Public Services Commission

03/08/2026

📢PSC’s Role in Promoting Merit-Based Appointments

The Public Services Commission (PSC) is committed to ensuring that appointments across the public service are made fairly, transparently, and based on merit. Sections of the constitutional mandate and legislative instruments are stated below;

🍀Constitutional Mandate;

Under Section 193 (1A) of the National Constitution, PSC safeguards the principle of merit in all public service appointments.

🍀Legislative Instruments;
• PS (M) Act 1995 – Section 31 & 208B: Gives PSC authority to regulate and review appointments.
• RSA (Appointment to Certain Offices) Act 2004: Ensures statutory office appointments are transparent and merit based.
• PS (M) Regulations 2003: Sets clear procedures for selecting Departmental Heads.

💡 What PSC Ensures;
• Fairness: Equal opportunity for all citizens.
• Transparency: Open advertisement of vacancies.
• Integrity: Strong leadership through merit-based selection.
• Accountability: Oversight of appointments to prevent nepotism or favoritism.

📌By upholding these principles, PSC strengthens public trust and ensures that the right people are appointed to serve our nation.

21/07/2026

📢DID YOU KNOW.... the Departmental or Agency Head has the authority to withdraw original charges and reissue fresh charges under General Order 15.35 in the following circumstances:

1. Failure to Reach a Decision within 21 Working Days
🔹 If no decision is reached within twenty-one (21) working days after the offending officer(s) has responded to the charges, the Departmental or Agency Head may withdraw the original charges and issue new charges.


2. Non-Compliance with the Disciplinary Process
🔹 If, after the completion of the disciplinary process, the Departmental or Agency Head identifies non-compliance with the prescribed procedures, he or she may reinstitute the disciplinary process to ensure proper compliance.

16/07/2026

Public Services (Management) Act 1995 (as amended)

Section 13 – Penalties for Non-Compliance with Commission Proceedings

1. Section 13 (2) – Any person who knowingly makes false or misleading statements in evidence before the Commission commits an offence.

Penalty: A fine not exceeding K200.00.

2. Section 13 (3) - Any officer who without reasonable cause, neglected or fails to attend in obedience to a summons, or refuses to be sworn in, answer questions, or produce documents relevant to an inspection, inquiry, or investigation, commits an offence.

Penalty: A fine not exceeding K200.00.

3. Section 13 (4) -Any person other than an officer who, after payment or tender of reasonable expenses, neglects or fails to attend in obedience to a summons, or refuses to be sworn in, answer questions, or produce documents relevant to an inspection, inquiry, or investigation, commits an offence.

Penalty: A fine not exceeding K200.00.

📌 For more details on our roles & functions, visit 👉 www.psc.gov.pg 📧 Contact us at: [email protected]

13/07/2026

Review of Personnel Matters – National Public Service

The Public Services Commission’s (PSC) role in the Review of Personnel Matter is vested under Section 194 of the National Constitution and Section 18 of the Public Services (Management) Act 1995.

What is “Personnel Matters”?
Includes decisions on appointment, promotion, demotion, transfer, suspension, discipline, or termination (except natural end of employment period).

The PSC provides a formal process for public servants to challenge decisions on personnel matters.

Here are key points to consider when applying for a Review:

💡 Complaints must be:
🔹 In writing (Review Application to be filled and submitted with supporting documents)
🔹 Lodged within 60 days (extensions possible if delay was beyond the officer’s control)
🔹 Copied to the Department of Personnel Management

💡 Review Process:
🔹 PSC summons:
🍀 Departmental Head of Personnel Management
🍀 Departmental Head of the officer’s department
🍀 The officer (who may be represented by a union or lawyer at their own cost)
🔹 All parties must appear within 14 days of summons.
🔹 PSC considers:
🍀 Facts of the case
🍀 Views of all parties
🍀 National Public Service policies
🍀 Cost implications

💡 Decision:
🔹 PSC may uphold, vary, or annul the original decision.
🔹 Must be made within 90 days (extensions allowed if delays are beyond PSC’s control).
🔹 Becomes binding after 30 days.

📌This framework ensures fairness, accountability, and transparency in handling personnel issues within the National Public Service.

07/07/2026

Know the Powers of the Commission!

Under Section 12(1) of the Public Services (Management) Act 1995 (as amended), the Commission has the authority to:

🔹 Access premises – Enter premises occupied or used by government departments, State Services (excluding the Defence Force), Provincial Governments, or other government services.

🔹 Summon individuals – Call individuals to provide testimony relevant to inspections, inquiries, reviews, or investigations.

🔹 Take evidence – Administer oaths or affirmations when gathering evidence.

🔹 Require documents – Request any person to produce documents within their possession or control.

📌 For more details on our roles & functions, visit 👉 www.psc.gov.pg 📧 Contact us at: [email protected]

7Sep, 2022 PSC CHAIRMAN WELCOMES PUBLIC SERVICE MINISTER INTO OFFICE 7/09/2022 The Chairman of the Public Services Commission Mr. Apeo Fuata Sione officially welcomed the Minister for Public Service Hon. Joe Sungi, and congratulated him on his re-appointment as the Member for Nuku and also as Public...

02/07/2026

Public Services Commission (PSC) – Third Quarter Social Media Awareness Campaign

The PSC is an independent Constitutional office established under Sections 191 & 192 of the National Constitution.

The Commission is made up of three Commissioners:
• National Commissioner
• Provincial Commissioner
• Chairman

Commission members are appointed by the Head of State, acting on the advice of the Public Services Commission Appointments Committee (PSCAC).

