Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has hailed the 31st Papua New Guinea–Australia Ministerial Forum, held in Canberra on 20 October 2025, as a defining moment in the enduring relationship between the two countries — elevating cooperation across defence, education, labour mobility, disaster resilience, and people-to-people ties.
“In my view, this was one of the most successful — if not the most successful — PNG– Australia Ministerial Forums since I began attending these meetings in 2008,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Many of the long-standing issues of mutual concern have now been elevated to the highest level, underpinned by the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership we signed in 2023, and now reinforced by the Mutual Defence Treaty signed earlier this month.”
Strengthening the Alliance
The Forum was the first since the signing of the historic Pukpuk Treaty — the PNG–Australia Mutual Defence Treaty — signed by Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and James Marape earlier this month. Both sides committed to translating the treaty into practical cooperation — including a new recruitment pathway enabling Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian Defence Force from 1 January 2026.
“This alliance reflects mutual trust and respect,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Papua New Guinea and Australia are partners walking side by side — as equals — to secure peace, prosperity, and stability in our region.”
The two governments also agreed to accelerate investments in PNG Defence Force modernisation, including training, infrastructure, and joint operations planning to improve interoperability and resilience across the Pacific.
Expanding Education and Skills Cooperation
Education remained a central focus of the Forum, with Australia announcing an A$150 million education and skills package targeting foundational schooling, girls’ retention, secondary education, and TVET.
Prime Minister Marape welcomed the initiative as a direct investment in PNG’s future: “Education remains the great equaliser. We thank the Government of Australia for its continuing commitment to helping build our human capital so that no child is left behind.”
Building Disaster Resilience and Humanitarian Capacity
A further A$25 million package will strengthen PNG’s disaster response capability through construction of strategic warehouses, enhanced coordination between the PNG National Disaster Centre and Australia’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and scoping of a national command-and-control facility in Port Moresby.
“Our people are at the frontline of climate change and natural disasters,” Prime Minister Marape said. “This partnership will save lives and help our country respond faster and more effectively when crises strike.”
Promoting Trade, Mobility, and People-to-People Links
The Forum also reinforced the importance of economic cooperation. Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to deepening two-way trade and investment under the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP), as well as continuing joint support for SMEs and local enterprise growth.
Discussions also advanced on visa facilitation, employment pathways, and expansion of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme to include more sectors.
“Key matters close to our people’s hearts — such as visas, employment opportunities, and education — were addressed constructively and positively,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Background and Significance
The 31st Australia–PNG Ministerial Forum was co-chaired by Australia’s Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong and PNG Foreign Minister Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, with participation from senior ministers including Australia’s Acting Prime Minister Hon. Richard Marles and PNG Deputy Prime Minister Hon. John Rosso.The Forum took place soon after PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary, symbolising a shared vision for a modern partnership founded on equality and mutual respect.
The Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (2023) and Mutual Defence Treaty (2025) form the twin pillars of the alliance, spanning security, economic resilience, and people-to-people cooperation.
The next Ministerial Forum will be held in Port Moresby in 2026, where progress on agreed outcomes will be reviewed.
Prime Minister Marape’s Outlook
“Our two nations have shared history, shared challenges, and a shared future. This Forum has taken our relationship to a new height — one defined by mutual respect, equal partnership, and shared prosperity. We look forward to translating these agreements into tangible outcomes that improve the lives of our people, reinforce regional security, and build a stronger Pacific family.”