Public Service Minister Hon. Joe Sungi launches PILAG Public Sector Training Policy

The Minister for Public Service Hon. Joe Sungi launched the PILAG Public Sector Training Policy on Friday 27th August. The Public Sector Training Policy was endorsed by the National Executive Council early this year.

Minister Sungi in launching the policy reiterated that the policy is aligned to the Public Service long term plan launched in June this year, which requires public servants to be inducted into the public service by undergoing compulsory training at PILAG.

“This policy is intended to advance the government’s plans and desire to make the entire public service machinery appropriately functional through systematic training and recruitment that ensures merit-based appointments to public service positions”.

Minister Sungi said, the policy is consistent and compliments the Human Resource Development Strategic Plan 2020-2050. One of the important aspects of the policy is that the process for training for recruitment into the civil service becomes mandatory.

“It doesn’t matter whether you are a graduate lawyer or a graduate medical doctor, you must undergo this training. You must know the public service system before you get into a public service position”. In turn the effect of this will see merit-based appointments, thus instilling efficiency and confidence throughout the entire spectrum of the public service delivery.

The policy aims to fulfil a number of key policy objectives; It will enable consistency in public service workforce development. It will enable effectiveness and efficiency of PILAG functions. Fosters wider PILAG reach and presence in all tiers of the government, enhances systematic grooming of ethical and value based, strong, future ready public service leaders. promotes whole of government arrangement for cost performance and concerted investment in practical training as the pillar of the future economy, jobs and skills.

Encourages long term qualifications under the precinct arrangement, for example, UPNG PILAG Bachelor of Business Management (HR Business Process) It is therefore incumbent upon every state agency to take up the challenge in expediting this policy through close cooperation and collaboration with the 2 primary implementing organs – DPM & PILAG – with strict adherence to the policy requirements reflected in the NEC decision that endorsed this very policy.

In the first instance, appropriate provisions of the public service general orders must be revisited to accommodate and reflect the policy requirements.

That onus lies with the Department of Personnel Management. I would like to reiterate that the Marape/Basil government has placed greater emphasis towards making sure that Public Sector reforms are amongst its priorities.

This acknowledgement is evident from the NEC endorsement of this training policy for public sector performance and a heightened sense of commitment towards reforming the public service. Let me assure you all that as the Public Service Minister, I will continue to provide you with the support required to ensure the objectives of this policy is achieved.

“I urge all line agencies, provincial administrations, provincial health authorities and district authorities to ensure that the policy requirements are complied with as part of the government’s desire to improve the public sector performance through the implementation of this policy. I hope that this training policy will go a long way to guide the Institute to provide the training and guidance that public servants will need to create future cadre of public servants”.