Chief Secretary to Government, Ivan Pomaleu, OBE has formally announced in Port Moresby that the Independent Administrative Investigation into Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Recruitment Governance – Basic Recruit Intake 1/2026 formally commences today.

The Investigation has been established, with the endorsement of the National Executive Council, to independently examine allegations and systemic concerns relating to the governance, integrity, and administration of the PNGDF recruitment process for Intake 1/2026.

The decision to establish this Investigation reflects the Government’s responsibility to safeguard the integrity, neutrality, and national character of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force at a time of heightened demands on state institutions, national security, and public trust.

Further, Mr, Pomaleu reiterated that Merit-based and Transparent-recruitment is fundamental to force cohesion, effective civilian oversight, and confidence in public administration.

“Allegations of governance failures in this intake, therefore raise issues that extend beyond administrative process and carry broader implications for institutional credibility, rule of law, and national unity,” he said.

As Chairman of the investigation, the Chief Secretary confirmed that the panel will operate independently, impartially, and strictly within its approved Terms of Reference (TOR), in the national interest.

Hence, the investigation will assess whether recruitment standards of fairness, transparency,  and  merit  were  met;  determine  accountability  where  administrative failures are identified; and recommend necessary reforms to prevent recurrence and restore confidence.

All members of the PNGDF are urged to cooperate fully with the Investigation. The process is administrative in nature and does not prejudice any separate criminal or disciplinary proceedings.

The  Investigation  will  provide  its  findings  and  recommendations  to  the  National Executive Council within the approved timeframe, after which further decisions will be made consistent with national security and legal considerations.