31st Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum Communiqué

1. The 31st Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum was held in Canberra on 20 October 2025 and was co-chaired by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia and the Hon Justin Tkatchenko MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Papua New Guinea.
2. Other participating Ministers for Australia were: the Hon Richard Marles MP, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Defence; Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services, Minister for Finance, and Minister for the Public Service; Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, and Special Minister of State; the Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, and Minister for Defence Industry; the Hon Tony Burke MP, Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Cyber Security, and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship; the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations; the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Attorney-General; the Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Emergency Management and Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government; and, Senator the Hon Nita Green, Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Assistant Minister for Tourism, and Assistant Minister for Northern Australia.
3. Other participating Ministers for Papua New Guinea were: the Hon John Rosso MP, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for Lands, Physical Planning, Urbanisation and Immigration; the Hon Dr Billy Joseph MP, Minister for Defence; the Hon Peter Tsiamalili Jnr MP, Minister for Police and Acting Minister for Information, Communication and Technology; the Hon William Duma MP, Minister for State Enterprises; the Hon Ian Ling-Stuckey CMG MP, Minister for Treasury; the Hon Kinoka Feo MP, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and Sports; the Hon Jason Peter MP Minister for Community Development, Religion and Youth, the Hon Richard Maru MP, Minister for International Trade and Investment; the Hon Lucas Dekena MP, Minister for Education; and the Hon Jacob Maki MP, Vice Minister for Police.
4. Ministers noted the significance of this Ministerial Forum being the first since Prime Ministers signed the Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty – the Pukpuk Treaty – on 6 October 2025, elevating the relationship to an equal and reciprocal Alliance. Ministers underscored that this historic milestone was founded on respect for the sovereignty and mutual benefit of both nations, based on generations of trust and a shared commitment to a stable, prosperous, and peaceful region. Ministers emphasised that the Alliance extended beyond defence and reflected who we are to each other and an elevation across all dimensions of the relationship.
5. Ministers warmly reflected on the Golden Jubilee celebrations marking PNG's 50th anniversary of independence on 16 September 2025. They affirmed that the bilateral relationship was at a historic high point, acknowledging the maturity of PNG's democracy and its growing leadership in the region, forged by a shared history, mutual respect and ongoing collaboration. Reaffirming their enduring partnership, Ministers highlighted shared aspirations in an evolving regional and global landscape.
6. Ministers recognised the depth of the contemporary relationship between PNG and Australia, underpinned by the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP). Ministers welcomed significant achievements and progress since the 2024 Ministerial Forum, including: the signing of the Mutual Defence Treaty; the entry into force of the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA); the announcement of a deal to support a PNG team – the PNG Chiefs – to play in Australia's National Rugby League (NRL) and the National Rugby League Women's Premiership (NRLW); the release of the Australia-Papua New Guinea Development Partnership Plan (DPP); and multiple parliamentary visits from both countries.

CSEP Pillar 1 – Strong Democracies for a Stable Future

7. Ministers recognised both countries' shared commitment to the democratic principles that underpin the relationship. PNG welcomed Australia's gift for the 50th anniversary of PNG's independence of support for the construction of a new wing for PNG's National Parliament, which recognised the role of our parliaments in reflecting the voices of a country's people and our common understanding of the democratic principles that underpin the modern Australia-PNG relationship. PNG acknowledged Australia's ongoing support for PNG's electoral reform priorities.
8. Ministers discussed the importance of addressing gender inequality and disability-related barriers, strengthening gender and social inclusion partnerships, and responding to gender-based and sorcery accusation-related violence. Ministers welcomed the introduction of PNG's new Disability Services Bill 2025 and looked forward to working together to promote and protect the rights of people with disabilities, supporting their equal inclusion in all aspects of community life.
9. Ministers welcomed the entry into force of the BSA in December 2024. Ministers noted the swift implementation of the 'full-circle' law and justice initiatives agreed at the 2024 Ministerial Forum. Ministers acknowledged Australia's support to PNG authorities in addressing violence in the Highlands – through locally-led peace talks, land mediation, and skills training for at-risk youth and former warlords. Ministers also noted joint efforts with the United Nations and the Centre for Armed Violence Reduction to advance peacebuilding and protection in conflict-affected areas.
10. Ministers acknowledged Australia's support under the BSA to strengthen PNG's 16 national law and justice agencies, building capability, improving coordination, and supporting a more resilient justice system. They further welcomed the deepening people-to-people links through court partnerships, 13 Australian judges serving in PNG, and enduring institutional collaboration. They also welcomed Australian technical support to strengthen PNG's anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks.
11. Ministers welcomed that funding through the BSA had made the Australia-PNG policing partnership the largest Australian Federal Police (AFP) partnership globally. Ministers celebrated the completion of new police barracks in Port Moresby and regional offices in Mount Hagen and Kokopo and welcomed new barracks underway in both locations. Ministers welcomed the launch of PNG's Recruits and Investigations Regional Centre of Excellence on 21 March 2025, a Pacific-led, Australian-backed flagship initiative under the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI). Ministers looked forward to the expansion of recruit training accommodation and facilities under the initiative. The increase in the delivery of barracks will increase police recruits to 700 per year, and is on a path to 1000 a year. To build middle management capability in the RPNGC, Ministers agreed to support under the BSA mentoring from former officers from Commonwealth countries.

