Since its inception in 1997, Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) has championed the citizen’s right to know. This commitment was first formalized during a TIPNG-led workshop in 1997 which produced the 14 Point National Integrity Action Plan. A cornerstone of this plan was the call for legislation to enable a Public Information Act—a goal TIPNG has pursued through dedicated advocacy for over two decades.
Current Policy Engagement
As active members of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Technical Working Group on the PNG Open Government Partnership, TIPNG continues to provide expert oversight and feedback on the Draft Right to Information (RTI) Policy 2022–2032. Our current submission builds upon our 2023 consultations with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), reflecting our ongoing commitment to establishing a robust RTI framework for Papua New Guinea.
Our Key Position
TIPNG maintains that a truly effective RTI framework must give full effect to Section 51 of the Constitution. To ensure this, we strongly advocate for:
- The creation of an Independent RTI Commission rather than an internal unit within a government department.
- Safeguarding the process against politicization.
- Ensuring that the right to information is not just a policy on paper, but a right that is effectively enforced for all citizens.
TIPNG remains committed to supporting DICT in finalizing an RTI Policy that strengthens transparency, accountability, and good governance across the nation.
Read our Submission on Draft National FOI Policy in June 2023
Read our follow-on Submission to the Draft Right to Information Policy in September 2025
Read the Draft Right to Information (RTI) Policy 2022 – 2032 [ver1.1_06.03.2023[1]-2
