Australia announces initiatives to boost Papua New Guinea's internal security, justice

Australia announced a series of initiatives Wednesday to bolster Papua New Guinea's (PNG) internal security and priorities in law and justice, under a significant bilateral security agreement.

A delegation of Australian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and International Development Minister Pat Conroy is currently in PNG to participate in the 30th Ministerial Forum.

The measures, which were agreed upon Wednesday, are part of a longstanding bilateral agreement established last year during Prime Minister James Marape's visit to Australia, ABC News reported.

“This is the only country with whom we have this type of ministerial engagement and it reflects who we are to one another,” Wong said at a news conference.

Australia will provide additional support to enhance stability in PNG Highlands as part of the agreement, including a new program to assist the country in improving weapons management.

The initiative follows a period of heightened concern about illegal firearms and ammunition in the region, exacerbated by one of PNG's deadliest massacres more than a year ago, which resulted in at least 49 fatalities.

“A stronger and safer Papua New Guinea is good for PNG and it is good for Australia,” Wong added.

Australia will also provide support for PNG's legal system to help it investigate and prosecute financial crime and assist with making correctional facilities safer and more secure.

The initiatives include investments in programs to improve access to justice for young people and remote and regional communities, and the supply of 12 armored Land Cruisers to PNG's defense forces.​​​​​​​