K17.7 million project launched to boost labour governance in PNG

**Workers in the construction site. (Image: Supplied)**

A total of K17.7 million has been committed to Papua New Guinea to implement a comprehensive, multi-faceted strategy aimed at improving labour governance, legal reforms, social protections, and wage-setting mechanisms.

Labour and Industrial Relations Minister Kessy Sawang says the government is determined to create decent jobs, fairer working conditions, and better wages for all workers.

She made the remarks during the official launch of the Improving Labour Governance in PNG project in Port Moresby yesterday.

The project is a partnership led by the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations, the Australian Government, and the International Labour Organization [ILO].

Minister Sawang said the initiative will play a crucial role in supporting the ministry’s core mandate particularly in strengthening labour governance, institutional capacity, improving labour legislation, and expanding access to legal protection for all workers.

**Labour and Industrial Relations Minister Kessy Sawang (right) and Prime Minister James Marape. (Image: supplied)**

Australian High Commission Minister Counsellor Cate Rogers confirmed that the K17.7 million funding will be provided over the next three years through the ILO.

She said the support will help the PNG government address systemic gaps in its labour framework, improve the availability of labour market data to guide policymaking, and promote stronger cooperation between the government, employers, and workers.