OPOSITION SLAMS PM’S AGENCY SUSPENSION, PROPOSES 22‑MINISTER CABINET

OPPOSITION Leader James Nomane has questioned the timing of the Prime Minister’s suspension of more than 70 heads of government agencies, describing the move as “too little, too late, too convenient” ahead of the 2027 National General Election.

Nomane yesterday, in a statement said enforcing statutory reporting obligations was the correct course of action but argued successive failures to submit annual reports had been tolerated for years without consequence.

He claimed the Government’s decision to act now raised questions about whether the suspensions were motivated by genuine governance reforms or political considerations as the country heads towards NGE2027.

Nomane said agency heads should be held accountable, but responsibility should also extend to Cabinet ministers overseeing the agencies.

He further argued that long-standing governance failures had contributed to economic challenges, including inflation, a weakening kina, unemployment, crime and shortages affecting Papua New Guinea.

Opposition Leader also renewed calls for a smaller national Cabinet, proposing that the number of ministers be reduced to 22 as part of broader public sector reforms.

Nomane said a leaner Cabinet would provide clearer responsibilities, improve oversight and make ministers more accountable for the performance of government agencies.

He made this statement after the Prime Minister suspended more than 70 agency heads for failing to meet statutory reporting requirements. Nomane argued that while public servants should be held accountable, ministers must also accept responsibility for the agencies under their portfolios.

Nomane said the reforms were intended to strengthen governance rather than rely on what he described as political “theatre”.