Prime Minister Hon. James Marape today delivered a firm, evidence- based Response in Parliament to the Opposition’s remarks on the K30.9 billion 2026 National Budget, challenging what he described as “selective, misleading and politically motivated narratives” presented particularly by Shadow Treasurer Hon. Bryan Kramer.
PM Marape emphasised that the record Budget—tabled last week by Treasurer Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey— continues his Government’s disciplined Economic Strategy, correcting structural weaknesses inherited over decades while laying long-term foundations for inclusive growth. He reminded Parliament that debates must be grounded in truth, not “cosmetic arguments designed for theatrics.”
PM Marape: Opposition Arguments “Incomplete and Fails to Tell the Full Picture”
Responding directly to the Shadow Treasurer, Prime Minister Marape said the Opposition has continued to circulate incomplete data, failing to contextualize debt, revenue, and economic performance against PNG’s economic size and global conditions.
He stated: “The graphs and figures the Opposition circulated today are incomplete. They highlight nominal debt but ignore the size of the economy. Debt without GDP context is deception—plain and simple.”
The Prime Minister pointed out that despite claims of rising Debt, PNG’s Debt-to-GDP Ratio is projected to fall to 45.5% in 2026, one of the lowest among developing economies, and well below many advanced nations:
“Canada is at 110%, France at 113%, Germany at 63%, Italy at 135%, Japan over 200%. PNG is trending downwards—to 45.5% next year and below 42% by 2027. That is responsible fiscal leadership.”
To strengthen fiscal discipline further, the Government has moved to reduce the legislated debt ceiling from 55% to 52.5%.
Economic Growth and Revenue Performance “Disprove Opposition Claims”
PM Marape said the Opposition continues to ignore clear Economic Data showing strong national performance despite Global shocks.
He highlighted that Company Tax Revenue, which reflects Private-Sector Health, has surged:
– 2019: K1.9 billion
– 2024: K3.4 billion – a new national record
Similarly, Mining and Petroleum Tax has risen dramatically under the “Take Back PNG” reforms:
– 2014: K794 million
– 2018: K775 million
– 2024: K3.707 billion – almost five times higher
The Prime Minister said: “These numbers don’t lie. Under our leadership, the Resource Sector is finally paying its fair share. This is what ‘Take Back PNG’ looks like in real Kina.”
He further noted that GST collections, a measure of consumer activity and business transactions, rose from K3.5 billion (2018) to K5.3 billion (2024).
“Growth is happening. People are spending, businesses are trading, and the economy is active. These are not political slogans—these are verified outcomes.”
Five Consecutive Years of Non-Resource Sector Growth
For the first time since Independence, PNG has recorded five straight years of Non-Resource Sector growth, including agriculture, construction, retail services, and hospitality.
The Prime Minister stressed: “Stanley Hotel, Airways Hotel, Hilton Hotel—go and ask for their occupancy rates. The country is active. The non-resource economy is growing for the first time in our history.”
Government Delivering in Tough Times: COVID-19 Explained
PM Marape reminded Parliament that while the world experienced economic contraction during COVID-19, PNG still posted positive GDP growth, including:
– 2019: 4.5% (above global average)
– 2022: 5.7%
– 2023: 3.8%
– 2024: 4.1%
“The world economy was shutting down. Yet PNG still grew. That is not by accident—it is because of responsible management.”
Household Relief and People-Focused Policies
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the Government has delivered over K3 billion in Household Relief since 2019, including:
– Removal of Tax on 13 Essential Household Items
– Increasing the Tax-Free Threshold to K20,000
– Free Education initiatives and the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
“We put money back into the pockets of ordinary Papua New Guineans. These are real interventions making a real difference.”
Historic Investments in Infrastructure, Health, and Education
PM Marape outlined significant achievements, including:
– 2,500km of roads rehabilitated, over 1,900km of Missing Links built, and 96 Bridges completed
– Massive upgrades to Highlands Highway and National Airports, supported by ADB and JICA
– K600m Enga Provincial Hospital, completion of Boram Hospital, and the restart of Cancer and Heart Treatment locally
– First-ever Kidney Transplant and Heart Bypass Surgery conducted in PNG in 2025
“We are building a modern PNG—road by road, bridge by bridge, airport by airport, hospital by hospital.”
Call for National Unity and Responsible Leadership
PM Marape ended by appealing for truthfulness and unity: “We are not in Parliament to grandstand. We are here to serve our people. If criticism is fair, we accept it. But misleading information must stop. Our people deserve honesty.”
Parliament has now adjourned to Tuesday, 10 March, 2026 at 2:00pm.