RECOGNISING GOOD GOVERNANCE BEHIND 25 YEARS OF INCENTIVE FUND IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA
By Issabella Narapal
Papua New Guinea and Australia have received praise for good governance, leadership and commitment put into overseeing Incentive Fund in Papua New Guinea.
The Government of Papua New Guinea, through the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, and Australia has celebrated 25 years since the Incentive Fund’s first project was completed, recognizing 25 years of partnership, practical delivery and lasting benefits for communities across PNG.
Speaking during the Anniversary Celebration yesterday on Thursday, 05th of November, 2026, the Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Jamie Isbister, has commended the committed partners of Incentive Fund in PNG.
“One of the things that I think is so important about this Incentive Fund is about Papua New Guinean leadership, Papua New Guinea’s organizations, and it’s about how together they deliver and invest on infrastructure that works to support communities, often the most remote areas.” Said High Commissioner Isbister.
“None of this happens without the strong leadership, good governance and committed partners, so the Fund is jointly overseen by Australia and Papua New Guinea Department of National Planning and Monitoring. I want to thank the Department of National Planning and Monitoring and their teams for their work together.”
“I also want to acknowledge the Incentive Fund Board. Over the years, it’s still not someone paying as much respect to the leaders, which we give them great thanks.”
Nevertheless, His Excellency Jamie Isbister described the 25 years of Incentive Find in PNG as “investment between Papua New Guinea and Australia”, stating that over 25 years, the Fund was supportive of 95 projects, 60 partner organizations, and invested more than K800 million across the Papua New Guinea.
“When we say K800 Million, this is an investment between Papua New Guinea and Australia.” the High Commissioner said.
“It’s not Australia simply providing resources, it’s together investing in the future of Papua New Guinea and Australians learning from that investment in Papua New Guinea.”
