Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has called on members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force and the General Public to remain patient and allow the ongoing Independent Review into PNGDF Recruitment and related processes to reach its full conclusion.

Speaking at a Press Conference today at Melanesian Haus, Prime Minister Marape confirmed that the Review process had significantly progressed and was nearing completion. “The Investigation is running as we speak. Just because there is silence from us does not mean no work is taking place,” Prime Minister Marape stated. The Prime Minister said the Review, being undertaken independently with the involvement of senior Papua New Guinean officials and an Australian Defence Force representative, was examining broader Structural and Recruitment-related issues within the Defence Force. “Our Team is looking not just at one area, but the entire architecture concerning Defence Recruitment,” he said.

Prime Minister Marape acknowledged that Preliminary  Findings had identified certain discrepancies, however he stressed that no Final Conclusions had yet been reached. “At this point in time, I am not able to disclose exactly the Findings, but there are indications of some discrepancies established,” he stated. “I ask everyone to hold their horses until the full Investigation is completed.”

The Prime Minister  said the  Government’s objective  was  not only accountability  but ensuring  stronger  systems, professionalism, integrity, and public confidence within the Defence Force going forward. “The finality of this exercise is to ensure there is no recurrence of ill practices or abuse of process in Recruitment,” he said. “We want a Defence Force that is disciplined, professional, capable, and fully prepared to serve our country.”

Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening PNGDF Capacity through existing Partnerships, including the PNG–Australia Defence Treaty and Cooperation with the Australian Defence Force. “We want our Defence Force to continue growing into a modern and capable Institution that reflects the highest standards of national service,” he added.

The  Prime Minister  also  thanked  Brigadier  General  and  senior officials  involved  in  the  Review  process  for  their professionalism and commitment to ensuring a credible outcome.