CLA News / Papua New Guinea Continuing Legal Education Event held 1 September 2026: Report by CLA Member Naomi Anis

PNG CLE held 1 September 2026

On 1 September 2026, the Commonwealth Lawyers, in collaboration with the PNG Centre for Judicial Excellence, the PNG Law Society, and the PNG Australia Partnership, with support from the Queensland Bar Association, successfully hosted the 2026 Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Program.

The program was honoured by the presence of the Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea, Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika GCL KBE CSM OBE, along with distinguished judges of the National & Supreme Court, members of the Queensland Bar, lawyers from both the private and public sectors, students from the Legal Training Institute, and visiting professionals.

The PNG CLA CLE program, which started in 2023, has gradually grown in scale and impact over the years.  This year’s program recorded the highest level of participation to date, attracting more than 220 in-person attendees and up to 397 online at any one time,, reflecting strong engagement and broad interest across the legal community, and most importantly, giving the legal education starved Provinces, a chance to join.

The program addressed a range of key issues relevant to current legal practice, including:

• AML/CTF Obligations for Law Firms & Lawyers in PNG – Emmanuel Auru, Principal, KiVA Financial Crime Advisory Limited
• PNG Grey Listing Update and Next Steps – Rosa Kapilis, Manager – FASU, Bank of PNG
• Prosecuting Fraud and Corruption in Papua New Guinea: From the experience of the Office of the Public Prosecutor PNG – Public Prosecutor Helen Roalakona
• Commercial Leases: Conveyancing Tips and Tricks – Amira Ward, Senior Associate, LLLS Lawyers
• Legal Professional Privilege – Russ Marshall, Practice Director, Allens
• Volunteerism – Andrew Crowe CBE KC
• Class Actions in PNG – Dale Bampton, Tribunal Member, former class actions barrister, NSW and QLD Bar & Max Walker, class actions barrister, QLD Bar
• Law and Health: Mental, Physical and Social Health in Lawyers – Michael Sullivan, Managing Partner, Leahy Lewin Lowing Sullivan Lawyers
• Ethical Standards and Professional Responsibilities: Maintaining Integrity, Competence and Public Trust in the Legal Profession – Gertrude Tamade, Partner, Dentons PNG
• PNG Law Society Update – governance & compulsory legal education – Tavasa Tanuvasa, Acting Secretary, PNG Law Society & Hubert Namani, President, PNG Law Society.

Andrew Crowe KC CBE spoke on the importance of volunteerism and active participation in professional committees. He encouraged lawyers to contribute their time and expertise through committee involvement, volunteer initiatives, and pro bono work, emphasizing the profession’s responsibility to serve the broader community.

The presentations by Russ Marshall, Allens, on Legal Professional Privilege, and by Gertrude Tamade, Dentons, on Ethical Standards and Professional Responsibilities, were well overdue in PNG and essential reminders for all on the many nuances of these topics.

PNG has no class action legislation and so this session by Dale Bampton, Tribunal Member, and Max Walker, QLD Bar, explaining a pathway for PNG was timely and may be a blue print for progress, especially concerning the challenges of landowner claims.

Michael Sullivan, Managing Partner of LLLS Lawyers, spoke on the intersection of law and health. He emphasized the importance of maintaining good health within the legal profession, noting that the demands of legal practice should not come at the expense of personal well-being. He encouraged lawyers and all attendees to prioritise their physical and mental health, make time for their families and loved ones, and remember that true success includes living long enough to enjoy the rewards of one’s hard work and achievements.

Amira Ward from LLLS Lawyers provided a very detailed explanation of the formulation of a property lease in PNG and its underlying laws.

Hubert Namani, President of the PNG Law Society, spoke on the transformation of the law society, including records management and an audit which would enable an AGM, and the importance of introducing mandatory legal education.

To close the program, Tauvasa Tanuvasa, Acting Secretary of the PNG Law Society, provided an update on the Society’s recent activities and key initiatives. In particular, he highlighted the implementation of compulsory continuing legal education, which is scheduled to commence in 2027. Mr Tanuvasa outlined the objectives of the program and its importance in promoting continuing professional development, maintaining high standards of legal practice, and ensuring that practitioners remain abreast of developments in the law. His update underscored the PNG Law Society’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the legal profession and supporting the professional growth of its members.

All speakers throughout the program delivered thoughtful and engaging presentations, sharing valuable insights drawn from their professional experience and expertise. Their contributions sparked meaningful discussion and provided attendees with a broader perspective on important issues affecting the legal profession and the wider community. Collectively, the presentations highlighted not only the technical and professional aspects of legal practice but also the importance of leadership, service, personal wellbeing, and giving back to the community. The quality of the discussions reflected the depth of knowledge and commitment of the speakers, making the event both educational and inspiring for all in attendance.

The 2026 CLE Program was a resounding success, providing valuable updates on pressing legal issues, fostering professional development, and strengthening networks among practitioners.

With the increase in attendees, more PNG legal professionals are becoming more aware  of the CLA and its work in upholding the rule of law and again, people expressed interest in joining the CLA. Clare Roe from the CLA Secretariat again provided her invaluable marketing and socials support.

The CLE was reported in the two local newspapers, Post Courier on 3 September 2026 and National Newspaper on 4 September 2026.

The CLE can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls3kDz8o5UE

The CLE materials are available here.

Author: Naomi Anis

Lawyer, CLA Member