DPM CALLS FOR STRONG PUBLIC SECTOR PARTICIPATION IN FINAL REVIEW OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE MANAGEMENT ACT

THE Department of Personnel Management (DPM) is calling on public servants, institutions, and stakeholders to actively participate in the final stage of public consultations on the review of the Public Service Management Act (PSMA)—a landmark reform aimed at strengthening and modernising public sector governance in Papua New Guinea.

This final leg of consultations, now underway for the Southern Region at the Gateway Hotel, concludes a nationwide engagement process that has already reached three regions, reflecting the Government’s commitment to inclusive, transparent, and participatory reform.

Speaking on behalf of the Secretary for Department of Personnel Management, Ms. Taies Sansan, Deputy Secretary (Policy) Mr. Ellison Kalimet reaffirmed that the Public Service Management Act remains the legal and administrative backbone of the Public Service, guiding how public servants are recruited, managed, and held to professional standards.

However, Mr. Kalimet emphasised that the environment in which the Public Service operates today has changed fundamentally.

“We are navigating a rapidly evolving Public Service—one shaped by technological advancement, increasing public expectations, and complex overnance challenges. These realities demand a Public Service that is not only efficient and accountable, but also agile, responsive, and fit for purpose.” He stressed that the review of the PSMA is therefore both timely and necessary, providing a critical opportunity to ensure that the legislative framework continues to serve the needs of government, public servants, and the people of Papua New Guinea.

Mr. Kalimet explained that the consultations are designed to encourage meaningful engagement, allowing participants and their respective agencies to assess whether the current Act remains relevant, to identify gaps, remove outdated provisions, and strengthen mechanisms that promote merit, integrity, performance, and accountability.

“This process is not simply about amending legislation. It is about shaping the future of our Public Service—ensuring our institutions are equipped to deliver results, uphold public trust, and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

Deputy Secretary Kalimet urged participants to approach the consultations with a shared commitment to reform, noting that the success of the PSMA review depends on the collective insight and ownership of public servants, stakeholders, and citizens alike.

“Open dialogue and constructive input are essential. The voices of those who work within the system, and those who rely on it, will help ensure that the revised Act reflects practical realities as well as our shared aspirations for a capable, ethical, and modern Public Service.”

DPM encourages all participants in the Southern Region consultations to engage actively and contribute candidly, as their input will directly inform the final shape of reforms that will guide Papua New Guinea’s Public Service for decades to come.