Fiji Bati captain and Melbourne Storm powerhouse Tui Kamikamica has put aside the sting of last week’s NRL Grand Final loss, turning his full attention to leading his nation in the 2025 Pacific Bowl Championship in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Kamikamica, who played a key role in Melbourne’s campaign this season, said the disappointment of falling short in the Grand Final has only strengthened his hunger to deliver for Fiji.
“That’s behind me now. My focus is on the Bati jersey and representing my country with pride,” Kamikamica said. “Playing in Port Moresby is always tough. The crowd, the energy, the heat, but that’s what makes it special.”
The Pacific Bowl, part of the Pacific Rugby League Test Series, brings together powerhouse island nations including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Samoa, and the Cook Islands, in a fierce display of regional pride and passion.
With stars like Jarryd Hayne, Maika Sivo, and Apisai Koroisau expected to feature, the Bati are eyeing redemption after a narrow semi-final exit in last year’s tournament. Kamikamica’s leadership and experience will be crucial as Fiji aim to assert their dominance on Pacific soil.
In a landmark development following the signing of the historic Pukpuk Treaty, Papua New Guinea and Australia have agreed to establish a joint recruitment taskforce to create a pathway for PNG citizens to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Minister for Defence, Dr Billy Joseph, announced that the PNG–Australia Recruitment Taskforce will be jointly led by himself and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marle, and will comprise senior defence officials from both nations. The taskforce is expected to hold its first meeting before the end of 2025.
Dr Joseph described the initiative as a “historic step” in strengthening defence cooperation and deepening the bond between the two nations. “Since beginning this process in January, we’ve seen a transformation in our defence relationship through the signing of the Pukpuk Treaty,” he said. “This recruitment partnership marks a new era of cooperation and integration between our countries.”
The taskforce will develop a detailed framework to identify and process eligible Papua New Guineans to serve in the ADF, while upholding strict recruitment standards. It will also focus on creating new opportunities for PNG’s youth, ensuring that the program complements the growth and independence of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF).
The initiative builds on the recent announcement that eligible PNG citizens who are permanent residents of Australia will be able to apply for the ADF from 1 January 2026.
Both governments have reaffirmed their commitment to building a sustainable and mutually beneficial defence relationship — one that symbolises a new chapter of regional partnership, shared security, and trust between PNG and Australia.
A respected school headmaster and longtime teacher from Enga Province has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the wilful murder of a man whose left arm he chopped off during a violent confrontation last year.
This is despite the paying of 152 pigs and K125,000 in compensation to the victim’s family.
Justice Ellis of the National Court in Wabag handed down the sentence to Philip Minimao, 52, of Apaimas Village, Wapenamanda District, after he pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 299(1) of the Criminal Code Act.
The court heard that Minimao, accompanied by others armed with an axe and bush knives, attacked the victim following an argument between the deceased and a man Minimao regarded as his “son.” During the attack, Minimao severed the victim’s left arm and inflicted a wound to his leg. The victim bled to death while being rushed to hospital.
Justice Ellis said the attack was “grossly disproportionate” to the earlier dispute, describing it as a deliberate and vicious assault that showed “complete disregard for the sanctity of human life.”
While acknowledging that Minimao had expressed remorse, was a first-time offender, and had made substantial compensation, the court emphasized that “no amount of money or pigs can restore a lost life.”
“The sanctity and value of human life is more precious than wealth. Compensation cannot bring the victim back,” Justice Ellis said.
The court found that the offence fell within Category Two of the sentencing guidelines established in Kovi v The State, which prescribes penalties of 20 to 30 years for planned and weapon-assisted murders. Given the seriousness of the crime and Minimao’s role in leading the attack, the court set a starting sentence of 30 years, reduced by nine years for mitigating factors.
Minimao, a veteran educator with over 24 years of service, told the court he was “deeply sorry” for the killing, insisting the incident was not premeditated and occurred after the victim allegedly attacked him while drunk. He surrendered to police and later helped pay two rounds of compensation to the victim’s relatives.
Despite these efforts, the judge stressed that the prevalence of bush knife killings in Papua New Guinea demanded a strong deterrent sentence.
After deducting one year already served in remand, Minimao will spend 20 more years behind bars.
The Waigani Supreme Court has delivered a strong warning against the abuse of legal processes, dismissing an attempt to prematurely derail one of the most closely watched constitutional cases in recent years.
A full seven-man bench unanimously threw out an application by Justice Minister and Attorney-General Pila Niningi, who sought to have the case struck out on competency grounds. The judges ruled that the application was an abuse of process, noting that a similar objection had already been dismissed earlier.
