Papua New Guinea Strengthens Labour Governance Through ILO-Led Reform Initiative

Papua New Guinea has taken a significant step toward transforming its labour governance system following a high-level planning and consultation workshop convened by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea and key social partners at the Grand Papua Hotel in Port Moresby.

The workshop, held under the Improving Labour Governance in Papua New Guinea Programme, brought together senior representatives from the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations (DLIR), the Employers Federation of Papua New Guinea (EFPNG), the Papua New Guinea Trade Union Congress (PNGTUC), government agencies, employers’ representatives, workers’ organizations and development partners in a coordinated effort to modernize labour administration and strengthen workplace protections across the country.

Supported by the Australian Government, the initiative represents one of the most comprehensive labour governance reform efforts undertaken in Papua New Guinea in recent years, aimed at improving labour law implementation, expanding labour market data systems, strengthening occupational safety standards and reinforcing social dialogue mechanisms between government, employers and workers.

The consultations highlighted a renewed national commitment to evidence-based labour reforms as Papua New Guinea faces evolving economic challenges, workforce transitions and growing demands for decent work standards across both formal and informal sectors.

In his opening remarks, DLIR Secretary George Taunakekei underscored the strategic importance of the programme in supporting the country’s national development priorities and institutional reform agenda.

“The Improving Labour Governance project aligns with government policies and departmental priorities, advancing labour law reforms and employment standards,” Mr. Taunakekei said.

He emphasized that the initiative would help strengthen regulatory systems, improve compliance mechanisms and support safer and healthier working environments throughout Papua New Guinea’s labour market.

Mr. Taunakekei also noted the significance of the workshop coinciding with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026, reinforcing the country’s commitment to workplace safety amid increasing global attention on occupational health standards.

“Safe and healthy working environments are a fundamental principle and right at work,” he stated.

The workshop placed strong emphasis on strengthening labour administration systems capable of responding to emerging workplace realities, including expanding informal employment, youth unemployment, skills shortages and occupational risks in high-growth sectors such as construction, mining, agriculture and transport.

Representatives from employers and trade unions echoed the need for stronger institutional coordination and modernized labour governance frameworks capable of supporting sustainable economic growth while protecting workers’ rights.

PNG Trade Union Congress General Secretary Clemence Kanau stressed the urgent need for reliable labour market intelligence and updated employment statistics to guide future policy reforms.

“There is a critical need for reliable and up-to-date labour force data to inform labour law reviews and implementation,” Mr. Kanau said.

He described the planned Labour Force Survey as a critical national instrument that would help policymakers better understand employment patterns, workforce participation, wage conditions and labour vulnerabilities across the country.

“The planned Labour Force Survey is essential to ensure evidence-based labour law and policy reform,” he added.

Labour market experts attending the workshop noted that Papua New Guinea’s rapidly changing economic environment requires stronger labour information systems capable of generating real-time employment data and supporting targeted policy interventions. Improved labour statistics are expected to play a key role in shaping future reforms related to wages, occupational safety, gender equality, social protection and youth employment.

Participants also discussed proposed interventions under the programme, including strengthening labour inspection systems, improving compliance monitoring, reviewing outdated labour legislation, enhancing dispute resolution mechanisms and increasing institutional capacity within the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations.

The consultations reinforced the importance of tripartite cooperation — the collaboration between governments, employers and workers — as a foundation for effective labour governance and inclusive economic development.

ILO representatives highlighted that strong labour institutions are increasingly recognized as essential drivers of sustainable development, productivity growth and social stability, particularly in developing economies navigating economic transition and workforce modernization.

The programme is also expected to support Papua New Guinea’s alignment with international labour standards and broader regional commitments on decent work, occupational safety and inclusive employment growth.

Australia’s support for the initiative reflects growing regional investment in labour governance reform and workforce resilience in the Pacific, particularly as countries confront challenges related to economic diversification, climate vulnerability, migration and changing labour market demands.

Stakeholders at the workshop emphasized that improving labour governance is not only critical for protecting workers but also for strengthening investor confidence, promoting fair competition and creating more resilient labour markets capable of supporting long-term national development.

The workshop concluded with participants reaffirming their collective commitment to advancing labour reforms through continued consultation, stronger partnerships and practical implementation strategies aimed at delivering measurable improvements in employment standards and workplace governance across Papua New Guinea.