New connections between Australia and PNG

Media release

6 February 2014

The Australia-PNG Network will receive further support from the Australian Government.

This initiative, agreed at the Australia-PNG Ministerial Forum last December, is a key element of plans to strengthen economic and social ties between our two countries.

It will encourage stronger relationships between Australia's and PNG's businesses, entrepreneurs and students.

I am pleased to announce that the Australian Government will provide $1 million over three years for the initiative that will be hosted by Australia's Lowy Institute and PNG partner organisations.

The partner organisations will have strong links across business, civil society and academia in both Australia and Papua New Guinea. The Network will include an interactive online hub to foster new partnerships and to share knowledge and experience, using social media channels to maximise its reach.

The Network will help to ensure that other existing arrangements such as the Emerging Leaders' Dialogue, scholarships, volunteering and twinning initiatives are connected and complementary.