It was a bittersweet occasion on Monday, 14th April, as the Public Services Commission (PSC) bid farewell to its esteemed Director of the Legal, Advisory & Litigation Division (LA&LD), Mr. Richard Simbil, at the PSC Office in Port Moresby.
Over the years, Mr. Simbil has been more than a legal expert—he has been a mentor, strategist, and a steadfast advocate for PSC’s mission. His leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the legal direction of the Commission.
PSC Chairman, Mr. Apeo Sione, reflected on Mr. Simbil’s significant contributions, describing him as a hardworking and knowledgeable professional in the fields of administrative law and litigation.
“He was able to provide prudent, high-quality legal advice to guide the Commission in fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities. His counsel extended not only within the Commission but also to key stakeholders and the National Executive Council,” said Mr. Sione.
Commissioner National, Ms. Judith Stenis, commended Mr. Simbil’s service, stating that his dedication and commitment have set a benchmark within the Commission.
Some of Mr. Simbil’s notable achievements include:
• Assisting retired Director of the LA&LD Mr. Eremas Andrew, under the leadership of former PSC Chairman Dr. Philip Kereme, PhD, to file a Supreme Court reference in 2014 in relation to the functions of the PSC, which concluded in 2019 in favour of the Commission.
• Filed a PSC Court Reference in 2023 challenging the law that barred public servants from returning to the public service if they contested the National General Elections, and can only do so after five years. The Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Commission on 6th February, 2025.
• Contributing to the amalgamation process of the Commission and PSC Secretariat.
• Enhancing the PSC Review Function.
• Supporting the recent court decision that now allows aggrieved probationary public servants to seek a review of personnel matters with PSC.
In his farewell remarks, Mr. Simbil expressed his gratitude to the PSC for entrusting him with roles that not only contributed to the Commission but also shaped his own professional journey.
With his wealth of knowledge and unwavering dedication to excellence, Mr. Simbil has navigated PSC through complex legal challenges, ensuring the Commission not only complies with the law but thrives within it.
As we reflect on his impactful tenure, Mr. Simbil’s legacy is evident in the high standards of professionalism, integrity, and the strong relationships he has built throughout his career at PSC.
While we will greatly miss his insight and leadership, we are excited for the new journey ahead of him. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to Mr. Simbil in all his future endeavours.

By PSC Media

The Public Services Commission (PSC) is sending out this important update in its jurisdiction regarding personnel matters for long-term casuals and probationary officers employed in the National Public Service.
These changes arise from the Supreme Court decision in the case of Forae v Kereme & Ors (2024) SC2583, alongside a reassessment of legal provisions.
They include:
• Long-Term Casual Employees: Employees whose casual employment commenced prior to the Fourth Edition of the General Orders in 2012, can now lodge complaints as permanent officers of the public service, in line with the Supreme Court ruling. As per General Order 7.2, departments are required to reclassify such employees, but many failed to do so. The decision retroactively recognizes their rights starting from 1st January, 2012.

Relevant Legal Provisions:

• Supreme Court judgement in Forae v Kereme & Ors (2024) SC2583: Grants retroactive recognition.
• Section 2 of the Public Services (Management) Act 1995: Defines “officer” and distinguishes casual employees from permanent officers.

• Probationary Officers: Probationary officers who meet the qualifications set out in Section 35 of the Public Services (Management) Act 1995, are now confirmed as “officers” eligible to lodge complaints on personnel matters to PSC. Previously, probationary officers were deemed ineligible, but this updated interpretation ensures inclusion.

Relevant Legal Provisions:

• Section 35 of the Public Services (Management) Act 1995: Details the qualifications required to be appointed as an “officer”.
• General Order 4.17: Highlights partly in terms and conditions between probationary and permanent officers.
  What This Means: The PSC is reaffirming its commitment to justice and inclusivity by ensuring that all public servants, whether long-term casual employees or probationary officers, can now apply for a review of a personnel matter if they are aggrieved by a decision taken against them by their Departmental Head. This update, reinforces PSC’s dedication to aligning practices with legal standards and providing equitable treatment for all public servants.

