32nd Papua New Guinea-Australia Ministerial Forum Joint Communiqué

Joint communiqué 20 October 2026 Port Moresby The 32nd Papua New Guinea-Australia Ministerial Forum was held in Port Moresby on 20 October 2026, co-chaired by the Hon Justin Tkatchenko MP, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia. The Hon John Rosso DPS MP, Deputy Prime Minister of PNG and Minister for Lands, Physical Planning and Urbanization and the Hon Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and Minister for Defence took part in the Ministerial Forum.

Other participating Ministers for PNG were: the Hon Joe Sungi MP, Minister for Public Service, the Hon Jason Peter MP, Minister for Community Development, Religion and Youth, the Hon William Bando MP, Minister for Immigration and Border Security, the Hon Elias Kapavore MP, Minister for Defence, the Hon Kinoka Hotune Feo MP, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, the Hon Thomas Opa MP, Minister for Finance, the Hon Saki Soloma MP, Minister for Labour and Employment, the Hon Richard Maru MP, Minister for International Trade and Investment and PNG Power, the Hon Robert Naguri MP, Minister for Information and Communication Technology, the Hon Belden Namah MP, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Hon Ian Ling-Stuckey MP, Minister for Treasury, the Hon Sir John Pundari MP, Minister for Police, the Hon John Boito MP, Minister for Agriculture, the Hon Francis Kikin Siune MP, Minister for Education, the Hon William Duma MP, Minister for State Enterprises, the Hon Jelta Wong MP, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, and the Hon Peter Namea Isoaimo MP, Minister for Energy Other participating Ministers for Australia were: the Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Anika Wells MP, Minister for Communications and Minister for Sport, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, the Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Emergency Management and Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government, the Hon Nita Green MP, Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Ministers noted the significance of this Ministerial Forum being the first since the entry into force of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty – the Pukpuk Treaty – on 8 July 2026, formalising the elevation of the relationship to an Alliance.

Ministers emphasised that the Alliance reflected an elevation across all dimensions of the relationship, based on respect for the sovereignty of both nations, and a shared commitment to a stable, prosperous, and peaceful region. Ministers welcomed significant achievements and progress since the 2025 Ministerial Forum, including: entry into force of the Mutual Defence Treaty; hosting of the sixth Australia-Papua New Guinea Annual Leaders' Dialogue in Brisbane in July 2026; expanded security cooperation under the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA); bilateral trade reaching a record AUD10 billion; continued growth in strategic infrastructure cooperation, including through the independent PNG Telecommunications Blueprint; progress towards the entry of the PNG Chiefs into the NRL competition by 2028 and the launch of the Pacific Rugby League Partnership; and multiple ministerial visits from both countries.

Ministers recognised the breadth of the contemporary relationship between PNG and Australia, which embodies the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP). CSEP Pillar 1 – Strong Democracies for a Stable Future Ministers acknowledged PNG's preparations in advance of its 2027 National General Election and consistent with previous elections, Australia's readiness to assist where appropriate, and Australia's ongoing support for PNG's electoral reform priorities.

Ministers affirmed Australia is PNG's security partner of choice. This had been cemented through the $200 million implementation of the BSA support package since 2023, which reflected our shared long-term commitment to security and justice cooperation. The BSA is delivering tangible outcomes across policing, law and justice, corrections, community safety, border, cyber and climate security, safer communities in the highlands and disaster preparedness.

Ministers welcomed the continued implementation of the BSA and reaffirmed their shared law, justice and policing priorities. PNG welcomed Australia's commitment to a second phase of support for implementation of the BSA after the current phase concludes in 2027. Ministers noted the significant progress achieved through the PNG–Australia Policing Partnership under the BSA, the largest and most comprehensive policing partnership for both countries.

Ministers recognised the expanded facilities at the Regional Centre of Excellence at Bomana, which have increased training capacity and supported the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary's largest-ever intake in 2026. Ministers welcomed the restoration of PNG's national police aviation capability following Australia's delivery of two helicopters in May 2026. Ministers also acknowledged progress towards establishing the National Forensic Science Centre in Port Moresby and provincial forensic hubs and welcomed the completion of police barracks in Port Moresby, Mount Hagen and Kokopo.

Ministers agreed to continue developing a drone capability for the Royal PNG Constabulary. Ministers acknowledged Australia's longstanding partnership with PNG's law and justice sector, guided by the National Law and Justice Policy 2025–2035, to strengthen the rule of law and improve access to justice. Ministers welcomed continued court-to-court cooperation between the Federal Court of Australia and PNG's National and Supreme Courts under a renewed Memorandum of Understanding, as well as Australian support to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing frameworks.

Ministers also welcomed progress under Phase II of the United Nations Joint Highlands Program, including training for Village Court officials, initiatives to reduce armed violence and support survivors of family and sexual violence, and Australia's partnership with the Centre for Armed Violence Reduction to strengthen weapons management and improve violent crime data collection.

Ministers recognised the visit of Australia's Ambassador for Gender Equality to PNG in July 2026, supporting Australia and PNG's shared efforts to address gender inequality. Ministers discussed gender and disability-related barriers and recognised the role of the Australian supported PNG Women Lead partnership in strengthening gender equality and addressing gender-based and sorcery accusation-related violence as pervasive threats to women's empowerment.

CSEP Pillar 2 – Close Friends, Enduring Ties Ministers reflected on the deep cultural ties between Australia and PNG, recognising the Torres Strait as home to our countries' oldest continuing people-to-people connections. They acknowledged the important role of the Torres Strait's traditional inhabitants in maintaining the spirit of the Torres Strait Treaty and preserving cross-border cultural connections.

