Anthony Albanese

Australia looks forward to Marape addressing its parliament

Australia’s Assistant Minister for Trade and Assistant Minister for Manufacturing, Tim Ayres, said this when presenting ‘The Australian Government Perspective’ at the 17th PNG Resources and Energy Investment Conference on Monday, December 11th, at the Sydney International Convention Centre.

Kiribati President Reluctant for Climate Agreement with Australia

The Falepili Union — inked by Mr Albanese and Mr Natano at the end of the Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Rarotonga — will open a new pathway to Australian residency for Tuvalu's citizens threatened by rising seas, while giving Australia effective veto power over any new security agreements struck by the Pacific island nation.

Albanese’s trip is bilateral: Marape

Marape was responding to questions raised by MP for Chuave, James Nomane on a video posted on social media by Australian Media claiming that PNG will be seeking more funding from Albanese’s trip. 

“This visit was not about requesting money. We never requested any money from Australia or did they make a commitment to help us with money.

“This visit was all about the outstanding bilaterals we have with them. We want to fine tune and improve this relationship to one that will anchor Australia and PNG going forward.

Albanese pays respect to Chief Sir Michael

The visit took place on the second day of his two-day visit to Papua New Guinea; the first for any Australian Prime Minister in over four years.

Both prime ministers were received by the Somare family into their home where respects were paid by the leaders to a great man and leader in Sir Michael.

Following the visit to the Somare residence, the delegation laid wreaths and paid respects at Mission Hill Boys Town.

The Mission Hill was the site of the Japanese 18th Army headquarters. It saw heavy fighting in May 1945.

Australia and PNG leading region’s Climate Change action

Anthony Albanese, while addressing the PNG parliament, added that our Pacific neighbours are counting on PNG and Australia to support international co-operation to show leadership and to take action.

He said, “There is not a moment to waste. It is up to our generation to protect the precious and unique natural environment of our rainforests, reefs and coasts. To build – and plan – our infrastructure so our communities are more resilient and better prepared for natural disasters.”

Aust invests more in PNG

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed when addressing Parliament today; stating that this is more than they have invested in India, Indonesia or Malaysia.

He said Australia will support PNG in the downstream processing policy driven by the Marape-Rosso Government.

PM Albanese said Australia understood that PNG is eager to expand its exports of more processed goods and varied agricultural products and these are areas where Australian business community can play a key role.

PNG leaders called to defend democracy

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said when addressing the Parliament today, he encouraged Papua New Guinea leaders that they all have a part to play, in realizing that vision.
 
PM Albanese called on leaders to defend the democracy in which they serve at all time.
 
He said to fulfil that duty, “All leaders must start by demonstrating the value of this place and the ideals it is built on and by proving that the system we belong to has the power to change people’s lives for the better.”
 

PM gives clearest backing yet for a PNG-based Pasifika team in the NRL

Mr Albanese will use his historic speech to PNG’s parliament on Thursday to restate his support for a Pacific Islander team to compete in the NRL, saying Australia and PNG have a “shared passion for rugby league”.

“Today I affirm my view that I want to see a PNG-based, Pacific Islander team compete in the National Rugby League competition,” he is expected to say.

“Sport is such a genuine and powerful way of building strong and lasting ties between our peoples, at a code and club and community and family level.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese keen to strengthen ties in first visit to Papua New Guinea

Key points:

  • Australia and PNG hope to strengthen ties during Anthony Albanese's two-day visit 
  • Security has become a key focus for the region after China and Solomon Islands signed a defence pact 
  • Australian aid remains contentious among some Papua New Guineans concerned about debt levels and corruption

Australian flags have been hoisted across Port Moresby, and Mr Albanese's face has been put up on billboards, alongside PNG Prime Minister James Marape's.

Marape to respond to Aus PM’s address

“I will reciprocate tomorrow on our nation’s behalf. We entrench our own bilateral relationships for the better going forward.”

The Prime Minister emphasized that Papua New Guinea has a stronger bilateral relationship with Australia that it does with other countries.

“We have more business-to-business, person-to-person, and government-to-government with Australia than we have with all other bilateral relations.”