Prime Minister James Marape on Sunday reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to the independence of the judiciary and the continued reform of Papua New Guinea’s legal system. Speaking during a meeting with Department of Justice and Attorney-General (DJAG) Secretary Dr Eric Kwa and other agency heads, he commended the justice sector’s efforts in strengthening the rule of law and advancing critical legal reforms over the past six years.

“The country exists because of the rule of law,” Prime Minister Marape stated.

“Without it, we lose the foundation of our democracy and governance. The independence and functionality of our judiciary are paramount, and my government will continue to support efforts that uphold justice and strengthen the rule of law.”

Prime Minister Marape emphasised that judicial independence is a cornerstone of a functioning democracy and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the judiciary remains free from political influence. He highlighted the need for continued reforms to bolster judicial processes, improve case management, and enhance the efficiency of the courts.

“An independent judiciary is non-negotiable. Our courts must function without interference, and we must provide them with the necessary resources to ensure that justice is dispensed fairly and without delay,” he said.

He also underscored the importance of recruiting and retaining top legal minds, financial experts, and governance professionals to build a robust and effective justice system.

“A strong justice system is built on competence and integrity. We must ensure that our courts and legal institutions are staffed with the best professionals, not just filling positions with what is available. The rule of law must be upheld by those who are well-equipped to serve justice,” Prime Minister Marape stated.

Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the collective efforts of agency heads in ensuring the justice sector functions smoothly. He urged all legal institutions to remain proactive in addressing legal and governance challenges and encouraged DJAG to push forward with legislative reviews that align Papua New Guinea’s legal system with global standards.

He also highlighted the need for digital transformation in the judiciary to improve efficiency, accessibility, and transparency.

“The justice sector must embrace digital transformation. We need to modernise case management, streamline legal procedures, and leverage technology to improve service delivery. Delayed justice is denied justice, and we must ensure that cases are heard and resolved in a timely manner,” he stressed.

The Prime Minister also recognised housing and resource allocation for legal professionals as a key priority in ensuring a strong judiciary. He noted that proper accommodation, competitive salaries, and better working conditions are necessary to attract and retain top-tier legal professionals.

“To have a competent and effective justice system, we must invest in our legal professionals. From salaries to housing and work resources, we must create an environment where the best legal minds can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our nation,” he said.

He further emphasised the importance of refining legislation and legal procedures to ensure clarity, enforceability, and efficiency in the legal system.

“Legal reforms are an ongoing process. We must continuously review and refine our laws to uphold the principles of fairness and justice, ensuring that our legal framework is fit for purpose in a rapidly evolving world,” Prime Minister Marape said.

Prime Minister Marape concluded by reaffirming his government’s full support for DJAG and the broader justice sector, pledging continued funding, policy backing, and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen legal institutions across the country.

He also expressed deep gratitude to judges, magistrates, lawyers, and all legal professionals for their dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring Papua New Guinea remains a just and lawful society.

“The work of our legal professionals is invaluable. Their dedication ensures that Papua New Guinea remains a stable and functioning democracy. My government stands ready to support them in every way possible,” Prime Minister Marape stated.