Visit to Papua New Guinea

A range of issues will be discussed with PNG Ministers and the business community during my visit to Papua New Guinea from 7-9 May.

This is my second visit since taking office, and will also include inspection of Australian-funded development projects.

Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Scott Morrison and I will participate in a monthly Joint Ministerial Forum meeting to discuss implementation of the Regional Resettlement Arrangement with our PNG counterparts.

I will also present findings of a recent assessment of Australia's development assistance to PNG. These findings will help ensure the aid program is better aligned with the priorities of both the Australian and PNG Governments.

I look forward to opening an Australian Government and private sector-supported community library on Tatana Island in Port Moresby's Fairfax Harbour. The library has been set up by not-for-profit organisation, Buk bilong Pikinini (Books for Children) and aims to improve literacy standards for children and their parents throughout the country.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with PNG's National Department of Education will underscore Australia's support for its rugby league program in primary schools across PNG. The program aims to improve education and health outcomes and promote equal participation in the popular sport by young girls and boys.

Strengthening trade and investment between our two countries will be on the agenda in a meeting with the Australia-PNG Business Council.