Papua New Guinea advances labour law reforms through social dialogue

Port Moresby (ILO News) - Representatives of the Government of Papua New Guinea, employers' and workers' organizations, and the Office of the State Solicitor met on 19 June 2026 in Port Moresby to advance ongoing labour law and policy reforms through tripartite social dialogue.

The meeting of the Tripartite Labour Law and Policy Reform Working Group marked an important step in strengthening Papua New Guinea's labour governance framework. Participants finalized the Working Group's Terms of Reference, establishing a framework to guide collaboration among the tripartite constituents and other key stakeholders throughout the reform process.

The Working Group also reviewed and discussed its work plan, focusing on priority labour law and policy reform initiatives, including:
• the review and modernization of key provisions of the Employment Act;
• consultation and validation of the Workers' Compensation Act; and
• follow-up actions related to the conclusions of the International Labour Conference's Committee on the Application of Standards concerning the implementation of the Equal Remuneration Convention, 1951 (No. 100), and the Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111).

Representatives from the Office of the State Solicitor provided legal guidance on the proposed reforms, highlighting the importance of ensuring that legislative amendments are consistent with national legal requirements and aligned with international labour standards.

The discussions reaffirmed the commitment of the Government, employers' and workers' organizations to modernizing Papua New Guinea's labour legislation through inclusive social dialogue and strengthening compliance with international labour standards while responding to emerging labour market needs.

Opening the meeting, Mr Martin Wandera, Director of the ILO Office for Pacific Island Countries, encouraged participants to maintain an inclusive and results-oriented approach to the reform process. "Building a practical, inclusive and time-bound reform process will help strengthen labour governance, promote decent work, protect workers' rights, support sustainable enterprises and contribute to Papua New Guinea's economic and social development," Mr Wandera said.

Mr Clemence Kanau, General Secretary of the Papua New Guinea Trade Union Congress, reaffirmed the commitment of the social partners to the reform process. "Employers' and workers' organizations remain committed to working together on labour law reform. We appreciate the ILO's continued technical support in reviewing and modernizing Papua New Guinea's labour legislation," he said.

The ILO is supporting the reform process through the Improving Labour Governance in Papua New Guinea Programme, funded by the Government of Australia. The programme aims to strengthen labour market governance and administration through improved legal and policy frameworks, enhanced labour market information systems, and strengthened social dialogue institutions.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment by the Government, employers' and workers' organizations, together with key legal and institutional partners, to continue advancing labour law and policy reforms that promote decent work, inclusive labour markets and sustainable economic development in Papua New Guinea.