Minister’s Address – HON. THOMAS OPA, MP

I pay homage to the former Ministers, Secretaries and dedicated officers of Department of Finance who have faithfully served the government and the nation through both prosperous and challenging times over the past years. I am honored to lead us into the next chapter and would like to emphasize that we must remain committed to our responsibilities as outlined in the Public Financial Management Act (as amended in 2015), along with the various manuals, plans, laws, and regulations that guide our work.

Despite global economic uncertainties, we remain committed to prudent fiscal management, ensuring that public resources are allocated effectively to priority sectors such as health, education, law and order, infrastructure, and agriculture. Our focus is on fostering a resilient economy that benefits every Papua New Guinean.
In the past years, we have implemented reforms aimed at enhancing revenue collection, reducing unnecessary expenditures, and promoting transparency in government spending. These efforts are vital in restoring public trust and strengthening our fiscal position.

Today, I want to underscore the critical importance of advancing our digitalization efforts within the Department. As we stand at the cusp of a digital revolution, it is imperative that we harness the power of technology to enhance transparency, efficiency, and service delivery across all facets of our financial operations.

Digital transformation is not merely a trend; it is a strategic necessity that will define our capacity to respond to the evolving economic landscape. By streamlining processes through automation, leveraging data analytics, and adopting innovative financial technologies, we can improve decision-making, reduce costs, and foster greater accountability.

I urge each of you to prioritize the development and implementation of digital solutions that align with our national goals. This includes upgrading our core financial systems, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and investing in capacity building to ensure our staff are equipped with the necessary skills.

Together, let us commit to a future where our Department is a model of digital excellence, supporting sustainable growth and prosperity for our nation.

HON. THOMAS OPA, MP

Minister for Finance

General Information