3% salary increase for public servants commencing January 2026

Department of Personnel Management and Public Employees Association signs MOA for three percent salary increase effective 01 January 2026. (NBC News)

Public Servants will soon have a 3 percent general salary increase starting January 2026.

This following a memorandum of Agreement 2026–2028 Pay Fixation Agreement, signed between the Department of Personnel Management and Public Employees Association in Port Moresby, today.

This will take effect on 1 st January next year.

Department of Personnel Management Secretary Tais Sansan says the agreement provides fair and sustainable improvements to salaries and employment conditions for public servants.

Sansan adds this reflects a balance between fair compensation and responsible fiscal management.

She explains the increase has been incorporated into the 2026 national budget to ensure sustainability and continuity of government services.

Public Employees Association President Isowa More described the deal as a milestone in maintaining industrial harmony and improving public service welfare.

The new agreement replaces the existing 2022–2024 arrangement and underscores the government’s ongoing recognition of public servants’ contribution to national development.