PPP Steering Group (PSG)

The PPP Steering Group (PSG) is the key body overseeing the implementation and delivery of public-private partnerships (PPPs) across the country. The PSG plays an oversight role in the evaluation of PPP proposals, providing strategic guidance, and ensuring alignment with national development goals and priorities. The PSG recommends accordingly for the implementation of PPP projects to the Minister responsible for the PPP Act (currently, the Minister for Finance).

The PSG’s responsibilities include reviewing project feasibility studies, assessing risk allocation strategies, and recommending PPP projects for approval. The PSG operates under the framework established by the PPP Act, aiming to foster transparency, accountability, and efficiency in PPP initiatives. By facilitating collaboration and decision-making among diverse stakeholders, the PSG contributes to advancing infrastructure development and enhancing public service delivery in Papua New Guinea.

Functions of the PSG

The PSG is established under Section 41 of the PPP Act and consists of the Secretary for Finance (Chair), the Secretary for Treasury, the Secretary for National Planning, and the State Solicitor. As the controlling body of the PPPC, the PSG’s functions are outlined in Section 44 of the PPP Act. The Chair of the PSG will be the Head of the Department in which the PPP Act is vested with the relevant Minister.

The PSG is responsible for coordinating, monitoring, and ensuring the implementation of PPP policies and programs in alignment with both the policy and National Executive Council (NEC) approvals. It reviews matters related to PPP arrangements referred by the responsible Minister, the NEC, or the CEO, and provides recommendations and advice to the NEC on these issues.

Additionally, the PSG makes recommendations to the NEC regarding individual PPP projects or groups of projects, appoints team members to carry out tasks related to PPP arrangements, and specifies their responsibilities. It ensures that PPP policies and programs are conducted with integrity, fairness, transparency, and accountability. The PSG also oversees public communication and engagement with the private sector, as well as potential investors and lenders, ensuring that the highest standards of probity are maintained in the procurement of PPP arrangements.