CSEP Pillar 2 – Close Friends, Enduring Ties

12. Australia congratulated PNG on the momentous occasion of its 50th anniversary of independence. It had been an honour for Prime Minister Albanese, Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Minister Conroy to join the celebrations in PNG. Ministers acknowledged the breadth of initiatives delivered in both countries to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, including the co-badging of the 2025 Australia Awards as the Somare-Whitlam Awards, and the success of the inaugural PNG-Australia international relations short course. Ministers agreed that the course would be held annually to foster deeper understanding between our two nations.
13. Ministers reflected on the deep cultural ties between Australia and PNG, marking the 40th anniversary of the Torres Strait Treaty's entry into force. Ministers recognised the Torres Strait as home to our countries' oldest continuing people-to-people connections. They acknowledged the significant role of the Treaty's traditional inhabitants in implementing the Treaty and preserving cross-border connections. Ministers noted Australia's First Nations foreign policy approach, highlighted by the Ambassador for First Nations People's participation in this year's Torres Strait Treaty Joint Advisory Council meeting.
14. Ministers reaffirmed PNG and Australia's partnership with the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) to support the entry of the PNG National Rugby League (NRL) Franchise – the PNG Chiefs – into the NRL and an elite women's competition in 2028. Ministers recognised the importance of the Franchise as a symbol of our bilateral relationship and our shared love of sport. Ministers reaffirmed PNG and Australia's commitment to the long-term success of the PNG Chiefs through expanded player pathways and improved grassroots and community rugby league through the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, including the leadership of the PNG Rugby Football League. This Partnership builds on a long history of successful investments at elite and community levels, including League Bilong Laif, the PNG Hunters, the establishment of the Santos Cup and PNG and Australia's joint initiative in the PNG NRL Bid Academy.
15. PNG welcomed Australia's commitment to put in place an NRL visa package to support PNG Chiefs' players, officials, supporters and media to travel to Australia for NRL games, training and events. The details of the package would be finalised before the end of the year. Ministers agreed to consider further streamlined visa processes to encourage greater connections of our people.
16. Ministers agreed to establish a working group comprising immigration and foreign affairs officials from Australia and PNG. The working group will establish a structured dialogue to continue to simplify visa processes.
17. Ministers also welcomed PNG's continued participation in the second year of the Pacific Engagement Visa scheme and noted PNG again received the highest visa allocation of participating countries. Ministers agreed that officials should work together to help PNG streamline its processes and address systemic barriers to ensure the program meets the mobility aspirations of PNG citizens and builds the PNG diaspora in Australia.

