The National Economic & Fiscal Commission

The National Economic & Fiscal Commission Established under the Constitution and Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments (OLPLLG).

NEFC Continues Discussions on Standardising Sub-National Chart of Accounts in IFMS The National Economic and Fiscal Comm...
13/06/2026

NEFC Continues Discussions on Standardising Sub-National Chart of Accounts in IFMS



The National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) has continued its engagement with the Department of Prime Minister & NEC, Department of Prime Minister and NEC, Department of Treasury and the Department of Finance to progress discussions on the standardisation of the Sub-National Chart of Accounts (CoA) within the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS).

A meeting held on the 12th June 2026 between the three agencies focused on advancing Key Focus Area 3 – Public Finance Management Systems, particularly the need to establish a uniform Chart of Accounts structure across provincial and local-level governments to improve budgeting, expenditure tracking, monitoring, and financial reporting.

The discussions form part of broader efforts to strengthen public financial management and ensure greater transparency and accountability in the use of national government grants transferred to provinces and other sub-national governments.

The Public Finance Management Act provides for fiscal transfers from the National Government to sub-national administrations to fund essential services and development programs. However, despite the introduction of the Integrated Financial Management System, challenges remain in effectively monitoring and reporting on the use of these funds.

The issue was first highlighted in the NEFC's 2021 Quarterly Budget Reviews, where provincial administrations expressed strong interest in standardising program and activity expenditure codes within the IFMS to improve financial reporting and accountability.

NEFC officials noted that the standardisation of the Chart of Accounts is a critical component of strengthening Intergovernmental Financing Arrangements and improving fiscal oversight between the National Government and sub-national administrations.

A Government Finance Statistics (GFS) Mission Report conducted in 2014 also identified the need for a common budgeting and reporting template to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in budgeting, monitoring, and reporting. International experiences from countries implementing IFMS, supported through IMF-initiated GFS missions, have demonstrated the benefits of adopting a standardised Chart of Accounts framework that links national and sub-national financial reporting systems.

Current challenges identified during discussions include the continued use of legacy Public Government Accounting System (PGAS) codes transferred into IFMS, inconsistencies in sector, program and activity codes across provinces, and misunderstandings surrounding the Chart of Accounts structure between national and sub-national levels.

These issues have particularly affected provincial sector and program officers who often face difficulties identifying the correct sector, program and activity codes when preparing budgets and financial reports.

To address these challenges, the agencies are exploring the rollout of regional workshops involving provincial administrations, sector agencies, Treasury, Finance and IFMS representatives. The workshops will focus on building a common understanding of the Chart of Accounts framework, promoting a standardised approach to coding and reporting, and supporting the adoption of an updated reporting structure within IFMS.

The initiative is expected to improve the consistency and quality of financial information across all levels of government, enabling better monitoring of public expenditure and supporting informed decision-making for service delivery and development outcomes.

The NEFC remains committed to working collaboratively with key stakeholders to strengthen public finance management systems and ensure greater accountability, transparency and effectiveness in the management of public resources throughout Papua New Guinea.



NEFC PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL RIGHT TO INFORMATION POLICY VALIDATION WORKSHOP The National Economic and Fiscal Commissio...
11/06/2026

NEFC PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL RIGHT TO INFORMATION POLICY VALIDATION WORKSHOP



The National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) today (11/06/26) joined government agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations in the validation of Papua New Guinea’s National Right to Information (RTI) Policy at a workshop held at Lamana Hotel in Port Moresby.

The workshop was hosted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in partnership with Transparency International PNG (TIPNG), with funding support from the European Union. The validation workshop marks a significant milestone in the development of the RTI Policy, which has undergone extensive consultations across the country prior to reaching the validation stage.

According to DICT, the workshop aims to validate the policy framework before its implementation, ensuring that stakeholder views and recommendations are incorporated into the final document.

Representing NEFC at the workshop were Ms. Rogana Ranu from the Information Technology Unit, Mr. Elizah Longkale from the Media and Communications Unit, and Ms. Danielle Tenakanai from the Policy Division.

The Right to Information (RTI), also known as Freedom of Information, refers to the legally recognized right of individuals and organizations to request and obtain information from public bodies and, in certain circumstances, from private entities performing public functions, subject to limited exceptions.

RTI is internationally recognized as a fundamental human right under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as an integral component of the right to freedom of expression.

