A high-level delegation led by Mr. Andrew Shearer, Director for General National Intelligence (Canberra), and Deputy Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Mr. Andrian Lochrin, visited Wapenamanda on Friday, 19 June 2025. The delegation toured the Mukurumanda Correctional Institution Service (CIS) Camp before proceeding to the Enga Provincial Headquarters for a briefing with local leaders.

During the meeting, Enga Provincial Administrator Mr. Sandis Tsaka outlined key challenges facing the province, particularly tribal conflicts, and highlighted collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies, churches, village courts, and NGOs to promote peace and crime prevention.

Governor of Enga, Chief Sir Peter Ipatas, emphasized the critical need to address law and order issues, warning that without stability, national progress would stall. He spoke of the province’s ambition to elevate its national institutions, including the Innovative University of Enga, Kopen National School of Excellence, and the newly opened hospital to international standards.

We may be independent, but without addressing law and order, we will never progress as a country,” said Sir Ipatas, highlighting the support from international partners, including 50 Filipino nurses, 19 specialist doctors, and two American academics serving in senior university roles.

In response, Mr. Shearer commended the province’s efforts and assured continued collaboration.

Enga remains a province we are committed to supporting. We will consult with Canberra and your Prime Minister to explore pathways for further partnership, he said.