By PSC Media

The Public Services Commission (PSC) is proud to acknowledge nine (9) of its Administrative Assistants who received Certificates of Appreciation for their active participation in the International Administrative Professional Summit, hosted by the Papua New Guinea All Admin Professionals (PNGAAP) on Thursday, 17th April 2025, at Dynasty Seafood Restaurant, in Port Moresby.
This significant event brought together administrative professionals from a broad range of backgrounds, including government departments, state agencies, and the private sector, to share experiences, build professional networks, and highlight the evolving role of administrative staff in modern workplaces.
The summit was held under the theme ‘Gender Bender’, with key topics focusing on:
• Recognition of professional skills through embracing diversity, inclusivity, and equality;
• Celebrating the character and contributions of administrative professionals;
• Understanding challenges related to traditional gender roles and workplace expectations;
• Encouraging continued professionalism and excellence within the field.
Ms. Noho Daera, Acting Personnel Assistant to the Office of the Secretary, PSC Secretariat, spoke on behalf of the team, sharing her reflections on the summit’s impact saying it is important to create a network between administrative professionals in the public sector.
“This enables us to work in unison and also helps us to carry out our duties and responsibilities with the knowledge and skills attained from being part of this Association. Therefore, moving forward, it is recommended for our participation in future training and conferences organized by the PNGAAP”, said Ms. Daera.
The PNGAAP continues to play a vital role in promoting the professional and social welfare of administrative personnel across PNG, and is committed to fostering a culture of learning, excellence, and empowerment for office professionals.
This year, the PSC proudly registered ten (10) Administrative Assistants and one (1) Receptionist as official members of the PNGAAP. This affiliation not only opens doors to further professional development, but also aligns with the Commission’s commitment to capacity building and career advancement.
The officers who attended the summit expressed their sincere gratitude to the PSC, for its ongoing support and for recognizing the value of such opportunities in enhancing their skills, confidence, and contribution to the public service.

The Chairman of the Public Services Commission Mr. Apeo Fuata Sione, LM, M. PP yesterday presented a cheque for K350,000. 00 to the Wako Landowner Business Incorporated Group of Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province in a ceremony held at the PSC office in Waigani.

The Wako Landowner Business Inc. is the landowner group of Portion 721 in Kagamuga where PSC is currently building its first regional office.

Principal Landowners Mr. Willie Wananga and Mr. Joe Las Wananga of the Yamaka tribe were on hand to receive the cheque and thanked PSC for assisting them to finally receive their land award after waiting for almost 40 years.

“That is our customary land, and our forefathers in their wisdom gave the land on which Portion 721 is also located to the State for infrastructure to be built. So, when they gave that land, the State was supposed to present a land award as a form of appreciation, but that never happened. Our forefathers have followed up on this award for 40 years and many have already passed on, and still, nothing has been forthcoming from the State. When the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) planned to build their office on our land, we raised our grievance with IPA and they went out of their way to help us from which K46,000. 00 was released but the balance is still outstanding”, explained Mr. Willie Wananga.

Mr. Wananga added that when he heard that another government entity was going to build on their land they were frustrated and raised this grievance with the Secretary of the PSC Secretariat Mr. Terence Tupi who was on-site at the time, and Mr. Tupi was very cordial and empathetic and advised them that PSC will take this onboard and assist them.

“The kind assistance from PSC has now seen the landowner group receive this payment today and I want to thank the Chairman, Commissioners, Secretary, and the PSC for their invaluable assistance so that now we see a part payment from the State”, said Mr. Wananga.

PSC Secretary, Mr. Terence Tupi further elaborated that the award was for K700, 000.00 + 50% interest which was to be paid to the landowner group when they gave up their customary land to the State. He said when the Yamaka tribe brought their grievances to PSC whilst he was on site in Mt Hagen, he raised this issue with the PSC Steering Committee which is made up of various government stakeholders in December 2022 and was advised to pay K350, 000.00 from the PSC’s PIP project funds whilst the outstanding balance will be settled by the State through the Department of Finance. This is so that the construction of the PSC office will proceed without any obstacles.

Meantime, the construction of the PSC office in Mt. Hagen is expected to be completed by the end of March 2023.

BY PSC MEDIA

The Public Services Commission in partnership with European Union of Papua New Guinea has launched its Case Management System. The European Union (EU) has stepped in as a development partner to provide technical and financial support to the Public Services Commission to develop its Case Management System(CMS) at a cost of over K1 million.

The Case Management System is an online digital system developed particularly for workflow processes within the Public Services Commission to eliminate the excessive usage of paper work to enhance work based performance and improve time management. The CMS also ensures that all officers within the organization involved in the resolution of a case or workflow can also easily access information and communicate with each other through a single interface.