CSEP Pillar 3 – Economic Partnership for Prosperity

18. Ministers reflected on 50 years of economic cooperation and recognised that supporting the conditions for economic prosperity was at the heart of the relationship today. Ministers recognised the depth of our trade and investment relationship with bilateral trade of AUD7.7 billion in 2024. Ministers also committed to work together to support PNG's aspirations for greater market access and to develop PNG's trade capacity and capability to enhance its market integration within Australia, Southeast Asia, and the wider Pacific. Ministers discussed the benefits of free trade agreements in enhancing regional economic integration and acknowledged the role regional trade agreements could play in growing PNG's market access. Ministers welcomed the entry into force of the WTO Fisheries Agreement.
19. Ministers recognised the crucial role of sustainable infrastructure to attract international investment, support businesses to grow, and provide jobs and livelihoods. Ministers welcomed ongoing cooperation on critical infrastructure investments, including the AUD200 million of infrastructure delivered this year and an Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility pipeline that includes more than AUD1 billion in grants and loans to support major capital projects in ports (AUD621 million), roads (AUD76 million) and electrification (AUD306 million) across PNG. Ministers acknowledged support from AIFFP in the ports sector.
20. Ministers acknowledged the close existing partnership between PNG and Australia on telecommunications and agreed that bringing down consumer internet prices was critical to improving digital access, driving business investment and economic growth and enabling increased education opportunities through online learning. Ministers further agreed on the importance of ensuring the compatibility and resilience of telecommunication systems. Ministers agreed the next step in advancing our telecommunications partnership was to undertake an independent assessment to guide a blueprint for further reform and investment. Ministers tasked senior officials to complete the assessment by PNG Investment Week (December 2025) with a view to finalising a blueprint prior to the next Ministerial Forum.
21. Ministers reaffirmed the commitment from the 2024 Ministerial Forum and assurance within the 2024 budget support loan to build stronger investment screening structures in PNG that encourage foreign and domestic investment in critical infrastructure that is economically viable and secure. Ministers welcomed the progress officials had made to strengthen assessments made by the Central Agencies Coordinating Committee and encouraged continued effort.
22. PNG welcomed Australia's support for PNG's IMF programs and Budget Repair Plan, and PNG acknowledged Australia's AUD3.1 billion, or PGK8.4 billion, in budget support lending since 2020 as a critical short-term measure linked to PNG's own economic reform agenda. PNG is expected to repay PGK610.5 million in interest and principal of this vital budget support in 2024. Ministers noted PNG was the only country Australia had provided repeated International Monetary Agreements Act loans to, and agreed this evinced our shared commitment to PNG's prosperity. Ministers discussed PNG's progress against assurances attached to the 2024 budget support loan, including maintaining per capita expenditure in health and education, and the declining need for budget support due to budget repair. Australia reflected on the phase down of Australia's lending and agreed to examine if there were other ways to support PNG's fiscal reform efforts. Australia commended PNG's continued progress on its IMF Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility Program and the significant economic reform PNG had undertaken since the program's commencement.
23. Ministers commended the consistent commitment from the Australian and PNG business communities to advocate for the policies and investment needed to foster business confidence. Ministers thanked representatives from the Australia-Papua New Guinea Business Council and the Business Council of Papua New Guinea and reflected on the constructive discussion in the annual Australia-Papua New Guinea Business Dialogue held on 20 October 2025. They recognised the Dialogue as a cornerstone of business engagement in the bilateral relationship. Ministers welcomed the successful meeting of the Australia-Papua New Guinea Business and Senior Officials Working Group in Port Moresby in May 2025 and agreed that senior officials and business representatives convene ahead of the next Dialogue to explore opportunities and address shared challenges.
24. Ministers recognised strong biosecurity systems as a prerequisite to establishing market access protocols for initiating trade in new agricultural products. Ministers welcomed progress to bolster PNG's biosecurity regime under the Australia-PNG Biosecurity Twinning Program and noted its early successes in capacity building and facilitating connections. Ministers noted ongoing construction of the Australian-funded PCR laboratory in Port Moresby, to enhance biosecurity testing and boost agricultural trade. Ministers reiterated the importance of effective domestic and international agricultural supply chains to support food security and create export opportunities.
25. Ministers agreed that labour mobility programs were a clear win-win option for PNG and Australia. PNG workers are helping meet labour shortages in many sectors of the Australian economy, with PNG's labour mobility workers in Australia steadily increasing and more than 6,000 worker mobilisations through overseas labour mobility programs since 2019. Ministers agreed more could be done to accelerate the number of Papua New Guineans working in Australia. Ministers agreed that efforts should focus on improved governance arrangements, capacity building for labour mobility systems, work to support demand, and training to ensure a quality work-ready pool. Ministers agreed to diversify, expand and grow PNG's labour participation across PALM scheme sectors. Ministers also agreed the importance of building a competitive workforce through skills development and training, including formal qualifications.
26. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of strengthening the peace process between PNG and the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the economic development of Bougainville.

