Humanitarian assistance in response to Papua New Guinea landslide

  • Joint media release with:
  • The Hon Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Defence
  • Senator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for Emergency Management
  • The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for International Development and the Pacific

The Australian Government will provide an initial $2.5 million in humanitarian assistance to support Papua New Guinea’s response to the landslide in Enga Province.

In direct response to the Government of Papua New Guinea’s request, Australia will send technical experts to Papua New Guinea to provide incident management assistance, support geohazard assessments, and to inform early recovery efforts.

Australia will provide emergency relief supplies to meet the immediate needs of local communities in the landslide area, such as shelter, hygiene kits and specific support for women and children.

Australia will also provide support to civil society organisations assisting in the initial response and recovery phase. The Australian Defence Force will continue to provide logistical support for this response.

Australia stands by the people and Government of Papua New Guinea at this tragic time.

Quote attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“All Australians will be thinking of Papua New Guineans at this very difficult time.

“As a close neighbour and friend, we will be doing all we can to provide support.”

“Australia’s Defence Force is working closely with the PNG Defence Force to assist with the response. This work is yet another demonstration of the close partnership between our nations and militaries”.

Quote attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Australia stands with the people of Papua New Guinea.

“Today’s package will assist the urgent needs of those affected by this devastating landslide, and we stand ready to consider additional support.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt:

“The scenes in Papua New Guinea have been heartbreaking and we are keeping the whole country in our thoughts.

“Australian disaster response specialists are some of the best in the world, and our team of experts will assist local authorities with recovery and humanitarian support”.

Quote attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“Our thoughts are with all Papua New Guineans at this time.

“We will continue to work closely with humanitarian partners and the Government of Papua New Guinea to support response and recovery efforts.”

Media enquiries

  • Minister's office: (02) 6277 7500
  • DFAT Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555