Since 2006, the National Economic and Fiscal Commission (NEFC) has been conducting the annual Provincial Expenditure Reviews (PER). The inception of the Reforms on Intergovernmental financing arrangements (RIGFA) has enabled approximately K2 billion to be allocated to provinces, districts and LLGs to support the delivery of high-priority services. Let alone, the NEFC reviews are undertaken to ensure that we also improve the enabling environment through strengthened processes, systems and capacity. This in turn enables service delivery to take place for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans.
This edition of the PER aims to reflect on the reforms currently happening within the Public Service Mechanism. It is worth revisiting the existing system and making it work whilst welcoming new processes and systems such as the IFMS. The 2017 PER will advocate for provinces to look within the existing mechanism to deliver services whilst adapting to policy changes. It will also bring about a richer and more meaningful understanding of expenditure and associated constraints by providing an evidence-based platform for further policy dialogue.