State partners with Australian uni to modernise public service
The National Government has entered a landmark strategic partnership with the Queensland University of Technology [QUT] to drive the country’s National Digital Transformation Agenda.
The agreement, signed through a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] in Brisbane, sets a 15-year framework to modernise the public service using artificial intelligence, digital systems, and advanced cybersecurity.
Acting Minister for Information and Communications Technology [ICT] Peter Tsiamalili Jr. signed the MOU on behalf of Papua New Guinea, alongside QUT Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Margaret Sheil.
The historic event was witnessed by Prime Minister James Marape and Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Kinoka Feo.
Prime Minister Marape hailed the partnership, saying it will build an efficient, digital-led public service following the nation's 50th Independence Anniversary.
"The Digital Transformation must be the way Government serves our people," he said. "We must embrace artificial intelligence, digital government and modern ICT systems to improve efficiency, eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, strengthen transparency and accountability, and build a Public Service that rewards merit and delivers quality services to every Papua New Guinean."
The collaboration will target several key areas including:
Digital Government and digital identity frameworks; Artificial Intelligence (AI) and research innovation; Cybersecurity upgrades and national data protection; and, Workforce Capability Development and institutional knowledge transfer.
Despite the shift towards international technical collaboration, Marape maintained a firm stance on the country's data sovereignty.
"Government information is a national asset," the Prime Minister said. "Every digital solution developed under this Partnership must protect Papua New Guinea's ownership, control and security of its data while complying with our national laws, cybersecurity standards and governance frameworks."
He said digital systems would be integrated into state operations to clean up recruitment, procurement, and decision-making, ensuring a merit-based system that limits corruption and red tape.
The PM challenged both State agencies and QUT to transition swiftly from policy discussions into practical rollout, demanding tangible progress before the country celebrates its 51st Independence Anniversary.
He further welcomed expanding the alliance into the academic sector, aiming for future STEM programs, research partnerships, and direct institutional relationships between QUT and PNG universities to cultivate future local leaders.
Meanwhile, the specifics regarding project funding, operational governance, and licensing arrangements will be finalized in upcoming implementation agreements.