“The court will not allow the process to be misused in this manner,” the bench stated, stressing that repeated and untimely objections only serve to delay justice and undermine the integrity of the judiciary.
At the heart of the matter is a Section 18 constitutional reference filed by the Opposition Leader on the legality of the government’s massive Connect PNG Program.
Popular Papua New Guinean singer and songwriter, Daniel Bilip, has passed away today after battling a short illness. His death was confirmed by his father, Robert Bilip, who made the heartbreaking announcement this afternoon.
Daniel, who captured the hearts of many with his unique voice and music that resonated across communities, died at 12:30pm at Angau Hospital in Lae. He had been bravely fighting mouth cancer, undergoing both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments in India and within PNG in recent years.
In a statement, his father expressed the family’s gratitude to the nation for the outpouring of support during Daniel’s struggle.
“I am deeply saddened to announce on behalf of my family the passing of Daniel Bilip, singer/artist just now at Angau Hospital at 12:30pm,” Robert Bilip said.
“He has been bravely battling mouth cancer, undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy in India and in the country. All the support either financially, prayer, food, well wishes etc has meant the world to him and our family. On behalf of me and my family, I thank you all. Very much appreciated. God will bless you abundantly accordingly. The endless names will fill numerous Facebook pages.
Thank you for standing by Daniel through thick and thin. May God continue to bless you all.”
Daniel’s passing has sent shockwaves through PNG’s music community and among fans who followed his career closely. Known for his heartfelt lyrics and strong stage presence, he had become one of the country’s most beloved local artists, inspiring a new generation of singers.
Tributes have already begun flooding social media, with many remembering not only his music but also his courage in the face of illness.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.
A veteran police detective who claims he was forced out of the force for pursuing rape allegations against the country’s top cop is fighting back in court.
Former Senior Sergeant Detective Tinol Pakiapon, who served 38 years with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, told the Waigani National Court this week that his sacking was “unlawful” and amounted to punishment for doing his duty.
“I was sacked by the Police Commissioner for doing my job,” Pakiapon told presiding judge, Justice Susan Purdon-Sully, as he sought a judicial review of his dismissal.
But the case did not proceed. The matter was adjourned to October 24 because files were missing and neither Pakiapon’s lawyer nor the State’s lawyer was present. The court also advised him to consider refiling his application, pointing out discrepancies in the originating summons and stressing that judicial reviews are highly technical and must strictly comply with court rules.
Pakiapon, from Kundus village in Kompiam-Ambum, Enga Province, became the centre of controversy last year after he pursued allegations from a woman in West New Britain who accused Police Commissioner David Manning of rape and unlawful detention.
As an officer attached to the Boroko Family Sexual Violence Unit, Pakiapon applied for a warrant of arrest against Manning in March 2024. The District Court refused the application, and soon after Pakiapon himself was arrested, charged, suspended and eventually dismissed.
The dismissal letter, signed by Deputy Police Commissioner for Administration Philip Mitna, cited discreditable conduct, insubordination, and causing disaffection within the force.
At one point denied bail, Pakiapon was later cleared by the Waigani Committal Court of the charge of “causing disaffection,” with the court ruling the section of the Police Act used against him did not apply.
Now seeking judicial review, Pakiapon argues his termination was politically influenced, unlawful, and a breach of the Police Act. He maintains that the case he investigated had “ample evidence” and says the victim had been seeking justice for more than 20 years before turning to him.
The former detective also claims he and his family suffered harassment, intimidation, raids on his home, and defamation as a direct result of the investigation.
His legal battle continues later this month, as the court weighs whether the veteran officer was unfairly sacrificed in the pursuit of justice.
Two election petition cases challenging Jiwaka Governor Simon Kaiwi have reached the last stage of the country’s judicial process — the Supreme Court’s slip rule.
The two matters, filed separately by former governor Dr William Tongamp and petitioner Patrick Nema, were heard together on Wednesday at the Waigani Supreme Court before Justice David Cannings.
Both petitioners had previously succeeded in having the full Supreme Court overturn National Court decisions that dismissed their election challenges. On September 9, a five-man bench ruled in their favour, upholding their review applications.
Governor Kaiwi, through his lawyer Emmanuel Isaac of Emmanuel Lawyers, has since filed two fresh applications. The first seeks to set aside the September 9 ruling on grounds that one of the judges who heard the earlier leave application should not have sat on the full bench. The second seeks leave to pursue a slip rule application.