The policy is expected to strengthen transparency, accountability, and good governance across public institutions. Through the RTI mechanism, citizens will have greater opportunities to scrutinize government operations and decision-making processes, thereby enhancing public sector accountability, reducing corruption, and increasing public trust in government institutions.

The workshop commenced with welcome remarks from DICT Deputy Secretary for Policy Planning and Emerging Technology, Mr. Flierl Shongol, Transparency International PNG Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Arriane Kassman, and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Chief Technical Advisor for the Anti-Corruption Unit, Dr. Alma Sedlar.

Participants were presented with the background, purpose, and significance of the Right to Information Policy, as well as updates on stakeholder consultations undertaken throughout the policy development process. Additional presentations highlighted the role of civil society organizations, the Open Government Partnership, and development partners in supporting the formulation of the policy.

The workshop also reviewed the 2025 RTI Policy Regional Consultation Report and provided an overview of the updated final draft policy, including stakeholder submissions and recommendations received during consultations.

Discussions concluded with participants examining the policy’s content, implications, and implementation considerations, reinforcing the collective commitment to advancing transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in Papua New Guinea’s governance systems.

NEFC remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote open government, transparency, accountability, and improved public sector governance, which are essential foundations for effective service delivery and sustainable national development.

NEFC CHAIRMAN AND CEO APPOINTED TO IPPCC BOARDThe National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) is pleased to announce ...
09/06/2026

NEFC CHAIRMAN AND CEO APPOINTED TO IPPCC BOARD

The National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) is pleased to announce that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Alphonse Kapi Malipu, was officially sworn in as a Commissioner of the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPCC) on 29 May 2026.

The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Councillor Lyean Nants at the IPPCC Boardroom in Port Moresby and attended by members of the Commission's Board and Secretariat.

Welcoming Mr. Malipu and other commissioners, IPPCC Registrar Mr. Immanuel Pok highlighted the critical role of the Commission in shaping Papua New Guinea's political landscape and strengthening the country's democratic institutions. He also briefed the Board on several key policy initiatives currently being developed to guide and improve the administration of political parties throughout the country.

Speaking on behalf of the Board, IPPCC Chairman Reverend Roger Joseph expressed his appreciation to Mr. Malipu for accepting the appointment and joining the Commission during an important period of institutional development.
Reverend Joseph acknowledged the progress the Commission has achieved despite external criticism, stating that such challenges are part of the Commission's growth and maturity.

"The changes we are seeing today are reflections of a collective commitment to improving the organisation and strengthening its role in our democracy," Reverend Joseph said.

He further noted that Mr. Malipu's extensive experience in academia, public policy, governance, and public sector leadership would be a valuable asset to the Board.

"Coming from your rich background of academia and public policy advisory, you will bring significant value to the Board in guiding discussions and shaping decisions that will contribute positively to the future of our country," he added.

The NEFC congratulates Mr. Malipu on this important national appointment and is confident that his expertise and leadership will contribute meaningfully to the Commission's mandate of promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability within Papua New Guinea's political party system.

His appointment further demonstrates the importance of collaboration between key state institutions in advancing democratic governance and fostering public confidence in the country's political and governance frameworks.

NEFC Chairman and CEO Oriented on Performance Management System The Department of Personnel Management (DPM), through it...
09/06/2026

NEFC Chairman and CEO Oriented on Performance Management System



The Department of Personnel Management (DPM), through its Executive Resourcing Services Division, today conducted an orientation for the National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Alphonse Kapi Malipu, on the Government's Performance Management System (PMS).

The orientation aimed to enhance understanding of the contractual obligations and performance requirements expected of agency heads under the Public Service framework. It also provided an overview of the processes and tools used to assess and monitor executive performance.

The session covered key areas including the Department of Personnel Management's mandate, the merit-based appointment process, performance-based employment contracts, the Performance Management System framework, introduction to the online PMS tool, contractual obligations, and the way forward.

According to DPM officials, the orientation was designed to:

Orient and make agency heads aware of their contractual obligations under their employment contracts and Clause 1.10 of the Terms and Conditions of Employment;
Enhance understanding of the Performance Management System business process and its relevance to contractual obligations;
Familiarize agency heads with the online PMS tool used for administering performance assessments and reporting.
Speaking during the session, officials emphasized that the Performance Management System is a critical accountability mechanism that supports effective leadership, transparency, and results-based management across the public sector.

The orientation was also attended by members of the NEFC Senior Management Team, providing an opportunity for the Commission's leadership to gain a shared understanding of performance expectations and reporting requirements.

