The Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Hon. Pat Conroy, officially launched the Australia-PNG Development Partnership Plan (DPP) for 2024-2029 at the Australian High Commission on Thursday 19th September in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
This initiative reinforces Australia’s commitment to PNG as its largest development partner, Conroy's office said in a statement.
With an estimated $637.4 million in Official Development Assistance funding for the 2024-25 fiscal year, and over $2.5 billion in budget support loans since 2019, Australia aims to strengthen PNG’s economic growth and stability.
Minister Conroy emphasized that the DPP is aligned with Australia’s new International Development Policy, which prioritizes locally led development.
He said, “We know that infrastructure is a huge piece of that puzzle, particularly, telecommunications, roads, ports, aviation and energy. This is why we are scaling up investments in critical economic and social infrastructure from $200 million annually to $250 million annually, recognizing the role this will play in PNG’s future prosperity.
“Through this plan we will work with PNG on building access to electricity across the country, but we’ll do it through innovative, smart solutions that use renewable energy and resilient technologies.”
The importance of continued economic growth is central to PNG’s Medium-Term Development Plan. Conroy stated, “Our approach is to be guided by your priorities, your needs, your ambitions.”
“We know you want a stable economy that continues to broaden and generate jobs for your people,” he added.
The DPP outlines a roadmap for Australian assistance over the next five years, with key features including a $200 million bilateral security agreement, an increase in educational investment to $100 million, and intensified efforts towards addressing climate change and promoting gender equality.
Conroy noted, “We’re scaling up investments in critical economic and social infrastructure from $200 million annually to $250 million annually, recognizing the role this will play in PNG’s future prosperity.”
At the launch event, 21 Australian development programs were featured, showing the extensive reach of Australia’s investment in various sectors across PNG.
Conroy addressed the necessity of improving security in PNG, stating that “people need stable, safe and secure societies in which to thrive.”
The $100 million Australia-PNG Law and Justice Partnership will focus on enhancing internal security, police training, and infrastructure across ten provinces.
“This is why we are stepping up our work with you on policing, improving internal security. Through our $100 million Australia-PNG Law and Justice Partnership, we are:
- providing targeted police training and supporting police recruitment,
- building much-needed police infrastructure across 10 provinces and
- providing full circle law and justice support, from investigations to the courts to corrections as well as improving access to justice.”
Moreover, the plan seeks to create inclusive communities. Conroy mentioned the ongoing support for women and individuals with disabilities, as over the past six months, the PNG Women Lead program has assisted over 3,000 women and girls in accessing crisis support services for gender-based violence.
On education, the plan will increase investments to help students complete their studies and diversify their skills.
Conroy announced the launch of a new “Diploma in Teaching Primary” aimed at upskilling 15,000 elementary teachers, with funding for the first 400 teachers enrolled in the program.
Conroy reaffirmed Australia’s long-standing commitment to PNG, citing that since 2015, Australia has delivered over $5.6 billion in Official Development Assistance.
The DPP “is a collaborative effort to enhance access to renewable energy, improve infrastructure, and support health services, among other initiatives.,” he said.
Conroy reiterated the partnership and collaboration between both countries. “All of this work we do together, with our PNG partners, to improve the lives of people across Papua New Guinea.
“As we have for all of the 49 years so far since independence, Australia is backing PNG’s economic development and ambition for its people.”
Present for the event were Hon Sir Ano Pala, Minister for National Planning; Hon Kinoka Feo, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology and Sports; Hon Lucas Dekena, Minister for Education; and Hon Rufina Peter, Governor of Central Province.
Heads of mission; heads of multilateral agencies; leaders from private sector and civil society were also present.
