Photo caption: Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Hon Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Hon John Rosso MP, Deputy Prime Minster and Minster for Lands, Physical Planning, Urbanisation and Immigration and Hon Justin Tkatchenko, CBE, BEM, ISOP MP, Minister for Foreign Minister hold a press conference at APEC Haus, Port Moresby, Wednesday 19 June 2024, as part of the PNG Ministerial Forum. Photo: DFAT / Sarah Hodges
The 30th Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum, held on June 19-20, 2024, in Port Moresby, marked a significant step in reinforcing the longstanding partnership between the two nations. This forum brought together senior officials and ministers to discuss and advance shared priorities across economic, security, and development sectors. The forum was co-chaired by Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justin Tkatchenko, and Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong.
Other notable attendees included Richard Marles, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence; Pat Conroy, Minister for International Development and the Pacific; Clare O’Neil, Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security; Mark Dreyfus, Attorney-General; Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry, and Emergency Management; and Tim Ayres, Assistant Minister for Trade and Manufacturing.
Economic and Development Cooperation
The ministers emphasised the importance of mutual economic growth and resilience. Key discussions included progress on the PNG-Australia Free Trade Agreement feasibility study and expanding First Nations opportunities. Australia’s significant investments in Papua New Guinea’s infrastructure were acknowledged, with commitments exceeding A$2 billion for projects in transportation, telecommunications, and social infrastructure.
APNGBC Executive Director Frank Yourn greets Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong as APNGBC President Vaughan Mills looks on.
The forum also underscored the role of the Australia-Papua New Guinea Business Council and the Business Council of Papua New Guinea in fostering business ties. Business Council of Papua New Guinea attendees included Carmella Gabina, Executive Director, Business Council of Papua New Guinea; Courtney Boustridge, Treasurer and Senior Manager, PwC; Adam Kramer, Managing Director, Kramer Ausenco; Kenneth Imako, Board Member and Partner, Allens; and Nuni Kulu, Group Chief Operating Officer, Bank South Pacific.
Australia-Papua New Guinea Business Council attendees included Vaughan Mills, President; Stanley Komunt, Vice-President; Steve Hillyard, Treasurer; Scott Roberts, Executive Committee member; and Frank Yourn, Executive Director.
President Vaughan Mills said: “The Australian Papua New Guinea Business Council welcomed this important opportunity for business to engage with senior members of the government of both Australia and Papua New Guinea, and especially the recommitment of Ministers to regular engagement between business representatives and senior officials to discuss and advise Ministers on opportunities and challenges in the business relationship.”
Security and Humanitarian Aid
Ministers extended gratitude for Australia’s prompt response to natural disasters, including a recent landslide in Enga Province. Australia’s A$2.5 million humanitarian aid package and the deployment of a Disaster Assistance Response Team were crucial in supporting Papua New Guinea’s recovery efforts. Additionally, ongoing cooperation in agriculture, biosecurity, and infrastructure development was reaffirmed. The forum also celebrated cultural ties through sports, particularly the PNG bid for National Rugby League (NRL) and National Women’s Rugby League (NRLW) franchises. Australia committed A$5 million to support PNG’s NRL bid Academy program, aiming to nurture young rugby talent and strengthen the camaraderie between the two nations.
The 30th Ministerial Forum successfully reinforced the Australia-PNG partnership, addressing critical areas such as security, economic development, and humanitarian support. With robust commitments and cooperative initiatives, the forum paved the way for a strengthened bilateral relationship aimed at ensuring regional stability and prosperity. This story reflects the collaborative spirit and strategic vision shared by Australia and Papua New Guinea, highlighting their dedication to building a secure, prosperous future for both nations and the wider Pacific region.
