ABG presents Second Quarter Budget Review
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) this week presented its 2026 Second Quarter Budget Review Report to the National Government at the Treasury Building in Port Moresby, reaffirming its commitment to fiscal accountability, performance reporting and compliance.
Led by Deputy Secretary for Planning Dr Steven Kolova and Caretaker Secretary for Finance and Treasury Petrina Hasunn, the ABG delegation met with representatives from the National Departments of Treasury, Finance, Planning and Monitoring, Personnel Management and Administrative Services, and the National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC). Speaking at the opening of the review, Deputy Secretary Dr Kolova said the quarterly consultations reflected the principles of joint commitment and joint implementation under the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
“This consultation reinforces our shared accountability. ABG must present evidence-based development priorities and account for the use of public resources, while the National Government must support the timely allocation and release of those resources,” Dr Kolova said.
Dr Kolova also acknowledged the recently launched NEFC Cost of Services Study, describing it as an important framework for understanding the resources required to support Bougainville's redevelopment and service delivery.
The national agencies welcomed ABG's consistent submission of quarterly reports and its strengthened reporting framework.
Discussions also focused on several key fiscal and service delivery issues, including the slow release of grants to ABG, funding for nurses' award obligations, outstanding teachers' liabilities, underfunding of Buka General Hospital, and the need for clearer guidelines on Restoration and Development Grants and Prime Minister's Commitments.
Caretaker Secretary for Finance and Treasury Petrina Hasunn said ABG continued to strengthen its financial management systems.
“The ABG continues to strengthen its commitment to compliance and accountability by ensuring that public funds are properly accounted for and reported against their intended purposes. This process also allows us to identify implementation challenges early and engage the relevant national agencies on practical solutions,” Ms Hasunn said.
The Second Quarter Budget Review will inform preparations for the 2027 Budget and the Third Quarter Budget Review.
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