Autonomous Bougainville Government

24/08/2026

Public Notice:
Regional consultations on the proposed Bougainville Mining (Occupational Health and Safety) Bill 2026 begin today in Buin, South Bougainville.

If you cannot attend the consultations in person, you can still have your say.

Scan the code below and download the draft Bill.

📧 Submit written comments: [email protected]
📅 Deadline: Friday, 4 September 2026

Stakeholders and the public are encouraged to review the draft Bill and provide their feedback before it is finalized.

23/08/2026

Bougainville placed on drought alert as El Niño risk increases

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG)- through the Disaster and Emergency Services of the Department of Community Government, elevates the call from the PNG National Weather Services placing Bougainville on Drought Alert status following increasing concerns over prolonged below-normal rainfall associated with the current El Niño event.

Current climate information indicates an 80–90 percent probability of below-normal rainfall across Bougainville during September–November 2026. The El Niño conditions are also expected to remain active through the remainder of 2026.

The situation is being treated as an elevated drought and water-security risk, rather than normal seasonal conditions, with particular concern for water supplies, food gardens, food security and remote island communities.

Potential Impacts
The prolonged dry conditions may place additional pressure on already vulnerable communities and could result in:
• Further depletion of rainwater tanks and other household water sources;
• Reduced agricultural and food-garden production;
• Increased pressure on household food supplies;
• Increased demand for emergency water assistance;
• Deterioration of water quality;
• Increased health and nutrition risks; and
• Increased humanitarian and logistical requirements, particularly for remote communities.

The ABG is particularly concerned about fragile outer-island communities, where limited access to alternative water sources, transport and essential services can increase vulnerability to prolonged dry conditions.

Priority Areas for Monitoring
The Nissan-Atolls and other outer-island communities in Northern Bougainville will receive priority monitoring and preparedness attention because of their existing vulnerabilities and exposure to climate-related risks.

Other parts of Bougainville such as South and Central Bougainville may experience differing weather patterns as compared to North and Nissan Atolls areas of Bougainville.

However, the drought risk is being monitored across the entire Region. Communities may experience different levels of impact depending on rainfall deficits, the availability of water sources, crop conditions and household food stocks.

Immediate Preparedness Actions
The Directorate of Disaster and Emergency is coordinating with relevant Districts, Community Governments, and other Departments to strengthen preparedness and monitoring.

Over the next 2–4 weeks, the following actions will be prioritised:
1. Maintain HIGH WATCH status for drought and water-security risks through information from the PNG National Weather Service and localised monitoring.
2. Conduct rapid assessments in vulnerable locations, particularly areas already showing signs of water shortages, crop stress or food insecurity.
3. Strengthen weekly drought monitoring and reporting through Districts and Community Governments.
4. Finalise the Drought Contingency Plan to identify priority preparedness and early-response actions for the ABG.
5. Escalate monitoring and preparedness in RED-priority outer-island communities, particularly where declining water sources and food-security concerns are reported.

Call for Community Preparedness
The Department of Community Government and District Affairs has activated the monitoring and reporting from Community Governments, District administrations, sector leads in ABG, partners to support the process to ascertain the situation in Bougainville over the next few weeks and months as the PNG National Weather Services continues to provide the overall situation report.

Communities are encouraged to monitor household water supplies, protect available water sources, conserve water, monitor food gardens and report emerging shortages or other drought-related concerns through their respective Community Governments and District authorities.

The public is also encouraged to follow official information and advisories issued by the PNG National Weather Service and the Autonomous Bougainville Government and to avoid relying on unverified information.

Operational Status
The current operational decision is to maintain Bougainville at HIGH WATCH for drought and water-security risk through 2026, with RED priority monitoring and preparedness for fragile outer-island communities.

The Department emphasises that the current alert is intended to support early action and preparedness. It does not mean that all communities are currently experiencing severe drought conditions.
Rather, the forecast indicates a heightened risk that requires early monitoring, assessment and contingency planning before conditions deteriorate further.

The Directorate of Disaster and Emergency will continue to provide updates as new rainfall, climate and community assessment information becomes available.

