PNG awaits next year’s budget as Parliament resumes on Tuesday

Papua New Guinea is expected to learn its money plan for 2026 when Parliament resumes this week.

When the House sits tomorrow, the tabling, debate, and passage of the 2026 National Budget Appropriation Bills are anticipated to dominate government business.

The traditional budget press lock-up will take place at 10am on Thursday, where the government will outline its public spending plans before Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey presents the 2026 Budget to Parliament later that afternoon.

The 2026 Budget aims to maintain fiscal discipline and ensure a credible and fully funded 2027 National Election. Fiscal discipline refers to the government’s ability to manage finances responsibly, keeping spending within revenue limits and maintaining a stable budget.

Prime Minister James Marape says the upcoming budget will continue to prioritise consolidating economic growth, reducing debt, and improving frontline services, particularly in Law and Order, Health, Education, and Infrastructure.

However, the Opposition has criticised the Marape–Rosso Government for what it calls poor budget management, demanding the publication of the 2025 Expenditure Report. It argues that the government has failed to achieve 90 percent of the targets set under this year’s K28.3 billion budget.

The Health sector received a major allocation of K2.7 billion this year, yet reports of medical drug and supply shortages in several provinces paint a different picture of budget performance.

Likewise, the Law and Justice sector was allocated K2.3 billion, with over K700 million going to the Police Force. Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr recently told NBC News that from this, K524 million was for recurrent spending, while K200 million was for the Special Police Assistance Program, yet only 75 percent has been released to date.

As of mid-year, expenditures have surged beyond K28.3 billion while revenues sit at around K25.4 billion, leaving a K2.9 billion shortfall, according to the Treasury’s MYEFO report. The Opposition warns that such a deficit could threaten essential services including health, education, and local government operations.

But Prime Minister Marape maintains the country is “in good hands,” insisting the economy continues to grow despite global pressures. He says PNG’s debt levels remain transparent, sustainable, and responsibly managed, adding that every kina borrowed is invested in priority areas.

Marape has challenged the Opposition to block the budget “if they have the numbers,” instead of misleading the public.