CSEP Pillar 4 – Strategic Cooperation for Security and Stability

27. Ministers welcomed the elevation of the relationship to an Alliance under the Pukpuk Treaty, where Australia and PNG share the highest level of strategic trust. The Pukpuk Treaty provided a foundation to expand defence cooperation, enhance interoperability, and strengthen joint responses to regional and global security challenges. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to bringing the Treaty into force upon completion of their respective domestic processes, and to working together to realise its full potential in support of our shared security and a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous. They welcomed the Defence Ministers' joint statement on practical initiatives to bring effect to the Treaty.
28. Ministers welcomed the commencement of bilateral consultations on a recruitment pathway for Papua New Guinean citizens to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Ministers recognise this initiative as a demonstration of mutual strategic trust.
29. Ministers welcomed the handover of the redeveloped HMPNGS Tarangau (Lombrum Naval Base), and noted it was now a fully operational PNG sovereign asset. They further commended PNG's successful hosting of the first overseas iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre and joint work to build PNG's sovereign maritime and aviation capabilities. Ministers noted Australia's continued support for PNGDF growth and capability enhancement, including infrastructure upgrades, provision of uniforms, and expanded training opportunities.
30. Ministers reflected on Australia and PNG's close and longstanding cooperation on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). Ministers welcomed progress on further deepening links between Australian and PNG disaster response agencies, following the Enga Landslide in 2024, including through PNG's participation in Exercise Convergence in Australia in 2025. Ministers welcomed the announcement of a AUD25 million package of support from Australia to strengthen PNG's disaster management and response capabilities, including the construction of humanitarian warehouses, a new twinning program between Australia's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and PNG's National Disaster Centre (NDC), as well as scoping support for an emergency command and control centre in the NDC.
31. Ministers acknowledged progress under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cyber Cooperation between Australia and PNG, including the support of and training by the Cyber Rapid Assistance for Pacific Incidents and Disasters (RAPID) facility. Ministers committed to ongoing cooperation on cyber security, cyber resilience and crisis response. Ministers noted the international increased risk of cyber-attacks and acknowledged that all decisions regarding critical digital infrastructure and vendor selection must be made in a manner that advance national security and economic interests. Ministers agreed to discuss opportunities arising from artificial intelligence and data centres, including to improve government services.
32. Ministers welcomed Australia's support for PNG's digitalisation agenda and adoption of cloud-based data solutions to improve cyber resilience, including progress on the development of a government cloud audit and roadmap. Ministers welcomed progress towards a Digital Development, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Cyber Security MoU, consolidating and elevating our Cyber and ICT MoUs in the context of the BSA's emphasis on cyber security and economic opportunity of digital technologies.
33. Ministers welcomed the positive impact of Climate FIRST, the new investment working to increase PNG's access to global climate-financing and noted Australia and PNG's focus on forestry cooperation. They recognised the important contribution of PNG forests in reducing global carbon emissions and welcomed progress on the 2023 MoU on Forest Cooperation. Ministers welcomed Australia's foundational contribution to the Pacific Resilience Facility, which is expected to lay the foundation to attract investment by other countries.