Issued by the Office of the Secretary – Department of Community Government, District Affairs and Emergency Disaster Services.

ABG News ~ Statement from the ABG Directorate of Disaster and Emergency: Bougainville placed on drought alert as El Niño risk increases

23/08/2026

ABG seizes equipment in unauthorized mining enforcement operation

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), through the Bougainville Police Service and Department of Mining and Petroleum (DMP) and in collaboration with relevant enforcement agencies, undertook a further enforcement operation in the early hours of today, 23 August 2026, targeting unauthorised mining activities in the Kopani area, Central Bougainville.

As part of the operation, 22 foreign nationals associated with the activities were removed from the site and transported to Buka for further processing by the relevant authorities.

Enforcement officers also seized and impounded machinery, vehicles and other equipment associated with the unauthorised mining activities. Equipment seized includes excavators, backhoe, large trucks, mining wash plant, land-cruiser vehicle and other associated mining machinery and equipment. The equipment is being secured pending completion of the applicable legal processes.

President and Minister for Mining and Petroleum, Hon. Ishmael Toroama, said the Government had spent the past three years conducting awareness across Bougainville on unauthorised mining and the requirements of Bougainville's mining and related laws.

“For the past three years, the ABG has undertaken extensive awareness with landowners, miners, communities and other stakeholders across Bougainville on unauthorised mining activities and the requirements of our mining laws. By now, our people and stakeholders should know and understand the law. The period of awareness has been sufficient; it is now time for enforcement of Bougainville's laws.”

President Toroama said enforcement would apply equally to foreign nationals and Bougainvilleans involved in unlawful mining activities.

“Our laws exist to protect the interests of Bougainville and its people. No individual, company or foreign national is above the law. The Government will continue its investigations and appropriate legal action will also be taken against local individuals who are found to have facilitated, supported or participated in unauthorised mining activities. If you wish to participate in Bougainville's mining sector, you must do so legally and in accordance with the laws of Bougainville.”

Under the relevant mining legislation, equipment seized in connection with unlawful mining activities may be forfeited to the ABG. A person claiming an interest in seized equipment may, within the prescribed 30-day period, apply to Court for its return. The Court may order its return where the claimant establishes an entitlement to possession and that the equipment was not being used to mine minerals in contravention of the law.

The ABG acknowledges the cooperation of Police, Immigration, DMP officers and those who provided logistical support during the operation.

The Government will continue enforcement operations where necessary to protect Bougainville's mineral resources and ensure that mining activities are undertaken lawfully and responsibly.

https://abg.gov.pg/index.php?/news/read/abg-seizes-equipment-in-unauthorized-mining-enforcement-operation

Photos: Equipment and machinery seized and impounded by ABG enforcement officers.

19/08/2026

Public Notice: Conduct of the Bougainville Community Government Elections 2026

The Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner hereby gives public announcement of the conduct of the Bougainville Community Government Elections 2026. The key election dates are set out below.

• Notices of Election & of Nominations: 30th October 2026
• Nominations: 2nd November – 6 th November 2026
• Enrolment: 7th November – 21st November 2026
• Campaign: 7 th November – 22nd November 2026
• Polling Period: 23rd November – 27th November 2026
• Counting: At close of polling for each ward
• Provisional Declarations: On or before, 27th November 2026
• Submission of Applications for Review: 28th November – 11th December 2026
• Final Declarations: On or before 26th January 2027

Eligible citizens are encouraged to complete enrolment within the prescribed period and to prepare for nominations, campaigning, and polling in accordance with the election timetable.

Issued by:
Bougainville Electoral Commissioner Mr Desmond Tsianai
Office of the Electoral Commissioner Autonomous Bougainville Government Autonomous Region of Bougainville

19/08/2026

ABG and PNG Auditor-General strengthen partnership on good governance and accountability

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and the Office of the Auditor-General of Papua New Guinea have renewed their commitment to strengthening public financial management, accountability, transparency and good governance in Bougainville.

The commitment was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed today in Port Moresby.

