass laws that can take us to the moon and back, but if they are not applied, they mean nothing.”

He said accountability must begin within government itself, including the public service and enforcement agencies, noting that scrutiny should apply to everyone regardless of position.

“Police check all of us. Public servants are subject to checks. If someone is living far beyond their salary level, then it is fair to ask how that is possible,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Prime Minister said closing gaps in financial oversight was critical to addressing missing transactions, money laundering, and the financing of criminal and destabilising activities, all of which have contributed to Papua New Guinea’s grey-listing challenges.

“This is not about targeting people outside the system. This is about ourselves — cleaning up our own processes, enforcing our own laws, and protecting public money,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of coordinated action between regulators, enforcement agencies and the Department of Finance, particularly in monitoring state contracts and financial flows involving companies doing business with the Government.

“We cannot afford delays. We must close the gaps — in enforcement, in compliance, and in accountability — especially where public funds and state contracts are involved,” Prime Minister Marape said.

He said decisive action was necessary not only to exit grey listing, but also to restore international confidence, protect the economy, and ensure Papua New Guinea remains a credible and trusted partner in global financial systems.

“This is work we must do together, and we must do it properly, if we are serious about governance, integrity, and the future of our country,” the Prime Minister said.