Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, OBE, today officially opened a landmark information session for the National Executive Council (NEC) Liaison Officers at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby, outlining etiquette of Government coordination processes, procedures and protocols to NEC Liaison Officers.
The session, themed “Understanding the Fundamentals of NEC and Getting the Basic Procedures and Protocols Right,”was organized by the Office of the National Executive Council to induct officers into their critical roles under the new NEC Act 2025.
In his keynote address, Chief Secretary Pomaleu emphasized that the effective functioning of the State relies on a “Whole-of-Government” approach. He highlighted that while the Department of Prime Minister and the NEC play central roles, the success of national priorities depends on seamless coordination across all ministries and agencies.
“The establishment of NEC Liaison Officers under Section 15 of the National Executive Council Act 2025 is an important reform,” Mr. Pomaleu stated. “These officers provide the vital link between their respective departments and the Council, ensuring that government decisions are not only made but are effectively followed through and implemented.”
The Chief Secretary noted that the reform aims to address recurring issues such as delays in submissions, lack of consultation between departments, and unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. Under the new legislative framework, the role of the Liaison Officer extends beyond merely submitting documents; they are now responsible for the end-to-end coordination of matters for NEC consideration and the subsequent monitoring of implementation.
Key highlights from the information session includes:
1. Legislative Reforms: Insights into the NEC Act 2025, which came into operation on April 8, 2025, clarifying the functions of the Secretary to the NEC and the legal mandates of the Council.
2. Accountability: A reminder of new penalties for non-compliance, where failure to submit, timely reports can now lead to the dismissal of Department Heads under revised employment contracts.
3. Standardization: The enforcement of strict procedures outlined in the *NEC Handbook* regarding the structural layout and formatting of government submissions to ensure clarity and professionalism.
The session also featured presentations from Ms. Grace So-on, Secretary to the NEC, who detailed the constitutional foundations of the National Executive and the specific responsibilities of the NEC Secretary in supporting the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.
“This session is not a one-off exercise,” Mr. Pomaleu concluded. “It is part of an ongoing effort to improve the quality of government business. By getting the procedures right, we reduce delays and ensure that national priorities are translated into tangible results for our people.”
The Office of NEC will continue to host these sessions periodically to reinforce understanding and address emerging administrative issues across the public service.