ABG Chief Secretary Kearnneth Nanei said the renewed partnership was an important step in strengthening the systems and institutional capacity required to uphold good governance and responsible management of public resources.

“Today is another significant milestone and a momentous occasion for a renewed commitment to public sector finance, accountability, good governance, transparency and partnership between the Auditor-General’s Office and the Autonomous Bougainville Government,” Mr Nanei said.

He acknowledged the previous MOU between the two institutions, which established an important platform for cooperation and technical support, particularly in strengthening the capacity of the ABG’s internal audit function.

Mr Nanei said the continued support and expertise of the Auditor-General’s Office had contributed significantly to improving the ABG’s governance and public financial management systems.

“The result of our collaboration and partnership has enhanced and has supported and is continuing to support our good governance platforms in Bougainville,” he said.

He highlighted the contribution of internal auditors in providing guidance on due diligence, vetting and public finance accountability measures, noting that these functions were critical in ensuring government decisions and processes remained consistent with established standards of accountability and good governance.

Mr Nanei said the ABG remained committed to supporting its internal audit function and implementing the commitments under the renewed MOU, despite ongoing resource and capacity constraints.

“We are limited with resources. But that doesn't stop us from ensuring that we conform to the best practices of good governance and public sector management,” he said.

The Chief Secretary also emphasised that public funds must be managed in the public interest and that government institutions had a responsibility to remain accountable to the people of Bougainville.

“At the end of the day, we are accountable to the people. The funds that we receive are all public funds, and they should be used for the public interest,” he said.

He said the renewed partnership would also provide an opportunity to further strengthen the ABG’s internal audit capacity and support external oversight of the government’s financial management systems.

The Chief Secretary acknowledged the Auditor-General of Papua New Guinea, Gordon Keka, the Deputy Auditor-General and senior management of the Auditor-General’s Office for their continued support and partnership with the ABG.

He said the ABG remained committed to taking the partnership to the next level by strengthening its internal audit capacity and ensuring that the renewed MOU translated into practical improvements in public financial management and governance across the ABG administration.

https://abg.gov.pg/index.php?/news/read/abg-and-png-auditor-general-strengthen-partnership-on-good-governance-and-accountability

19/08/2026

📢 PUBLIC NOTICE
Regional Stakeholder Consultations
BOUGAINVILLE MINING (OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY) BILL 2026

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), through the Department of Mining & Petroleum (DMP), invites interested stakeholders and members of the public to participate in regional consultations on the proposed Bougainville Mining (Occupational Health and Safety) Bill 2026.

The proposed Bill seeks to establish a modern, Bougainville-specific legislative framework for occupational health and safety in the mining sector, including mine safety management, prevention of workplace risks, inspections, compliance and enforcement.

The consultations will provide an opportunity for stakeholders and the public to learn about the proposed Bill, ask questions, and provide comments, views and recommendations before the Bill is finalized.

The ABG President and Minister for Mining & Petroleum, Hon. Ishmael Toroama, will officiate at the opening of the regional stakeholder consultations.

CONSULTATION SCHEDULE:

South Bougainville – Buin
📅 24 August 2026, 9am to 5pm
📍 Southern Pride Lodge
Contact: Clara Momoi

Central Bougainville – Arawa
📅 26 August 2026, 9am to 5pm
📍 Sharpe Memorial
Contact: Michael Otoroa

North Bougainville – Buka
📅 2 September 2026, 9am to 5pm
📍 Adeeves
Contact: Cyril Gerio

ACCESS THE PROPOSED BILL:
https://abg.gov.pg/uploads/acts/Bougainville_Mining_%28OHS%29_Bill_2026_draft_180826.pdf

Written comments, feedback and recommendations are also invited and may be emailed to: [email protected]

Deadline for written submissions: Friday, 4 September 2026

All interested stakeholders and members of the public are encouraged to participate and have their views considered in the development of this important legislation.

18/08/2026

ABG hosts Contractors Workshop in Buka

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) is strengthening the capacity of local contractors to understand and meet government tendering, procurement and contract management requirements through a two-day Local Contractors Conference being held in Buka this week.

