Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has assured Parliament that the independent inquiry into the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) recruitment process at Murray Barracks is nearing completion, with the Government committed to acting decisively once the report is received.

Responding in Parliament today to questions from East Sepik Governor Hon. Allan Bird, Prime Minister Marape said he had already directed Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu two weeks ago to expedite the completion of the report.

“The report has not yet reached my office,” Prime Minister Marape told Parliament.

“Two weeks ago, I directed the Chief Secretary to hasten this report, and I have been advised that it is now being finalised.”

The Prime Minister stressed that he had deliberately maintained his distance from the inquiry to preserve its independence.

“At my level, I am not privy to the details of this investigation. It is not my business to ask because I may compromise or undermine the independence of the investigation.

“We have given the investigators full respect to independently assess, in totality, what happened at Murray Barracks.”

Prime Minister Marape cautioned against speculation regarding the contents of the report or the possible involvement of individuals before the inquiry had concluded.

“It surprises me to hear suggestions that the former Defence Minister may be implicated. I do not know what information anyone has to make such an assumption before the report is completed.

“If I, as Chairman of the National Executive Council, and the NEC itself, which authorised this investigation, are not privy to the findings, then it is inappropriate for anyone else to speculate.”

He reminded Members of Parliament to uphold the principles of fairness and due process.

“It is acceptable to raise matters of national concern, but we must allow the proper processes of our country to run their course. Once the report is completed and tabled, Parliament and the country will have every opportunity to examine its contents and debate the issues arising from it.”

Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed that the Government would not shield anyone if wrongdoing was established.

“If there is any finding of misconduct or improper influence, then the appropriate action will be taken.

“The same hand that appoints ministers is the same hand that can remove ministers.”

He said the Government remained committed to accountability while respecting the long-standing legal principle that individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“We are not here to protect anyone. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and that principle must be respected until the investigation is complete.”

Prime Minister Marape emphasised that the integrity of the PNGDF was of national importance and extended well beyond any individual.

“The Defence Force is bigger than James Marape. It is bigger than any minister.

“We are strengthening our Defence Force because it is central to protecting our sovereignty, our 800- kilometre land border, our extensive river border, and our vast Exclusive Economic Zone.”

He said the Government had embarked on the largest expansion of the PNGDF in decades, with a policy to increase its strength to around 7,000 personnel across five battalions, while also creating pathways for more than 10,000 Papua New Guineans to serve with the Australian Defence Force under bilateral arrangements.

Prime Minister Marape acknowledged public concern over the Murray Barracks recruitment process and said the Government was determined to restore public confidence.

“This is not the first time Murray Barracks has experienced problems in its recruitment process, and we are leaving no stone unturned in getting to the truth.

“I share the Opposition’s desire to see this report completed as quickly as possible. That is why I have personally pressed for its completion.

“Once the report is received, the country will have the benefit of reading it, and the Government will act on its recommendations in the best interests of our Defence Force and our nation.”