Leslie Massey
Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have a strong and deep historical relationship, with PNG being Australia's largest development partner. Australia has committed to helping PNG achieve its key development goals, with a focus on economic stability, infrastructure, and increasing economic opportunities for Papua New Guineans. This includes addressing infectious diseases, such as polio, and providing educational resources. Australia has also committed to integrating climate considerations into its development program with PNG, particularly regarding the impact of rising sea levels and the global energy transition on PNG's economy. In addition, there have been discussions of a potential defence treaty between the two countries, which could further strengthen their security relationship.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Economic assistance | Help PNG convert its natural endowments into sustained broad-based growth, create a more diversified economy, and maintain economic stability |
| Security | Signed the Bilateral Security Agreement in 2023 |
| Health | Supplied $10 million to PNG’s $21 million emergency vaccination campaign; gave $6 million to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative; contributed up to 20% of PNG's domestic health budgets in recent years |
| Education | Supported phase two of a project supplying a shipping container of donated school reading materials to a PNG school; supported the costs of converting the shipping container into a library |
| Disability | Supported an organisation to provide assistive devices to people living with disabilities in rural communities |
| Sanitation | Supported an organisation to provide sustainable, washable, and reusable hygiene kits to school students |
| Defence | Discussions of a defence treaty to bolster Australia's security credentials |
| Development | PNG is Australia's largest development partner, with an estimated $637.4 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding (2024–25) |
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What You'll Learn
The Australian government is PNG's largest development partner
Australia's assistance is designed to help PNG achieve its key development goals, with a focus on economic stability, high-quality resilient infrastructure, and increased economic opportunities for Papua New Guineans. The Australian government also supports PNG's economic growth and prosperity by investing in economic stability and diversification, while also maintaining economic stability.
In the health sector, Australia is the largest donor to PNG, contributing up to 20% of PNG's domestic health budgets in recent years. Australia has helped PNG address infectious diseases like polio by providing funds and resources. For example, in 2018, Australia supplied $10 million to PNG’s $21 million emergency vaccination campaign and gave $6 million to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). Australia also maintains funding for organisations supporting community health workers in PNG, who are vital to providing primary healthcare in rural areas.
The Australian government also collaborates with researchers in PNG to develop projects that address agricultural needs, emphasising poverty reduction and improved livelihoods through more productive and sustainable agriculture. Additionally, Australia has supported educational initiatives in PNG, such as providing reading materials to schools and converting a shipping container into a library.
Furthermore, Australia and PNG have a close security relationship. They have a Joint Declaration of Principles, under which they consult on matters affecting their common security interests. The possibility of a defence treaty is also being considered, with PNG's proximity to Australia making it a particular concern for the Australian government.
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Australia is helping PNG address infectious diseases like polio
Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have a strong partnership born of history and geography, encompassing a wide range of bilateral interests. The Australian Government is committed to helping PNG achieve its key development goals, including addressing infectious diseases like polio.
In recent years, Australian aid has been instrumental in assisting Papua New Guinea in tackling health challenges posed by polio, a deadly preventable disease that re-emerged in the country in 2020 after an 18-year absence. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Australia has coordinated with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other organizations to bolster PNG's response to the polio outbreak.
One of the key initiatives supported by Australia is the KTF program, which focuses on delivering immunizations, pre and post-natal care, and life-saving medications to remote and rural areas in PNG. Over the past four years, KTF has played a crucial role in vaccinating 20,000 children against polio, saving thousands of lives. The program also supports the training, deployment, and salaries of community health workers, who are vital to the rural health system in PNG.
Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has emphasized the importance of investing in PNG's healthcare system to enhance its capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health security threats. This includes addressing challenges such as poor health governance and limited resources to handle infectious disease outbreaks. By focusing on key areas like workforce planning, communicable diseases, and maternal and child health, Australia aims to help PNG build a more resilient and efficient healthcare system.
The partnership between Australia and PNG extends beyond health and encompasses economic and infrastructure development. Australia provides economic assistance to promote economic stability, growth, and diversification in PNG. Additionally, the two countries have collaborated on the PNG-Australia Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership and the Bilateral Security Agreement, which strengthen their security relationship and provide a framework for continued cooperation.
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Australia is supporting PNG's economic growth and prosperity
Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have a strong and broad-ranging relationship, with the Australian Government sharing a common aspiration for a stable and prosperous PNG. Australia is PNG's largest development partner, with an estimated $637.4 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding for 2024–25.
To support PNG's economic growth and prosperity, Australia will focus its investments on economic stability, high-quality resilient infrastructure, and increasing economic opportunities for Papua New Guineans. Australia's economic assistance is designed to help PNG convert its natural resources into sustained broad-based growth and create a more diversified economy, while maintaining economic stability.
In addition, Australia is supporting PNG's health sector, contributing up to 20% of its domestic health budget in recent years. For example, in 2018, Australia supplied $10 million to PNG's $21 million emergency vaccination campaign and gave $6 million to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) to tackle PNG's polio outbreak. Australia also maintains funding for organisations supporting community health workers in PNG, who provide vital primary healthcare in rural areas.
