Kramer says 2026 Budget not realistic, warns PNG is on “tight rope”
Shadow Treasurer Bryan Kramer has warned that the 2026 National Budget is not realistic and could cause financial problems for the country.
Kramer told Parliament that the budget depends too much on money the Government may not be able to collect. He said the Government expects big increases in tax collections and money from State-Owned Enterprises, but many of these SOEs are struggling to perform.
He said when a budget is built on “hope” instead of real numbers, it becomes risky.
“A budget must be an honest economic document, not a political speech,” Kramer said.
Kramer also warned that PNG is walking on a “fiscal tight rope.” He explained that this means the economy is very fragile and that just one big problem — such as a natural disaster, a drop in commodity prices, or a global economic shock — could stop the Government’s plan to reduce debt.
He said while the Government is celebrating “record budgets,” many families are still struggling with high prices of goods, school fees, and transport.
“The budget stabilises Treasury while destabilising households,” he said.
Kramer called on MPs to seriously check the budget and make sure money is going to basic services like education, health, roads, and law and order.