PNG decentralised service delivery powers and responsibilities to sub-national levels of government shortly after it gained independence. The intention was to make government more responsive to the demands of communities, particularly in the delivery of better public services. However, decentralisation reforms, outlined through the establishment of organic laws in 1977 and 1995, have been poorly implemented and blamed for declines in service delivery. Politicians have sought to gain more power, resources and authority to deliver directly to their constituents. In 2015, PNG has initiated new reforms with the introduction of District Development Authorities and a proposed new organic law on decentralisation. This session will draw on past lessons to explore whether contemporary decentralisation reforms will deliver improved service delivery or further entrench the role of politicians in shaping development agendas for their respective constituencies across PNG.