Papua New Guinea has taken a major step toward strengthening government oversight, with the Governor-General signing a notice to formally establish the National Monitoring and Coordination Authority (NMCA) as an Office under the Public Services Management Act.
Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae approved the move on the advice of the government, using powers under Section 20(2) of the Act. The declaration was gazetted on 19 November.
The change gives the NMCA the status of a department for administrative and financial purposes. While Parliament is yet to pass the legislation that will constitute the NMCA as a statutory authority, the agency will, in the meantime, operate with full departmental powers. That includes its own budget vote, accounting authority under the Public Finance Management Act, and responsibility for national monitoring, coordination and performance reporting.
Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu said the reform marks a significant shift in how the public service oversees delivery and tracks results.
He said the new structure is designed to improve whole-of-government performance oversight, strengthen data-driven policy coordination, and increase accountability at both national and subnational levels.
According to the government, establishing the NMCA as a deemed department highlights its commitment to modernising the public sector and improving transparency around public spending and development outcomes.
With the gazettal complete, the legal requirements for the authority’s interim operation have been met. The next step is for Parliament to consider the NMCA Bill, which would formally create the agency as a permanent statutory authority.
Further updates will be issued as the legislation progresses.