Justice Cannings yesterday ordered the consolidation of both applications and referred them back to a full five-judge Supreme Court bench for determination.
The Court has scheduled the hearing of the consolidated matters for October 31, 2025, with a status conference set for October 23. All submissions and affidavits are to be filed by October 20, while court transcripts from earlier proceedings are to be produced by October 17.
Lawyers Desmond Kipa (for Nema), Greg Manda (for Dr Tongamp), and Tame Lawyers (for the Electoral Commission) all appeared in court yesterday.
The Supreme Court’s decision on October 31 is expected to be the final chapter in the prolonged battle over the Jiwaka Regional seat.
THE Papua New Guinea National Court has dismissed a high-stakes class-action lawsuit filed by the Panguna landowners of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville against global mining giant Rio Tinto and its local partner Bougainville Copper Limited.
The decision was made on September 26, 2025 at the Waigani National Court in Port Moresby.
The case was filed by lead plaintiff Martin Ronald Miriori for himself and on behalf of over 5000 landowners alleged environmental damage and human rights violations linked to decades-old mining operations.
Panguna mine, Papua New Guinea. Photograph: Natasha Harth/Queensland Art Gallery
They seek millions of dollars in damages; however, the case was thrown out on procedural grounds, marking a significant legal victory for the corporations.
Presiding judge, Justice Thomas Anis ordered the entire proceeding to be dismissed, citing the plaintiff’s inability to demonstrate proper standing and capacity to sue on behalf of the purported class of landowners.
The court also raised concerns over whether the plaintiff’s foreign-based legal counsel, a Sydney-based company, qualified as a ‘lawyer’ under Papua New Guinea law — a critical factor in the case’s validity.
“The plaintiff’s legal representation does not meet the criteria established under local law,” the judge stated, adding that engaging an overseas firm without following proper legal procedures contravened jurisdictional rules.
Moreover, the decision addressed the applicability of traditional principles like Champerty and Maintenance, affirming that centuries-old English laws still influence PNG’s legal landscape.
Legal experts say the ruling underscores the strict requirements for class actions in Papua New Guinea, including clear authorization from all parties involved and adherence to local legal standards.
The recently opened Waigani National Court Complex stands as a landmark achievement for Papua New Guinea’s judiciary — a vision first conceived by former Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia and made possible through the early support and funding of the former Peter O’Neill government.
Arial view of the new Waigani Court Complex. Image: Supplied
Current Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika acknowledged Sir Salamo and Mr O’Neill during the official opening of the state-of-the-art court facility on September 10.
Sir Salamo, who served as Chief Justice from 2011 to 2018, had long championed reforms to strengthen the independence and efficiency of the courts.
Central to his vision was the creation of a three-tier judicial system, with a modern purpose-built complex in Waigani to house the National, Supreme and Appeals Courts.
He had said that a facility of such scale would not only provide functional space for judges, registries and court staff but also anchor judicial autonomy by giving the courts control over their own infrastructure planning and execution.
The initial ground breaking ceremony for the Waigani Court Complex officiated by Sir Salamo officiating back in February, 2015. Image: File photo
That dream took shape in 2016 when then Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s government formally approved the project and provided its initial funding. The ambitious undertaking was budgeted at K450 million at the time, though costs later rose to nearly K700 million.
Despite delays and shifting timelines, successive government under Prime Minister James Marape, continued to prioritise the project, recognising its importance to law, order and governance.
The complex boasts 15 courtrooms including a state-of-the-art Banco Court, 31 judges’ chambers, a modern registry, research and reporting facilities, and an ICT data centre designed to bring the judiciary into the digital age.
From Injia’s bold idea to O’Neill’s funding approval and the final completion under Prime Minister James Marape ‘s government and Sir Gibbs Salika’s administration, the Waigani Court Complex stands as a symbol of continuity in nation-building and the enduring value of investing in justice.
COURT-ousted Lagaip MP Amos Joseph Akem has been granted leave by the Supreme Court to review a National Court decision that nullified his election victory in the 2023 supplementary election for the Lagaip Open seat.
Amos Joseph Akem
The Waigani Supreme Court handed down the ruling this afternoon, paving the way for Akem to challenge the decision that stripped him of his mandate. The National Court had earlier declared his election win invalid following a petition that raised questions over the conduct of the polls.
With today’s ruling, Akem and his legal team are expected to move swiftly to file a Stay application in the coming weeks. If granted, the Stay would temporarily suspend the National Court’s orders pending the outcome of the substantive review.
