State faces K500 million in legal claims

Solicitor General George Akia says the State owes nearly K500 million to claimants due to poorly managed cases and lack of early coordination. He says a new client outreach program in the Highlands aims to improve communication and strengthen State representation. (NBC News)

Papua New Guinea’s State legal system is facing major pressure, with the State now owing close to K500 million to plaintiffs and claimants due to poorly defended court matters and lack of coordination between government agencies and state lawyers.

Solicitor General George Akia says, the growing number of successful claims against the State has become a serious concern, prompting urgent programs within the Office of the Solicitor General under the Attorney General’s Office.

And one of which is the client outreach program whereby Highlands Region played host to its first round of client outreach program in Mt Hagen from the 26th May to 27th May 2026 gathering all heads of government agencies mainly from Police, CS, PHAs, Provincial Administration and Department of Works and Highways.

The Office of the Solicitor General earlier this week hosted a client outreach program aimed at improving state advocacy and strengthening legal representation for the Government in courts across the country.

Solicitor General George Akia said for many years there has been a major disconnect between government departments and state lawyers, resulting in weak communication, poor preparation of cases and lack of collaboration.

Mr. Akia said many government agencies failed to work closely with state lawyers, while legal officers also struggled to maintain proper engagement with their clients.

Participants from government agencies, including police, correctional services, PHAs, provincial administration, and the Department of Works and Highways, attended a two-day Client Outreach Program by the Office of the Solicitor General in Mt Hagen earlier this week. (NBC News)

He said this breakdown in coordination has contributed to many State cases being poorly defended in court, leading to millions of kina in compensation claims and court settlements against the Government.

“Right now, the State owes close to K500 million to plaintiffs and claimants because many matters were not properly defended or managed well from the beginning,” Mr Akia said.

He said the situation has placed huge financial pressure on the Government and highlighted serious lack of instruction and collaboration within the State legal system and its clients.

Akia stressed the Office of the Solicitor General represents the State in all courts and handles legal matters involving government agencies, but the lack of partnership and cooperation over the years has created major challenges.

He said the client outreach program is designed to bridge that gap by improving communication, building stronger partnerships with government departments and creating a more effective structure for state advocacy.

“We want government agencies to work closely with us so we can defend State matters properly and reduce unnecessary claims against the Government,” he said.

The Solicitor General described the outreach program as a long-term strategy to improve legal services and protect State interests more effectively in the future.