Furthermore, Australia is collaborating with researchers in PNG to develop agricultural solutions tailored to the country's needs. The Australian-funded Direct Aid Program (DAP) supports projects with a strong development focus, complementing Australia's broader aid program. Australia also supported the transport costs of donating school reading materials to a PNG school and provided assistive devices and sustainable hygiene kits to students in rural communities.
Australia and PNG have also entered into security agreements, with the possibility of a defence treaty being discussed. Australia has security concerns in the region, particularly regarding China, and PNG is geographically close to Australia, making it a key strategic partner.
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The two countries have a defence treaty
Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have a complex and deep-rooted relationship, with a shared history and geographical proximity that influences their defence ties. In February 2025, the two countries announced negotiations towards a formal defence treaty, building on their existing security agreements. This move is seen as an attempt by Australia to counter China's growing influence in the Pacific region and ensure its own security credentials.
The proposed defence treaty aims to strengthen the already robust defence relationship between the two nations. PNG, located just 150 kilometres across the Torres Strait from Australia, has always been a strategic concern for the latter. The defence treaty negotiations come at a time when Australia is anxious about China's increasing presence in the Pacific and aims to solidify Australia's position as PNG's primary security partner.
The treaty negotiations are expected to address four crucial questions. Firstly, the funding commitments required to facilitate the treaty negotiations, especially considering the existing cost-of-living pressures faced by Australian taxpayers. Secondly, the potential for a permanent military base in PNG, given its strategic location, has been discussed, with Manus Island identified as a potential submarine base for Australia's nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership. Thirdly, the treaty must navigate PNG's historical commitment to strategic independence, with PNG governments vowing neutrality in the strategic contest between China and Western powers. Finally, the treaty must overcome the challenge of gaining political backing in PNG, which has a rigorous constitutional process for approving international treaties.
The defence treaty negotiations build upon existing security agreements between the two countries. In 2023, Australia and PNG signed a bilateral security agreement, which included a £130 million investment from Australia to help PNG double its police force. Additionally, the two countries regularly conduct bilateral military exercises, such as Olgeta Warrior and Puk Puk, and Australia has provided support and equipment, including light transport aircraft. The 2023 agreement also marked the first time that PNG troops participated in the Australia-hosted Talisman Sabre exercises, and in 2024, a PNG officer was appointed deputy commander of the Australian Army's 3rd Brigade.
The defence treaty negotiations reflect the close and enduring partnership between Australia and PNG, aiming to enhance their security cooperation and contribute to the collective security of the region.
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Australia is assisting PNG in adapting to and mitigating climate change
Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have a strong and deep relationship that is historically and geographically significant to both countries. Australia is committed to assisting PNG in adapting to and mitigating climate change.
The Australian government is dedicated to supporting the successful implementation of PNG's national adaptation and mitigation goals. This includes providing grants to support research that will inform the PNG government's climate policy-making. These grants will be delivered in partnership with the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), the National Research Institute (NRI), and the PNG Science and Technology Secretariat. The grants will support postgraduate research that will be presented at the Third National Climate Change Summit.
Australia will also work with PNG to identify and leverage climate finance opportunities, including through the Pacific Blue Carbon Initiative, which aims to establish the building blocks for mapping, measuring, and accounting for blue carbon. PNG will also join the International Partnership for Blue Carbon and the International Coral Reef Initiative to address the impacts of climate change on coral reefs.
In addition, Australia will provide support to PNG's energy sector, focusing on increasing access to clean energy. This will include capital projects and technical assistance to optimize regulatory and institutional settings. Australia will also ensure that climate change measures are mainstreamed through its development partnership with PNG, including by reviewing building standards and design to enhance climate-compatible development.
Furthermore, Australia has committed to working closely with PNG to advance effective actions on climate change, with climate change support integrated across all areas of programming, including infrastructure, education, private sector development, food security, energy, governance, and health. Australia has also engaged the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to work with the PNG government to develop investment proposals and improve coordination across key agencies and departments.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia is the largest donor to PNG's health sector, contributing up to 20% of its domestic health budget in recent years. In 2018, Australia gave $6 million to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) to help tackle an escalating polio outbreak. This was followed by a separate $15 million GPEI commitment from Australia in November. Australia also maintains funding for organisations working to support community health workers.
Australia's economic assistance is designed to help PNG convert its natural endowments into sustained broad-based growth and create a more diversified economy while maintaining economic stability. To support PNG's economic growth and prosperity, Australia will focus its investments on economic stability, high-quality resilient infrastructure, and increasing economic opportunities for Papua New Guineans.
Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) signed the Bilateral Security Agreement in 2023, which provides a framework for closer security relations. The possibility of a defence treaty has been discussed, with Australia potentially providing military support to PNG in the event of violence on its border with Indonesia.