The conference, organised by the ABG Department of Infrastructure and Utilities (DIU) in partnership with the Australian Government, brings together local contractors, construction service providers, engineers, procurement and contract management officers, development partners, senior public servants and representatives from the National Department of Works and Highways.

The conference is focused on improving local contractors’ understanding of the tendering and procurement processes of DIU and the ABG Government, including compliance requirements, technical and financial capacity, reporting systems, contract management and the overall tender process.

It also forms part of the ABG’s broader efforts to strengthen local capacity and institutional readiness as Bougainville prepares to exercise greater powers under self-government from 2027 and works towards its stated goal of independence in 2030.

Acting Secretary for DIU Wilfred Hanette said the conference provides an important platform for local contractors to better understand government requirements and the standards expected in the delivery of publicly funded infrastructure projects.

He said the conference would also help contractors understand the direction of DIU and reposition their businesses to participate more effectively in Bougainville’s infrastructure development as the ABG prepares for the next stages of its political development.

President of the ABG, His Excellency Hon. Ishmael Toroama, officially opened the conference today, welcoming the initiative as an opportunity to strengthen local contractors’ understanding of the Bougainville Tenders and Supplies Board Act 2015.

“I welcome the opportunity provided by DIU to encourage local contractors to honour the Bougainville Tenders and Supplies Board Act 2015,” he said, adding that the Act also recognizes the participation of Bougainville contractors in government procurement.

ABG Minister for Infrastructure and Utilities, Hon. Patrick Nisira, said the conference represented an important partnership between the ABG and Bougainville’s local contracting industry.

“Its purpose is to help Bougainvillean businesses compete fairly, win contracts and deliver projects professionally, so that every kina invested in infrastructure brings lasting benefits to our people,” he said.

Minister Nisira thanked the contractors who attended the conference, saying their participation demonstrated a commitment to improving their businesses, understanding government requirements and strengthening their contribution to Bougainville’s infrastructure development.

“Your attendance shows a commitment to improve your businesses, understand Government requirements and strengthen your participation in Bougainville’s infrastructure development.”

The conference is expected to strengthen the capacity and professionalism of local contractors and support greater participation of Bougainvillean businesses in government-funded infrastructure projects.

https://abg.gov.pg/index.php?/news/read/abg-hosts-contractors-workshop-in-buka

18/08/2026

South Regional Parliamentary Committee reaffirms commitment to Independence Readiness

The ABG South Regional Parliamentary Members have reaffirmed their commitment to the Bougainville Independence Readiness agenda, following its regional meeting in Arawa today.

The meeting was co-chaired by the Chairman of the South Bougainville Regional Parliamentary Committee, Hon. Robert Kebau, who is also the ABG Member representing the South Bougainville Veterans, and ABG Vice President and Minister for Bougainville Independence Mission, Hon. Ezekiel Masatt.

The Committee’s resolutions acknowledged the geographical challenges faced by South Bougainville, extending from the Konnou area through to Torokina, and recognised the need for a coordinated regional approach to ensure communities and constituencies are adequately prepared for the next stages of the political process.

The Committee reaffirmed the ABG Trident Strategy as the mechanism for progressing Bougainville’s independence readiness through three areas: the Internal Prong, focused on preparations by Bougainville within Bougainville; the Domestic Prong, focused on progress between Bougainville and the Government of Papua New Guinea; and the International Prong, involving the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the international community.

The Committee further acknowledged the political status of Self-Government, commencing on 1 September 2027, and called on all constituencies in South Bougainville to work collaboratively to ensure the region is prepared for this next stage.

As part of the resolutions, the South Regional Parliamentary Committee also committed to identify high-impact projects that will serve as benchmarks for independence-readiness across the South Bougainville region.

This includes economic feeder roads within South Bougainville as a priority for consideration as high impact projects, recognizing the importance of accessibility and connectivity across the region.

The resolutions provide for Southern Bougainville constituency leaders to translate the broader political direction into practical awareness, community engagement, institutional preparation and development priorities at the constituency level.