Mr. Malipu welcomed the orientation, noting that the Performance Management System provides a clear framework for measuring organizational and individual performance while ensuring alignment with Government priorities and service delivery objectives.

The National Economic and Fiscal Commission remains committed to strengthening institutional performance, promoting accountability, and delivering quality advisory services that support equitable and sustainable development throughout Papua New Guinea.

The National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) continues to strengthen its partnership with the Autonomous Bougainvi...
21/05/2026

The National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) continues to strengthen its partnership with the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) in improving public sector planning and expenditure management.

NEFC ABG Cost of Services Team Leaders, Valentine Sime and Mala Marare, yesterday met with ABG Treasury and Finance Department representative Patrina Hasun to discuss preparations for the official launch of the ABG Cost of Services Report.

The report is scheduled to be launched in June in Buka and is expected to play a key role in guiding service delivery and expenditure planning within the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

Following the launch, NEFC will facilitate a three-day awareness workshop for ABG policy officers and sector managers. The workshop aims to educate participants on the practical use of the report in planning, policy formulation, budgeting, and monitoring of ABG expenditures.

The initiative reflects the continued commitment of both NEFC and ABG towards strengthening evidence-based planning and improving service delivery outcomes for the people of Bougainville.

The National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) today met with the Department of Education to discuss key policy revi...
21/05/2026

The National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) today met with the Department of Education to discuss key policy reviews aimed at improving education services across the country.

The discussions focused on the review of the Papua New Guinea Accessibility and Remoteness Index (PARI), the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy (GTFS) funding formulae, and Teachers Disadvantage and Hardship Allowances.

These important reviews are expected to support the National Government in improving GTFS funding arrangements for schools and addressing the challenges faced by teachers serving in some of the country’s most remote and hard-to-reach areas.

Broader consultations will continue in the next round of discussions, with the inclusion of the Teaching Service Commission and the PNG Teachers Association to further address issues and challenges relating to these important areas.

The engagement reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the education sector and supporting teachers and students throughout Papua New Guinea.

NEFC, Australian High Commission Reaffirm Partnership on Subnational Reform AgendaThe National Economic and Fiscal Commi...
18/05/2026

NEFC, Australian High Commission Reaffirm Partnership on Subnational Reform Agenda

The National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) and the Australian High Commission have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on subnational reforms and policy development during a partnership engagement meeting held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

The meeting served as an introductory and partnership engagement between the two institutions, focusing on ongoing collaboration and support to NEFC through the Australia–PNG Subnational Program.

During the discussions, the NEFC acknowledged the continued support provided by the Australian Government, particularly through technical advisory assistance that has supported the Commission’s policy reform initiatives and broader institutional strengthening efforts.

The engagement also provided an opportunity for the newly appointed NEFC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Alphonse Kapi Malipu, to be formally introduced to the representatives of the Australian High Commission as both parties reaffirmed their working relationship.

Key priorities highlighted by NEFC included Cost Benefit Analysis, intergovernmental financing reforms, fiscal policy advice, Cost of Services Studies, grants administration, and wider subnational reform programs aimed at improving service delivery financing across Papua New Guinea.

Representatives from the Australian High Commission expressed continued interest in supporting NEFC’s institutional and policy reform agenda through coordination, technical advice, strategic engagement, and ongoing technical adviser support.

NEFC also emphasised the importance of continued coordination and alignment between development partners, national government agencies, and the Commission to ensure effective implementation of reform priorities and sustainable support for subnational governments.

Both parties acknowledged the importance of maintaining strong engagement under the Aus-PNG Subnational Program while also exploring opportunities for collaboration through the broader Australia-PNG Economic Partnership Program.

The meeting concluded with discussions on possible follow-up actions, including NEFC identifying priority areas where technical support is required, particularly in intergovernmental financing arrangements, Cost of Services Studies, grants management, policy analysis, and reform coordination.

The Australian High Commission and the Aus-PNG Subnational Program are expected to continue close communication with NEFC on adviser support and partnership arrangements as the Commission advances its economic and fiscal policy reform priorities in support of equitable subnational service delivery.

Simbu Provincial Government today presented its Section 119 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Government ...
18/05/2026

Simbu Provincial Government today presented its Section 119 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Government (S119) Report to the National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC).

The provincial team was led by Mr. Andrew Ninkama from the Division of Program Management and Monitoring, while the report was officially received on behalf of the Commission by NEFC Grants and Revenue Principal Policy Analyst, Ms. Wenderlyn Utpagelona.

