A constitutional office established under Section 150 of the Constitution of Papua New Guinea.
Office of the Secretary to the NEC
The Office of the Secretary to the NEC is a constitutional office established under Section 150 of the Constitution. The Office draws its resources, manpower and institutional capacity from the Office of National Executive Council (ONEC), which was formally established on 22 February 2024 as a department of the National Public Service, with the Secretary to the NEC as its head, to ensure effective coordination, decision-making, and support towards the NEC process.
Core Functions of the Secretary
The core functions of the Secretary to the NEC include the following:
As the Chief Custodian of all NEC Documents, the Secretary is entrusted to manage the procedures and business/agenda of the NEC, on behalf of the Prime Minister as Chairman of the NEC.
Receive all NEC submissions and ensure that the submissions comply with the NEC Procedures. When carrying out this function, the Secretary has the authority to return all NEC submissions that do not comply with the NEC Procedures. It is in the interest of all department and agency heads concerned to cooperate with the Secretary and follow any instructions issued by the Secretary in this regard.
Provide secretarial services to the NEC and the Ministerial Committees, and draft all NEC decisions and circulate them to all implementing ministries, departments and agencies. The Secretary is therefore required to be present in all NEC and Ministerial Committee meetings.
Provide secretarial support to other Committees chaired by the Prime Minister. These Committees include the National Security Council, Ombudsman Appointments Committee, Public Services Commission Appointments Committee, Electoral Commission Appointments Committee, Independent Consumer & Competition Commission Appointments Committee, National Information and Communications Technology Authority Appointments Committee and the Security Commission of PNG Appointments Committee. The Secretary also assists with the meetings of the Independent Commission Against Corruption Appointments Committee, which were deemed relevant, and the Advisory Committee on the Power of Mercy.
Act as liaison officer between the NEC and the Office of the Clerk of National Parliament on all government business approved by the NEC, and the Office of the Governor-General on all matters for execution by the Governor-General on advice of the NEC.
The functions of the Secretary signify the vital catalytic role the Secretary has in the overall procedures of the NEC. Therefore, the Office will now be a standalone office, with its own resources to effectively and efficiently support the NEC as the principal decision-making body in the country and the Prime Minister in his capacity as the Chairman of the NEC and Chairman of all the other Committees highlighted.
Vision & Mission
Our Vision
To modernize and enhance efficiencies across the National Executive Council (NEC) business processes from the development of submissions, through decision-making, to implementation and reporting, ensuring a clear and structured workflow that enables effective, transparent, and accountable governance.
Our Mission
To provide efficient and effective support to the Secretary to the NEC and the National Executive Council, enabling informed and timely decision-making, and ensuring the implementation of government policies and programs that benefit all Papua New Guineans.
Divisions & Functions
The Office of National Executive Council (ONEC) is structured into key divisions that collectively support the effective functioning of the National Executive Council and ensure efficient management of NEC business processes.
Compliance & Quality Assurance
Ensures all NEC submissions and documentation meet required standards, policies, and procedures before consideration by the Council. The division maintains quality control, compliance checks, and procedural integrity within the NEC decision-making process.
Governance and Executive Support
Provides direct administrative and executive support to the Secretary to the National Executive Council and the Prime Minister. The division coordinates NEC meetings, prepares agendas, manages official communications, and ensures effective governance processes. It also coordinates and supports all NEC Ministerial Committee meetings related to Constitutional Offices, ensuring proper documentation, meeting administration, and follow-up actions in accordance with established procedures.
Parliamentary & Statutory Services
Manages matters relating to legislation, statutory appointments, and parliamentary processes arising from NEC decisions. The division ensures that statutory obligations and legislative requirements are properly coordinated and implemented.
Implementation & Reporting
Monitors and tracks the implementation of NEC decisions across government agencies. The division ensures timely reporting, accountability, and progress monitoring of government policies and directives approved by the Council.
ICT & Records Management
Responsible for managing the Office ICT systems and maintaining secure records management systems. The division ensures proper documentation, digital archiving, and secure handling of NEC information. Digital transformation through the modernization of NEC business is implemented by this division.
Corporate Services
Provides internal administrative support including finance, human resources, procurement, logistics, and general administration to ensure the efficient operation of the Office.
