Australia

Manning highlights community policing benefits of Treaty

He said during the discussions this week in Canberra that Australia security counterparts have vowed to improve security situation in PNG. 

“It important that we advance the interests of PNG while at the same time contributing to sub-regional security, as such providing support to Australia and our other partners in the Pacific.

“From this Bilateral Security Treaty PNG is seeking training to be provided for our police personnel to improve skills and to enhance transparency in police operations.

Bilateral Security Treaty Progressing

The recent ministerial forum held between Papua New Guinea leaders and Australian counterparts have been very productive, with the Treaty in progress.   

Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong emphasized the close relationship between both countries and the need to work more collaboratively to strengthen regional cooperation and stability.  

“We’re neighbours, we’re friends, we’re partners, in our relationship we’re equals.”  

Informal imports of a highly addictive psychostimulant gives seasonal workers in Australia a taste of home

Key points:

  • Australian biosecurity laws allow up to 10kg of betel nut to be imported
  • Demand for betel nut in Australia is soaring
  • Known for its euphoric and relaxing effect, the nut is highly addictive and causes disease

"When the dog goes to everyone and then stops on you, everyone knows that you're carrying something," he said.

"The worst feeling is that I don't know what's in my bag, like in my pocket … if someone put a drug in there."

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.

Marape thanks Aust for assistance

Prime Minister James Marape said this on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, when commenting on the recent visit by Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.

“We do not want the moment of the visit of PM Albanese to be wasted,” Marape said.

“There have been many bilateral meetings and visits, but this one was historic, in that he also addressed our Parliament.

“Australia is committed to addressing all the outstanding issues with us. I have already written a letter to PM Albanese thanking his for the visit and the issues that he raised.

Bilateral Security Treaty expanded

Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko, in a press conference in Port Moresby, highlighted significant areas of concern to be added into the treaty agreement including cybercrime, climate change, money laundering, biosecurity, internal security and gender-based violence.

“The definition of the security treaty has been expanded which I think is a very good thing, it’s not just about Defence but all the other important areas as well.

An economically independent PNG is better: PM

As it was Australia, Labor Party and Whitlam in 1973 to 1975 that allowed the PNG, PANGU Pati and Somare drive into political independence, so must it be Australia, Labor Party and Albanese of 2023 to assist PNG, PANGU Pati and the generation of Leaders to drive PNG into the economic independence.

PM Marape told Parliament that a nation claiming political independence without economic strength is a weak nation. 

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.

Over K5m Assistance For Highlands Region

The Australian High Commission said funding and supplies are helping to address the immediate humanitarian needs of those affected by the ongoing violence and displacement occurring in the region.

“We are also supporting logistics and humanitarian coordination capabilities, to ensure supplies of food, water, protection and shelter can be delivered to those in need,” said the AHC.

“We have been pleased to have been able to already reach some of the displaced communities in Porgera and Mt Hagen with humanitarian supplies delivered by CARE and their local partners.

Aust To Observe PNG Elections

International election observers have an important role in elections across the world as their observations improve the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.

The role of international election observers is to provide a comprehensive, independent and impartial assessment of all aspects of the electoral process.

PNG Electoral Commissioner, Simon Sinai, has accredited the international election observers who are part of the international election observation effort. All international election observers have received an identification card from the PNGEC.