El Niño & Budget Pressure: Deputy PM John Rosso says PNG’s 2026 supplementary budget “belt-tightening” is necessary to protect people from rising prices, fuel pressures and El Niño impacts, including support for the Electoral Commission and law-and-justice and defence needs. Climate Outlook: The Bureau of Meteorology warns El Niño is likely to surpass past extremes, with research pointing to an “alarming” climate change influence. Financial Inclusion & Trust: DPM Rosso tells the Alliance for Financial Inclusion forum that access alone isn’t enough—PNG needs safer, trusted ways to use financial services, especially across remote areas. Digital Government Push: PNG is rolling out digital IDs for public servants, with a December 31 deadline and steps aimed at fixing payroll integrity and ghost employees. Anti-Money Laundering Bills: Justice Minister Pila Niningi tables three bills to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, with MPs linking reforms to getting off the FATF grey list. Public Safety & Media Capacity: NBC boosts conflict reporting training as misinformation grows, while calls for stronger oversight of biometrics highlight the need for public trust. PNG–Niue Cooperation: PNG and Niue sign a framework agreement covering trade, investment, tourism, labour mobility, renewables, digital connectivity and technical cooperation. Mining & Gold Updates: Geopacific reports fresh high-grade gold intersections at Woodlark; Great Pacific Gold confirms broad shallow mineralisation at Kavasuki; South Pacific Metals flags new copper-gold targets at Kili Teke; Taruga Minerals returns strong gold-silver rock chip results at East Normanby. Security & Drugs: Australia backs a Pacific-led Waqa Moana push with AU$600m over 10 years to strengthen intelligence and policing against organised crime and drug trafficking, as PNG calls for a legally binding regional security treaty. Business & Community: Steamships sponsors the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival with PGK100,000, backing Motu Koita cultural heritage.