Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to transparency, fiscal discipline, and equitable distribution of national resources following questions raised in Parliament today by the Member for Alotau, Hon. Ricky Morris, concerning the National Treasury Revenue Account (NTRA) and outstanding payments to resource Provinces and Districts.
In responding to the Member’s concerns, Prime Minister Marape commended all Members of Parliament for their leadership during Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, acknowledging the unity and spirit of service demonstrated across the nation.
“Let me first thank all Members and Provincial leaders who led your people in celebrating our nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary,” Prime Minister Marape said. “From the Autonomous Region of Bougainville to every Province, District, and our National Capital, the celebrations showcased the strength of our unity and the hope that defines Papua New Guinea.”
Turning to the substantive question on the NTRA, the Prime Minister clarified that the policy intention behind its creation was to ensure greater transparency, Parliamentary oversight, and accountability over public funds, particularly those generated by Statutory Bodies and State Entities.
“The rationale behind the NTRA was simple and clear,” Prime Minister Marape stated. “We wanted to stop the practice where Statutory Boards and Agencies were holding and spending money outside of full parliamentary scrutiny. Parliament, through the National Budget process, is where transparency lives — where both sides of the House can see and debate how public funds are used.”
He explained that under past arrangements, various Boards often ran parallel programs — sometimes duplicating efforts already funded under Government programs — which led to inefficiencies and weakened oversight. The NTRA mechanism was therefore designed to “sweep” surplus or residual funds from Statutory Bodies into the Waigani Public Accounts, while allowing those entities to retain what was necessary for their recurrent and operational needs.
“The policy formula is clear — ninety percent (90%) of the windfall or surplus is returned to the Public Accounts to support the National Budget, while ten percent (10%) remains with the Department or Agency concerned,” he said. “This ensures our Agencies continue operating effectively without hoarding funds that should be serving the national good.”
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged that while the intention behind the NTRA was sound, there may be administrative challenges that warrant review. He assured the Member for Alotau and the nation that a Review is already underway to ensure the system operates as intended — without disrupting the functional independence of Agencies or undermining the Sectors they serve.
“I appreciate the Member’s question. It is correct and timely,” he said. “A Review is not out of reach, and I assure Parliament that we will refine this mechanism to make it work better — ensuring we do not kill the golden goose that lays the egg.”
In response to additional questions about outstanding payments to Forestry Districts and Provincial Governments, the Prime Minister assured that the Government is committed to settling these obligations promptly. He confirmed that approximately K40 million is owed to two Provincial Governments from resource share entitlements, with K10 million already released.
“These funds have been outstanding since 2015, and the previous Government had used those funds. So my Government now has to replace that fund owing to the two Provinces,” Prime Minister Marape explained. “We have already given K10 million each, and the balance will be passed to them as and when funds are available.”
“I apologise to the people of these Provinces for the delay,” he continued. “We will ensure the remaining balance is made available as soon as practical, either in cash or in kind, depending on the best economic arrangements for each Province.”
He further reiterated that resource-producing Districts — whether in Forestry, Mining, Oil, or Gas — must receive their due benefits as provided by law and in line with Government agreements.
Prime Minister Marape concluded by reaffirming his Government’s stance that every Kina earned by the State must serve the people through transparent and accountable processes.
“Our Government will continue to uphold fiscal discipline, strengthen transparency, and ensure that every toea generated through public institutions returns to the people of Papua New Guinea through the National Budget,” he said. “This is part of our national reset for the next fifty years — building a self-reliant, economically strong, and transparent nation.”