News and Public Notices

The Autonomous Bougainville Government has passed the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, revising the Government’s fiscal framework to respond to disaster recovery priorities, economic priorities and Bougainville’s long-term independence readiness agenda.

ABG Finance and Treasury Minister Hon. Albert Punghau presented the 2026 Supplementary (Appropriation) Bill to the House of Representatives yesterday at the 13th Parliament Sitting, reducing the initial K844 million budget to a leaner K751.5 million – an 11% decrease.

The revision comes in the wake of Cyclone Maila, which caused widespread destruction across the region, affecting transport infrastructure, schools, health facilities, government buildings, food gardens and community access routes. Minister Punghau emphasized that the government was forced to pivot quickly to address the humanitarian and infrastructure crisis.

"Government was required to immediately reprioritise limited financial resources towards emergency response operations, infrastructure rehabilitation, restoration of essential public services, and community recovery initiatives throughout the Region," Minister Punghau stated.

Beyond disaster relief, the Minister defended the budget reduction as a necessary step to align government spending with actual cash flow, citing a "constrained fiscal environment" and rising operational costs.

While ABG responded to immediate disaster recovery pressures, it also remained necessary to protect long-term economic priorities critical to Bougainville’s future fiscal sustainability.

Despite the overall cuts, the ABG is doubling down on its most significant economic asset: the Panguna mine. The supplementary budget includes dedicated funding for the Panguna Technical Working Group and baseline assessments.

"Panguna remains a major strategic priority linked directly to future economic growth, domestic revenue expansion, and long-term fiscal sustainability," Minister Punghau told the House. "Bougainville's long-term fiscal sustainability cannot continue to rely predominantly on external grants and transfers."

These interventions form part of the government’s broader responsibility to stabilise the economy, strengthen institutional readiness, maintain continuity of essential services and position Bougainville for long-term economic sustainability and future nationhood responsibilities.

According to Minister Punghau, the revised budget is comprised of K460.3 million in National Government Grants, K46.7 million in internal revenue and K244.3 million in reconciled rollover and reappropriated balances.

This brings the revised total budget framework to K751, 468, 800. 00

Of the National Government Grants

• K205.3 million represents recurrent grants and
• K255.5 million represents development grants

Internally generated revenue continues to be driven primarily by:

• Bougainville Tax Collections totalling K24 million,
• Goods and Services Tax totalling K11 million,
• NFA Tuna Royalties totalling K5 million and
• Treasury Bond investments and other internal revenue sources

The Supplementary Budget continues to support Bougainville’s long-term independence readiness agenda, sustainable revenue sources, reliable infrastructure, and the capacity to maintain essential government services.

Notable allocations under the revised budget include:

• K43.6 million for Governance, Public Service and Independence Readiness programs.
• K10 million to fund the upcoming Community Government Elections.
• K8 million for the final phase of the Sinkodo Health Centre upgrade.
• K3 million for ABG school fee assistance to ease the burden on families.
• K8.7 million for Health and Education sector interventions
• K23.9 million for infrastructure priorities
• K15.4 million for Economic Sector priorities
• K10 million for SOE infrastructure Redevelopment Support
• K5 million for Bishop Wade Secondary School infrastructure 
• K3 million for Bougainville Nurses Outstanding Awards

Minister Punghau also reminded the House of the "continued delay" of grant remittances from the National Government, noting that late payments have hampered contractor schedules and service delivery.

He reaffirmed that even with fewer resources, the revised budget is a roadmap for Independence Readiness, focused on building a credible, self-sustaining state.

"This Budget demonstrates Government's resolve to respond decisively to emerging national pressures while safeguarding long-term economic stability," he said.

The Supplementary Appropriation Bill was passed unanimously by the House.

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