15/06/2026
By Lorraine Francis | PNG SUN|
The Papua New Guinea Civil and Identity Registry (CIR) has entered a new phase of operations with the commissioning of a new office facility, delivery of four vehicles and the appointment of Acting Registrar-General Leslie Simon.
The transition was marked at a handover ceremony at Moale Haus in Port Moresby today, where outgoing Acting Registrar-General Salome Begosia Keari formally transferred responsibilities to Mr. Simon.
During the event, Minister for Administrative Services Richard Masere also opened Moale Haus 2 and presented four new vehicles-two staff buses and two Toyota Land Cruisers-to strengthen staff mobility, outreach and service delivery.
Mr. Masere said Mr. Simon’s appointment reflects the government’s push for merit-based leadership and stronger accountability across the public service.
He thanked Ms. Keari for her contribution and said the leadership change would support the next stage of reform within the registry.
The minister directed Mr. Simon to implement a 100-day plan focused on improving operational efficiency, reducing delays in National Identification registration and card issuance, and expanding access to services.
Priority reforms include introducing electronic identification systems, simplifying registration procedures, improving data-sharing arrangements and strengthening provincial operations.
Mr. Masere said an efficient identity registry remains important to national development goals, including future biometric-based electoral systems and improved delivery of government services.
He said government investment in infrastructure and operations must translate into better performance and more reliable services for the public.
The developments, he said, signal a renewed push to modernise identity management and meet increasing demand for registration services across Papua New Guinea.