The S119 Report provides important information on the implementation of provincial budget expenditures across key priority sectors. As part of its mandate, the National Economic and Fiscal Commission determines function grants for Provincial Governments and monitors how these grants are utilized.

The S119 reporting process continues to serve as an important link between NEFC and Provincial Governments in strengthening accountability, transparency, and effective monitoring of function grant expenditures to improve service delivery across Papua New Guinea.

NEFC, Key Agencies to Conduct Major Health Costing Study  The National Economic and Fiscal Commission and three key gove...
12/05/2026

NEFC, Key Agencies to Conduct Major Health Costing Study





The National Economic and Fiscal Commission and three key government agencies will undertake a major costing study into Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) across Papua New Guinea, aimed at improving accountability, financing and service delivery within the country’s health sector.

The study, scheduled to commence in July 2026, will focus on the functions and responsibilities of PHAs relating to curative services, rural health services and administrative operations.

The three other agencies partnering in the study are the National Department of Health, the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs and the Department of Treasury.

NEFC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alphonse Kapi Malipu said the purpose of the study is to improve accountability in health service delivery, align financing with service delivery responsibilities and strengthen provincial health systems throughout the country.

Mr. Malipu said the study would be conducted in eight Provincial Health Authorities, with two selected from each of the country’s four regions — Southern, Momase, Islands and Highlands.

He said findings from the ongoing Cost of Services Study conducted by the NEFC had already provided important insights into the costs associated with rural health functions. However, he stressed that the establishment of Provincial Health Authorities had created an urgent need to broaden the study to include all PHA functions.

“Historically, NEFC’s focus has largely been on rural public health functions, but the creation of PHAs represents a structural shift that requires a more comprehensive assessment of health service delivery costs,” Mr. Malipu said.

He explained that PHAs are now responsible for a wider range of health services, including curative healthcare, public health initiatives and administrative functions delivered through clinics, aid posts, referral hospitals and other health facilities.

Mr. Malipu said accurately costing health service delivery according to established standards was essential to maintaining quality healthcare services while ensuring financial sustainability.

He said the costing framework would assess staffing levels, equipment requirements, facility maintenance and medication availability to help identify funding gaps, improve resource allocation and strengthen service delivery across the health system.

According to recommendations identified under the Intergovernmental Financing Arrangement Review (IGFAR) and the 2020 Cost of Services Study, strengthening governance and financing arrangements for PHAs remains a major reform priority.

The review examines how fiscal powers, financing flows and service delivery responsibilities are structured between national and sub-national governments.

Mr. Malipu said the proposed study would help establish a funding framework and cost assessment model for Provincial Health Authorities.

“The key outcomes of this very important study will include a comprehensive costing framework for PHAs, improved alignment of financing with service delivery and stronger intergovernmental financing arrangements within the health sector,” he said.

Meanwhile, Manager for IGFAR and PNG Cost of Services Study Nigel Ainui said preparations were already underway for a pilot study in Gulf Province from June 14-19 to test and determine research instruments ahead of the main study in July.

Mr. Ainui said the exercise would involve collaborative support from all participating agencies. The National Department of Health would provide policy guidance, coordination, regulation, monitoring support, technical advice and relevant data for the study. “Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs would provide technical advice on governance and administrative structures linking PHAs with provincial governments, districts and local-level governments. “The Department of Treasury, would provide technical advice relating to budgeting and financing arrangements.”

The National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) today held its monthly office devotion as part of the Commission’s on...
11/05/2026

The National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) today held its monthly office devotion as part of the Commission’s ongoing spiritual fellowship program that has been continuing since 2024.

The theme for today’s devotion was “The Troubled Heart and the Prepared Place”, with scripture reading taken from the Gospel of John 14:16:

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God;believe also in me- for I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." — John 14:16

Delivering the message during the devotion, Director of Policy Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Erick Kumasan, emphasized the importance of embracing Christian values within the workplace.

Mr. Kumasan encouraged staff members to continue having faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, reminding everyone of the importance of living with love, faith, and obedience to God’s word.

Reiterating the message from the scripture, Mr. Kumasan concluded by saying:
"There’s room for everyone who believes in Jesus Christ."

The monthly devotion continues to provide an opportunity for NEFC staff to come together in prayer, reflection, and spiritual encouragement while strengthening unity and positive values within the Commission.

Address

PO Box 566, Waigani, NCD
Port Moresby
121

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00
Thursday 08:00 - 16:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone

+6753232549

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