Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea

The prime minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (Prai Minista bilong Papua Niugini) is Papua New Guinea's head of government, consequent on being the leader of the party or coalition with majority support in the National Parliament. The prime minister serves as the head of his party, the head of the coalition government, and the chairman of the National Executive Council.

History
The office of Prime Minister was preceded by the Chief Minister.

2011–2012 constitutional crisis
From December 2011, the office was disputed between Peter O'Neill of the People's National Congress Party and Sir Michael Somare of the National Alliance Party; the latter eventually supported O'Neill as Prime Minister on 3 August 2012, thus ending the constitutional crisis.

Department of the Prime Minister
The Department of the Prime Minister has the task of providing administrative services to the restoration exercise as well as advising the Prime Minister and other government leaders. After a July 1995 cabinet reshuffle by Julius Chan, functions of the department were expanded.

Office
The office of the prime minister and other key government offices were initially located in Konedobu before being relocated to Waigani shortly after independence in 1975. Since April 2024, the Prime Minister's Office has been located at the newly-constructed Melanesia Haus, located opposite the main entrance to the National Parliament House.

List of prime ministers of Papua New Guinea (1975–present)

 * Political parties

{{legend||Pangu Pati (Pangu)|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend||People's Progress Party (PPP)|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend||People's Democratic Movement (PDM)|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend||People's National Congress (PNC)|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}

{{legend||National Alliance Party (NAP)|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}


 * Status

{{legend|#E6E6AA|Denotes acting prime minister}}