Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today met with Speaker of the National Parliament, Hon. Job Pomat, at Melanesian Haus, Waigani, where the Speaker formally presented the National Parliament’s 2026 Budget Submission of over K615 million.
The Speaker emphasized that the Legislature, as one of the three Arms of Government, must receive the same level of diligence and support as the Executive and Judiciary, further elaborating that the National Parliament by law is a very important symbol of Governance and Law Enactment for the nation and must be given priority in terms of funding support. He underscored that funding Parliament’s operations and infrastructure is essential to strengthening PNG’s democracy.
Prime Minister Marape welcomed the Submission and commended the Speaker’s leadership in ensuring Parliament is adequately resourced to meet both present and future needs.
“Our Parliament is not just another building. It is the very ‘Seat of Papua New Guinea’s Democracy’. As we celebrate our 50th Independence Anniversary, we must honour and invest in the institution that embodies the voice of our people,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Equal Support for All Arms of Government
The Prime Minister noted that the Government has already demonstrated strong commitment to the Judiciary through the construction of the new National Court Complex, and pledged that similar support will be extended to the Legislature, in particular the National Parliament.
“Just as we built a new Court House for the Judiciary, we must also invest in Parliament as the Legislative Arm of Government. These three Arms – Legislature, Judiciary and Executive – must each be supported to function effectively, for they uphold the rule of law and governance in our nation,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that his Government has invested over K400 million over the last six years since taking Office towards supporting the Judiciary, culminating in the completion of the state-of-the-art Court Complex that houses both the Supreme and National Courts. He stressed that substantial support in similar fashion will be mobilised to maintain and expand the National Parliament.
The 2026 Budget Submission includes provisions for physical renovations to Parliament House, modernisation of ICT systems for a “Paperless Parliament,” and operational support to strengthen the capacity of Members of Parliament and Parliamentary Staff, as well as Parliament Library and Archives.
Prime Minister Marape added that his Government will go further by fixing, restoring, and maintaining Parliament and constructing a ‘new D-Wing’, ensuring Parliament is fit for purpose in the decades ahead.
“We will not only refurbish and maintain the building, but also construct a ‘new D-Wing’. This is about preparing Parliament for life beyond our first 50 years as a nation. It will be restored and modernised to be a 21st century institution worthy of our Democracy,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Government’s Commitment to Strengthening Democracy
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed that strengthening Parliament is a national priority, especially in the context of the country’s Golden Jubilee. “Our Parliament has served the nation faithfully for 50 years. It has been the arena where laws are made, policies debated, and where the will of our people is expressed. We owe it to future generations to maintain and modernise this institution so that it continues to serve the country with dignity and efficiency,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister further outlined planned reforms, including upgrading Parliament’s sound, electronic, computer, library, and archival systems, as well as strengthening the Parliamentary Committee System and providing a separate Budget line for the Opposition. “We want the Opposition to be properly resourced, not held to ransom, because they are an essential part of the Check-and-Balance mechanism for our Democracy. A vibrant Parliament requires strong Committees and an empowered Opposition that can hold Government to account,” he stated.
Prime Minister Marape also highlighted the importance of ensuring that Parliament operates at arm’s length from the Executive while functioning effectively to pass good laws for the country.
“This is part of the Reset and reconstruction of our democratic institutions as we move beyond our 50th anniversary. Parliament will be linked more closely with Provincial Legislatures and the Bougainville Legislature, so that Law-Making at all levels is strengthened,” he added.
Moving Forward
The Prime Minister assured the Speaker and the people of Papua New Guinea that his Government will give serious consideration to the K615 million Submission as part of the 2026 National Budget process.
“I commend Speaker Pomat for bringing forward this Submission. Our Government will work closely with Parliament to ensure that this institution, the heart of our Democracy, is strengthened for the next 50 years and beyond,” Prime Minister Marape concluded.