Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso, says Papua New Guinea and Australia’s partnership has entered a new and dynamic phase following the successful conclusion of the 31st Australia–Papua New Guinea annual Ministerial Forum held in Canberra earlier this week.
“Our friendship with Australia continues to deepen, not only through words but through real action and shared responsibility. Papua New Guinea is proud to be entering its 50th year of independence with our closest neighbour and friend by our side.
“This partnership is about stability, prosperity, and a shared vision for the Pacific. We are not just neighbours, we are partners shaping a safer, stronger, and more resilient region.” Rosso said.
Implementing the New Phase of Cooperation
Following the Ministerial Forum, both governments have moved quickly to begin implementing key outcomes and new initiatives, including:
- Education and Skills Development: Under Australia’s K417 million (AUD 150 million) education and skills package, the first phase of early childhood learning and TVET initiatives will roll out across Morobe, East New Britain, and Western Highlands Provinces. The program aims to improve foundational literacy and technical training for PNG’s youth, particularly young women and girls.
- Humanitarian and Disaster Preparedness: A joint taskforce has been established between PNG’s National Disaster Centre and Australia’s National Emergency Management Agency to operationalize the new Disaster Resilience Package. Planning has also begun for the construction of a new National Command and Coordination Centre in Port Moresby.
- Trade and Economic Cooperation: The Forum’s Australia–PNG Business Dialogue resulted in several follow-up commitments from the private sector, including new investments in infrastructure, communications, renewable energy, and agribusiness. Rosso noted that these engagements are aimed at growing investor confidence in PNG’s economy and the government’s continued focus on reforms that support business growth and job creation.
- Defence and Security Cooperation: Technical teams from both nations have commenced work on the implementation framework for the Defence Treaty signed recently and also known as the “Pukpuk Treaty.” This includes PNG’s participation in ADF training programs, joint exercises, and the upgrading of key PNGDF facilities with a view to modernize the PNGDF. The Defence Recruitment Pathway for Papua New Guineans into the Australian Defence Force is also expected to open for applications in early 2026. This will give an opportunity for approximately 10,000 applicants.
- Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme: Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso welcomed ongoing discussions under the PALM Scheme, which continues to provide employment and skills development opportunities for Papua New Guineans in Australia. He emphasized the importance of expanding the program to include more sectors and streamline recruitment processes to ensure increase and fair participation of PNG workers while addressing Australia’s labour market needs. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen worker welfare, training, and reintegration programs for returning participants.
- Visa and Travel Facilitation: Discussions also focused on improving visa access between Papua New Guinea and Australia to promote greater movement of people, trade, and investment. Deputy Prime Minister Rosso highlighted the need for more efficient visa processing (short processing turnaround times) and longer-term multiple-entry options for business travellers. Both governments agreed to continue dialogue on simplifying travel arrangements, particularly under the new Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership, to support stronger bilateral and regional cooperation.
A Relationship for the Future
Deputy Prime Minister Rosso highlighted that the recent signing of the Defence Treaty, has transformed the bilateral relationship strengthening both nation’s long standing partnership, moving beyond the traditional donor-recipient model to a relationship of equals anchored in shared values, mutual respect, and regional security benefiting both nations.
He said the outcomes of the Forum mark a defining moment in the long-standing friendship between the two nations, reflecting the priorities of both Prime Minister James Marape and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to build a partnership that is modern, forward-looking, and people-centred.
“We will continue to uphold an independent foreign policy, but our bond with Australia remains unshakable. Our defence, our prosperity, and our future are tied together by geography, history, and shared aspirations.
Deputy Prime Minister Rosso reaffirmed the Marape–Rosso Government’s commitment to ensuring that the Treaty and all related initiatives are implemented transparently, in full respect of PNG’s sovereignty, constitutional processes, and national priorities.
“This partnership is not about dependency. It is about strength, about empowering our pe ople, modernizing our systems, and ensuring that our region remains peaceful, prosperous, and united.” Rosso concluded.