PSC’s Primary Responsibilities lies under Section 191 (1) (a) & (b) of the National Constitution and regulated by Sections 18 & 19 of the Public Services (Management) Act 1995 (as amended), PSC’s core mandate is to:
• Review personnel matters
• Oversee organizational matters

📢 As part of our 12-week social media awareness campaign, PSC will highlight the Legal and Institutional frameworks that form the foundation of our roles and responsibilities. Our goal is to strengthen public understanding and trust in PSC’s mandate as the overarching authority in public service management.

Stay tuned for weekly updates!

11/06/2026

📢Wrap-Up Campaign: What We’ve Learned

✅ PSC ensures fairness in public service
✅ Appointments must be based on merit, not connections
✅ Laws protect transparency and equal opportunity
✅ Everyone deserves a fair chance

Better selection leads to better leadership. Better leadership means better services for all citizens 💡

As we conclude the Assessment campaign on our roles and functions, we want to extend our earnest gratitude to everyone who made this a success💡

TO OUR TEAM - A huge shoutout to our dedicated team especially our staff from the Assessment division for your handwork, time, and passion. Your commitment to assess candidates through merit in promoting transparency shines through in every effort you made 👏👏

TO OUR CLIENTS, STAKEHOLDERS & PUBLIC - Thank you for your engagement, support, and advocacy. Your voices have been crucial in spreading awareness and making a difference. Together we can create a more just and accountable public service 👏👏

🍀Please stay tune for our next social media campaign on the roles and functions of the Public Services Commission.

👉 Follow PSC for updates, resources, and insights into how we’re working to keep the public service fair, transparent, and accountable.

📌 For more information on PSC’s roles and functions, visit www.psc.gov.pg or email [email protected]

7Sep, 2022 PSC CHAIRMAN WELCOMES PUBLIC SERVICE MINISTER INTO OFFICE 7/09/2022 The Chairman of the Public Services Commission Mr. Apeo Fuata Sione officially welcomed the Minister for Public Service Hon. Joe Sungi, and congratulated him on his re-appointment as the Member for Nuku and also as Public...

09/06/2026

📢Key Principles of the Assessment Process

In 2019, the Supreme Court confirmed PSC’s authority, ensuring appointments are based on qualifications, experience, and performance; not politics. Appointments are based on qualifications, experience, performance, and not political influenced.

PSC decisions are documented and reported annually to the Governor General and Parliament, ensuring visibility and public scrutiny.

The PSC acts as a neutral arbiter, reviewing grievances and disciplinary actions to ensure fairness free from political agendas.

By promoting integrity, efficiency, and fairness, the PSC safeguards against corruption and favoritism, ensuring equitable service delivery.

📢Why These Principles Matter?
Because they uphold professionalism in the public service, protect employees from unfair treatment, and build trust between citizens and the state.

📌TOGETHER! Let’s champion integrity, fairness, and accountability in our institutions and the Public Service as a whole!

04/06/2026

Why PSC Matters?

The Public Services Commission (PSC) matters because it safeguards fairness, merit, and accountability in Papua New Guinea’s public service, ensuring that appointments, discipline, and reforms are handled transparently and free from political interference. It plays a constitutional role in balancing politics with professional administration, which directly impacts the quality of services citizens receive.

Why the PSC Is Important

🔹 Constitutional Role the PSC is established under Section 190 of PNG’s Constitution. It reviews personnel matters such as discipline, selection, and employment conditions for permanent public servants. This ensures employees’ rights are protected and decisions are not illogical.
🔹 Merit-Based Appointments In 2019, the Supreme Court restored PSC’s authority over senior appointments (departmental heads, provincial administrators, statutory authority leaders). This reinforced merit-based selection and reduced political manipulation.
🔹 Good Governance the PSC emphasizes transparency, accountability, and integrity in the public sector. Our annual reports to the Governor General highlight our commitment to building an efficient and vibrant service delivery system.
🔹 Checks and Balances by reviewing grievances from public servants, the PSC acts as a watchdog against unfair treatment, balancing political leadership with professional administration.

For citizens in Port Moresby and across PNG, the PSC’s work directly affects how quickly and fairly government services are delivered. A strong PSC means better governance, less corruption, and more reliable public services.

👉 Learn more about our roles and functions: www.psc.gov.pg 📧 [email protected]

7Sep, 2022 PSC CHAIRMAN WELCOMES PUBLIC SERVICE MINISTER INTO OFFICE 7/09/2022 The Chairman of the Public Services Commission Mr. Apeo Fuata Sione officially welcomed the Minister for Public Service Hon. Joe Sungi, and congratulated him on his re-appointment as the Member for Nuku and also as Public...

27/05/2026

📢Recent Reform of the Appointment Rules of Provincial Administrators

The recent reform of the appointment rules of Provincial Administrators marks a significant shift in governance, aiming to strengthen provincial autonomy and empower local leadership structures. By granting more authority to the Provincial Executive Council (PEC), this reform rebalances the relationship between national and provincial governments.

Key Features of the Reform;

🍀 Enhanced PEC Authority: The PEC now plays a decisive role in the selection and appointment of Provincial Administrators, reducing central government dominance.
🍀 Provincial Autonomy: Provinces gain greater control over administrative leadership, allowing decisions to reflect local priorities and contexts.
🍀 Checks and Balances: The reform introduces mechanisms to ensure accountability while empowering provincial councils.
🍀 Decentralization: This change aligns with broader efforts to decentralize governance, bringing decision-making closer to communities.

📌This reform reflects a growing recognition of the importance of subsidiarity; the principle that decisions should be made at the most local level possible. It also signals a shift toward empowering provinces to take ownership of their development agendas, fostering accountability and innovation in governance.