SECTOR OVERVIEW
The Joint Provincial Planning and Budget Priority Committee (JPBPC) is a statutory committee established by the Provincial Assembly of West New Britain in accordance with Section 25 of the Organic Law on Provincial and Local Level Governments (OLPLLG). The JPBPC serves as the primary committee responsible for coordinating, reviewing, and prioritizing the planning and budgeting processes of the Provincial Government. It brings together key members from the legislative and executive arms and District Development Authorities of the Provincial Government to ensure that Provincial budgets and development plans are aligned with the needs, priorities, and aspirations of the People of West New Britain.
The committee plays a critical role in bridging the gap between planning and resource allocation, ensuring that public funds are directed toward programs and projects that deliver the greatest impact for the Province and its communities.
Key Functions
- Planning Prioritization
- Budget Allocation and Prioritization
Key Responsibilities
- Receiving, reviewing, and deliberating on budget submissions from all Administrative Sectors and Divisions
- Identifying and prioritizing projects, programs, and activities based on available resources and Provincial development needs
- Ensuring the Provincial budget is realistic, balanced, and aligned with approved development plans
- Reviewing and recommending the Provincial annual budget before submission to the Provincial Executive Council for endorsement
- Ensuring transparency, accountability, and equity in the allocation of Provincial resources
- Ensuring that special interest groups, including women, youth, and people with disabilities, are considered in budget allocations
- Reviewing audit and financial performance reports and making recommendations for quarterly review and improvement
Programs & Services
- Planning Prioritization – Identifying and prioritizing development projects and programs in line with provincial and district development plan(s).
- Budget Allocation and Prioritization – Allocate funds and prioritize budget submissions to ensure resources are allocated in line with Provincial development priorities and National frameworks, thus examining and deliberating on the Provincial budget before it is presented to the Provincial Assembly for approval.
Structure & Leadership
The JPBPC works closely with the Provincial Executive Council (PEC) and the Office of the Provincial Governor to ensure alignment between executive decisions and legislative priorities.
Composition
The committee is composed of the following members:
| No. | Name | Portfolio | Title |
| 1 | Hon. John Rova | Chairman JPP & BPC & Deputy Governor | President |
| Hon. Sasindran Muthuvel | Member | Provincial Governor | |
| 2 | Hon. Kevin Ragi | Representative of Nakanai District DDA | President |
| 3 | Hon. James Courte | Representative of Kandrian/Gloucester District DDA | President |
| 4 | Hon. Maria Ante | Member representing Women | Nominated Member for Women |
| 5 | Mr. Jimmy Baki | Chamber of Commerce Rep | Project Manager-WNBPG |
Strategic Focus
The Joint Provincial Planning and Budget Priority Committee is committed to:
- Annual Budget Alignment with Provincial Development Plan and National Development Aspirations
- Inclusive and Equitable Resource Allocation
- Transparency and Accountability in Public Finance
- Sustainable Development Outcomes
Contact Information
For enquiries related to the Joint Provincial Planning and Budget Priority Committee, please contact:
Division: Parliamentary Services Unit
Phone:
Email:
Location: Kimbe-Provincial Headquarters