CSEP Pillar 5 – Social and Human Development

34. Ministers welcomed Australia's enduring development partnership with PNG, with an estimated AUD707 million in total Official Development Assistance (ODA) to PNG in 2025-26. Ministers welcomed progress in advancing the resolution of taxation issues impacting ODA, acknowledging the reciprocal commitment of both nations to ensure efficient and effective use of Australian ODA. Ministers acknowledged the importance of timely application and compliance with respective treaty commitments and issuance of PNG Designated Aid Status Certificates to implementing ODA organisations.
35. Ministers welcomed the DPP, and its alignment with goals set out in PNG's Vision 2050 and Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP-IV). Ministers welcomed the DPP's focus on driving deeper development cooperation and positive outcomes in health, education, climate, inclusion and protection of marginalised groups, embedding of First Nations' perspectives, and empowerment of women and girls. Ministers welcomed the continuing efforts of PNG Women Lead to promote gender equality, women's leadership and economic empowerment, and combat gender-based violence.
36. Ministers reflected on the role of education in effecting lasting change and underscored the importance of PNG's continued prioritisation of education in its annual budgets. Ministers noted PNG's progress towards providing accessible, affordable and quality education for all under PNG's MTDP-IV, and recognised Australia's commitment to grow its education investment under the DPP in support of these goals. Ministers commended PNG's successful hosting of the 2025 Conference of Pacific Education Ministers and its role in bringing together education leaders from across the region to discuss shared challenges.
37. Ministers noted the DPP's commitment to supporting girls' education and improving school attendance. To this end, Ministers welcomed the announcement of new initiatives supporting improved learning outcomes and retention, including the UNICEF-implemented Smarter Safer Schools and the PNG Secondary Education Program, which will focus on leadership at secondary schools including National Schools of Excellence. Ministers welcomed PNG's landmark World Bank International Development Association (IDA) loan in education, which will expand Australia's Partnership for Improving Education program to eight new provinces.
38. Ministers noted the announcement of new initiatives, including the Strongim Wok Long TVET program (PNG-Australia Strengthening TVET program) and Pacific Australia Skills, which give effect to our commitments under the Joint Statement of Intent on Technical and Vocational Education and Training to improving TVET outcomes, upskilling and job access in PNG. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a progress report on the Statement's implementation at the next Ministerial Forum.
39. Ministers discussed Australia's long-standing cooperation and investment in PNG's health sector, partnering to strengthen sustainable access to, and use of, essential health services. Ministers recognised health partnership projects in every PNG province, as well as the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Ministers recognised Australian support for infrastructure, including long-standing support for the Daru General Hospital, as an important component in strengthening PNG health systems. Ministers welcomed ongoing cooperation in responding to health emergencies, including support to PNG's polio response, and the nearly tripling of Australia's investment in HIV services this financial year.
40. Ministers welcomed ongoing engagement on democratic governance and service delivery, underpinned by the shared values of inclusion, accountability, and community empowerment. They acknowledged the enduring contribution of the Churches Partnership Program to strengthen the capacity of churches to deliver essential health and education services.

CSEP Pillar 6 – Near Neighbours, Global Partners

41. Ministers emphasised the critical role of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), as the apex of the regional architecture in delivering our shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. Ministers reflected on the importance of PIF unity and deepened regionalism as a path to seizing opportunities and managing challenges facing the region over the coming year. They reflected on the importance of Forum Partners, recognising their contributions in offering diverse perspectives and fostering development, and their alignment with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Blue Pacific Principles for Dialogue and Engagement.
42. Ministers reflected on Australia and PNG's close and longstanding cooperation on collective Pacific security responses, including in support of the Biketawa Declaration, the Boe Declaration on Regional Security and now the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration. They commended personnel from both countries for participating in all three Pacific Police Support Group deployments, alongside Pacific partners, to Samoa in October 2024, Vanuatu in December 2024, and Palau from June–July 2025, in response to requests for security support and welcomed PNG's continued leadership through its hosting of the Police Recruit and Investigations Training Facility under the PPI. Ministers looked forward to building stronger regional response capabilities in consultation with other Pacific Island countries. Ministers welcomed PNG's hosting of the Joint Heads of Pacific Security meeting in 2025. Ministers reaffirmed their support for a coordinated regional response to transnational crime in the Pacific, in line with commitments from the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
43. Ministers acknowledged the value of a Pacific voice at multilateral fora. PNG welcomed Australia's update on the status of its bid to host the 31st UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP31) in 2026 as a Pacific COP. Ministers committed to continue to work together to advance the bid in the lead up to COP30 in Brazil.

Declaration

This Joint Communiqué reflects discussions at the 31st Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum held in Canberra, Australia on 20 October 2025.

Agreed at: Australian Parliament House, Canberra, 20 October 2025

For the Government of Australia
Senator the Hon Penny Wong
Minister for Foreign Affairs

For the Government of Papua New Guinea
Hon Justin Tkatchenko MP
Minister for Foreign Affairs