The Independent State of Papua New Guinea is a constitutional monarchy and Australia's closest neighbour, with less than four kilometres separating it from Australia at the nearest point. Its capital, Port Moresby, is about an hour's flying time from Cairns. Papua New Guinea is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, with over 800 languages and hundreds of indigenous ethnic groups.
Bilateral, economic and trade information
- Papua New Guinea country brief
- Papua New Guinea trade/economic fact sheet [PDF]
- Torres Strait Treaty
Australia’s development program
- Australia’s development partnership with Papua New Guinea
- Papua New Guinea Development Cooperation Factsheet
Travel information
- Before you travel, visit smartraveller.gov.au
- Read the travel advice for Papua New Guinea
- Subscribe to updates
- Get the right travel insurance
- For how we can help Australians overseas, see the Consular services charter
- Australian Passports Office
- Visa information
Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum
- 30th Papua New Guinea-Australia Ministerial Forum Joint Communiqué, 19 June 2024
- 29th Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum Joint Communiqué, 17 February 2023
- 28th Papua New Guinea-Australia Ministerial Forum Joint Communiqué, 2 September 2021
- 27th Papua New Guinea-Australia Ministerial Forum Joint Communiqué, 26 August 2019
- 26th Papua New Guinea-Australia Ministerial Forum Joint Communiqué, 6 April 2018
Earlier Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forums.
Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership
On 5 August 2020, Prime Ministers Scott Morrison and James Marape signed the Papua New Guinea-Australia Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership.
- Papua New Guinea-Australia Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership
- Papua New Guinea-Australia Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership [PDF 900 KB]
Bilateral Security Agreement
On 7 December 2023, Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and James Marape signed the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of Papua New Guinea on a Framework for Closer Security Relations.
The Agreement is a legally-binding framework for deepening security cooperation between Australia and Papua New Guinea. It elevates, broadens and modernises our longstanding security relationship and will help Australia and Papua New Guinea work together to contribute to our region’s security.
The Agreement entered into force on 12 December 2024.
On signing the Bilateral Security Agreement, Prime Ministers Albanese and Marape announced a support package focussed on addressing PNG’s internal security priorities, including:
- enhancing cooperation on policing infrastructure, capability, leadership and training for the Royal PNG Constabulary;
- initiatives on law and justice, including further support for the judiciary and correctional services;
- and combatting gender-based violence, cyber cooperation and addressing climate change.
To read the Agreement in full, visit Australia-Papua New Guinea Bilateral Security Agreement.
To read the Joint Statements by Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Marape on the Agreement, visit:
- Joint Leaders Statement on the signing of the Australia–Papua New Guinea Bilateral Security Agreement
- Joint Leaders Statement on the entry into force of the Australia-Papua New Guinea Bilateral Security Agreement
Joint Partnership Declaration
On 10 May 2013, Prime Ministers Julia Gillard and Peter O'Neill signed the Joint Declaration for a New Papua New Guinea – Australia Partnership. The Declaration reflects the evolution of the bilateral relationship since 1987 when Prime Ministers Hawke and Wingti signed the Declaration of Principles. The 2013 Joint Declaration affirms both countries' commitment to deepening ties and to working together in the region.
Joint Declaration for a New Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership
Heads of Government
Heads of State, Prime Ministers, Foreign, Trade and Aid Ministers
Embassies and consulates
Australia
- Australian High Commission in Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby
- Australian Consulate-General Lae, Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
History
Full Circle: Australia and Papua New Guinea 1883-1970
Contact details
Assistant Secretary
PNG Political and Strategy Branch
Melanesia Division
Dept of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Barton ACT 0221
Phone: (02) 6261 1111
Assistant Secretary
PNG Economic & Development Branch
Melanesia Division
Dept of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Barton ACT 0221
Phone: (02) 6261 1111