Photo: ABG Chairman of the South Regional Parliamentary Committee, Hon. Robert Kebau, and ABG Member for South Bougainville Women, Hon. Rose Pihei, during the signing of the South Regional Parliamentary Committee resolutions in Arawa today.

https://abg.gov.pg/index.php?/news/read/south-regional-parliamentary-committee-reaffirms-commitment-to-independence-readiness

18/08/2026

South Bougainville Constituency Members updated on Independence Readiness

ABG Constituency members from across the South Bougainville region today participated in an awareness session on Bougainville’s political progress and the ongoing work towards independence readiness.

The session provided constituency members with first-hand updates from the Vice President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and Minister responsible for the Bougainville Independence Mission, Hon. Ezekiel Masatt.

In his opening remarks, Vice President Masatt emphasized the important role constituency members have in translating Bougainville’s political aspirations into practical understanding and preparedness at the constituency and community levels.

He said independence readiness was not only a matter for the ABG and its institutions, but a process that must involve individual Bougainvilleans and communities across the region.

“What does this independence mean to individual Bougainvilleans? This is where the role of the constituency members are critical in preparing our people,” he said.

Vice President Masatt said constituency members were well placed to ensure their constituents understood what Bougainville’s political progress means for them, their families and communities.

He said this included helping people understand the responsibilities that would come with political self-government, as well as the changes and opportunities that may arise as Bougainville continues to prepare for its political independence.

“Independence readiness must reach the people. It must be understood at the community level, because ultimately it is our people who will experience and carry the responsibilities of whatever political future Bougainville moves towards,” he said.

Vice President Masatt also provided an update on the process that will take place in the National Parliament on 27 August 2026, clarifying that the sitting will not constitute the final ratification vote on the 2019 Bougainville Referendum result.

He explained that the presentation of the referendum results in the National Parliament is an important procedural step that will trigger the ratification process and provide an opportunity for national Members of Parliament to be properly informed and engage in debate before any decision is taken.

“The National Parliament will not make any decision on the 27th of August, the referendum results will only be introduced and some debate may take place. This is important to allow for national members to be properly informed ahead of any vote being taken in their House,” Vice President Masatt explained.

He said continued awareness and engagement at the constituency level would be important as Bougainville moves through the next stages of its political process.

The South Bougainville constituency members welcomed the opportunity to receive the update directly from the Vice President and expressed their appreciation for the information provided.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the South Bougainville constituency members signed a resolution, committing to taking the information back to their respective constituencies and continuing to engage their communities on Bougainville’s political progress and the importance of preparing Bougainvilleans for the responsibilities of independence.

The awareness session forms part of the ABG’s broader efforts to strengthen understanding, participation and preparedness among Bougainvilleans as the political process continues. Constituency-level awareness programs are planned to commence following regional consultations with constituency members in Central and North Bougainville later this week and early next week.

https://abg.gov.pg/index.php?/news/read/south-bougainville-constituency-members-updated-on-independence-readiness

14/08/2026

Bougainville welcomes Cardinal Tagle and Catholic Delegation for 125th Jubilee Anniversary

The Autonomous Region of Bougainville warmly welcomes His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and Special Envoy of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, who arrived in Bougainville today for the 125th Jubilee Anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Bougainville.

Cardinal Tagle was accompanied by His Excellency Archbishop Maurizio Bravi, Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, and Rev. Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj, General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of PNG and Solomon Islands.

The delegation was welcomed at Buka Airport by an ABG delegation including ABG Member for Tsitalato Constituency, Hon. John Bosco Ragu; ABG Minister for Community Development and Public Service, Hon. Melvin Wilolopa; Regional Member for Bougainville, Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Junior; Bishop of the Bougainville Diocese, Darius Kaluza; and ABG Heads of Departments.

The delegation later paid a courtesy visit to ABG President, His Excellency Ishmael Toroama, at his residence in Buka. President Toroama warmly welcomed the delegation and thanked them for gracing Bougainville with their presence for the historic 125th Jubilee Anniversary of the Catholic Diocese of Bougainville.