The EU PNGPSC MOA was signed in 2020 and the CMS project was tendered by the EU and the successful bidder was scheduled to start work in March 2020. However, the effect of the Civid-19 pandemic, that forced the world into a total lock down, also further postponed the project to March of 2021.Through meaningful consultations by both the PSC and the EU, recently saw the launch of PSC’s first Case Management System.

‘’The Public Services Commission (PSC) in line with the ongoing Public Services Reform has made some important administrative decisions to make changes in the way it manages its core functions , that is, Review of Personnel Matters, Investigations and the Merit Based Appointment Process. One such decision was made some years back and that was to manage its core functions with the use of digital platforms to keep pace with the changing times in the 21^st Century. The Commission was of the view that change in an organization leads to many positive aspects-that lead to retaining a competitive edge and also remaining relevant to keep pace with the changing times. Change encourages innovation, develops skills, develops staff and leads to better business opportunities, and improves staff morale. ’Says Mr Apeo Sione Chairman PSC.

‘’The need to make PSC services more efficient was due to years of backlogs of workloads, at times poor quality work output from officers and the times managements inability t properly manage all workflows in their respective divisions, These and others were number of issues affecting PSC that created an impetus for a greater use of available technology. And one of the best ways to address these issues was to adopt the Case Management System’’.

Chairman Sione further thanked the European Union for its technical and financial support and is committed to ensuring the system is implement to increase productivity and work efficiently in PSC.

Date: 23^RD November 2022

In accordance with Section 17(1) of the Public Services (Management) Act 1995 (as amended) the Chairman of the Public Services Commission Mr Apeo Fuata Sione today officially presented to His Excellency, Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, GCL, GCMG, KSt.J at the Government House at Konedobu the PSC 2021 Annual Report.

The 2021 Annual Report covers the period from January 01st, 2021 to December 31st 2021, and captures the activities, achievements, challenges and recommendations of the Commission.

The Report also contains an unaudited financial statement on the Commission’s Annual budget for the 2021 Fiscal Year. Despite geyimedicals.es various challenges including funding constraints the Public Services Commission continues to uphold and carry out its constitutional functions and responsibilities without fear and favour.

This is PSC’s 26th Annual Report presented to the Governor-General, to date. The Commission, therefore, is up to date with its Annual Reports to National Parliament.

Monday 3 rd October 2022

The Public Services Commission has taken on board a final-year Political Science student
from the University of Goroka to undergo six weeks of Industrial Training attached to the
National Review Division.

Twenty-five (25) year-old Kipson Ninjil started on the 22 nd of August this year and completed
his Industrial Training on Friday, 30 th of September gaining hands-on experience and
understanding of what is expected of him in a real job setting before beginning his career.
Ninjil said he has gained valuable skills and knowledge about the different government
business processes; work ethics and professionalism in an organization.

‘’This is my first professional experience with an organization. When I first arrived, the
Director of the National Review Division Mr. Joshua Ngawi was very helpful in explaining the
government process, PSC’s roles, and function. I was provided information on the Public
Service General Orders and other internal policy papers for PSC like the Management
Action Plan which greatly assisted me in familiarising myself with the work of the Public
Services Commission before I could begin work. I was also assigned work that included
drafting Advice and Information Papers for Personnel Review Matters”, said Ninjil.
Mr. Ninjil said that he was happy to be part of PSC as he was fortunate enough to meet so
many officers who are helpful very knowledgeable in their roles and professional in their
approach to him, especially when assisting him in understanding PSC’s core function, which is
the review of personnel matters concerning public servants.

“I have learned a lot in terms of professional business writing and have gained some
valuable work ethics during my time with PSC and I look forward to implementing these new
skills and traits that I have gained in my studies and career as well”, he said.
Mr. Ninjil is the second student from the University of Goroka to undertake his Industrial
Training with PSC. Similar arrangements have also been undertaken with the University of
Papua New Guinea’s School of Journalism and Public Relations.

The Public Services Commission remains committed as equal partners with these
institutions of higher learning to foster and develop future leaders of PNG. PSC not only
wants to develop good work ethics for the students but also gives them an insight into the
mechanics and the importance the National Public Service plays in the delivery of goods and
services, as well as the role PSC plays in carrying out its roles and functions in the NPS.

The Public Services Commission wishes Mr. Ninjil the best in his studies and his
professional career in the future.
Ends//