PNG has lacked a proper training system to train future public service managers over the last 20 years.
And despite the revival of training programs for the public service, there has already been a whole generation of public servants not adequately skilled to take on management roles and effectively deliver services to PNG.
The Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform and Service Delivery says this creates a gap in the middle management of the public service.
“We’ve had a whole generation where we haven’t trained people. So we have a group of people who are well versed and well trained but they’re all at retirement age.
“And in that middle management area, we have are devoid of people who have the capability.
“There’s also something to be said for the view that senior manager don’t like to have these middle managers because they see them as a threat,” said SPC Secretariat Head, Bill Hamblin.
He said there has to be an executive training program where outstanding young Papua New Guineans are nurtured from University and pushed into the public service and later on would have the necessary management skills.
Hamblin added the same goes for many sectors such as health and education, where a succession plan needs to be in place.
The SPC holds public enquiries on important and topical issues and report to Parliament on their findings.