Ministers welcomed the Report of the 32nd Meeting of the Torres Strait Treaty Joint Advisory Council (JAC), held in Port Moresby on 13th August 2026, and noted that the 33rd meeting of the JAC would be hosted in Australia in 2027. Furthermore, Ministers acknowledged PNG's intention to establish an internal technical working group to identify and assess areas for improvement under the Torres Strait Treaty and table recommendations at the next JAC.

Ministers noted Australia's Ambassador for First Nations People's participation in this year's JAC meeting, highlighting cultural connections as key to the Alliance. Ministers recalled the significant faith-based connections between PNG and Australia, recognising our shared faith histories and the role faith-based organisations play in our societies. Churches not only strengthen our people connections but are also crucial and respected voices on the spectrum of challenges we face as societies.

They acknowledged the enduring contribution of our more than 20 year old Church Partnership Program, strengthening the capacity of Churches to deliver essential health and education services. Ministers warmly welcomed the September 2026 visit of PNG Church leaders to Australia, where Church leaders from both countries came together to reflect on the shared challenges affecting community resilience, social cohesion, peace and stability, and to identify practical opportunities for cooperation.

Ministers reaffirmed PNG and Australia's partnership with the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) to support the entry of the PNG Chiefs into the NRL and the entry of a PNG women's team into an elite Australian women's competition in 2028. Ministers recognised the PNG Chiefs as symbolic of our two countries' shared love of sport and the positive impact sport can have in our communities.

Ministers welcomed the significant preparations made, including securing a site for the Centre of Excellence, the appointment of a Head Coach and the recruitment of key players, and looked forward to the unveiling of the PNG Chiefs logo and foundation jersey. Ministers also reaffirmed commitments made in Brisbane on 8 July 2026 to the Pacific Rugby League Partnership alongside other Pacific leaders, which cultivates pathways to the PNG Chiefs, strengthens grassroots rugby league, empowers women and girls to participate, and invests in young people's futures through leadership, health and education.

Ministers noted Australia's continued commitment to delivering the NRL visa package to support PNG Chiefs' players, officials, supporters and media to travel to Australia for NRL games, training and events. Visa cost reductions, Pacific visa delivery teams and an online visa page remained on schedule for delivery ahead of the PNG Chiefs' inaugural season in 2028.

Ministers welcomed PNG reaching its full 2025-26 Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) allocation of 1,350 visas granted demonstrating Australia's commitment to strengthening mobility and deepening cultural and community ties with PNG. Ministers noted PNG again received the largest PEV allocation, including an additional 45 places this program year, and agreed that officials should continue to work together to address barriers to participation and maximise the benefits of the program for PNG citizens.

Ministers acknowledged ongoing bilateral engagement at the agency level, including through the Immigration Forum and Joint Technical Working Group, which continue to yield positive results in streamlining travel processes and strengthening agency-to-agency communication. Ministers noted PNG's enhanced travel facilitation arrangements, recognising that consideration of further mobility and travel enhancements is tied to enhancing identity documentation integrity, legislative reforms, and bolstering travel and systems related security.

To this end, Ministers welcomed PNG's initiative to introduce an E-Passport system in late 2027 and agreed that Australia could provide targeted technical and financial assistance toward this major digital infrastructure project, drawing from existing bilateral commitments under the visa support package. CSEP Pillar 3 – Economic Partnership for Prosperity Ministers reflected on the comprehensive and growing economic partnership, with bilateral trade reaching a record AUD10 billion in 2025, and Australia remaining PNG's largest partner for both goods exports and imports.

Ministers acknowledged the vital and longstanding role Australian companies play in PNG's growth contributing more than AUD28 billion in investment. Ministers recognised the benefits of open, rules-based trade and noted the role regional economic integration and regional trade agreements could play in growing PNG's market access and prosperity. Ministers agreed to work together to support PNG's trade aspirations.

Ministers acknowledged the findings of recent bilateral trade and economic feasibility studies and agreed to explore modernising our trade arrangements to address structural bottlenecks, promote export diversification, and build a stronger production economy. Ministers recognised that market access serves as a vital tool for PNG's economic growth. They noted that to successfully expand exports of goods and services into Australian markets, PNG must carefully navigate Australia's universal biosecurity laws and meet all established access conditions.

Ministers noted Australia's support to build PNG's export capacity through infrastructure investment and technical assistance. Ministers welcomed the enhanced partnership between CSIRO and the Papua New Guinea Biosecurity Authority, to support improved biosecurity outcomes and strengthen laboratory capacity, and enhance disease surveillance in PNG. Furthermore, Ministers acknowledged that a key operational challenge lies in maintaining supply consistency to satisfy both domestic and external consumer demands.

Given trade flows reflect a heavy reliance on extractive sector exports to Australia, Ministers agreed on the strong benefits in diversifying PNG's export base toward manufacturing products while ensuring a steady and reliable supply chain. Ministers highlighted the objectives of PNG's National Content Policy, which promotes the active participation of Papua New Guineans in major resource development projects.

They agreed that encouraging and inviting increased Australian investment in PNG's resource sectors will directly generate local employment and support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, Ministers underscored the role of PNG's National Manufacturing Policy in supporting Foreign Direct Investment within the manufacturing sector to advance downstream processing as a driver of economic growth.

They recognised that drawing Australian corporate investment into manufacturing would enhance the value of PNG products, ensuring they meet Australian specifications and standards for market entry while sustaining consistent supply for both domestic and offshore consumers. Ministers acknowledged the vital foundational role of the agriculture sector in driving rural economic participation and expanding national productivity in alignment with PNG's Medium-Term Development Plan V (MTDP V) priorities and the National Agriculture Sector Plan 2024-2033.

Furthermore, Ministers recognized the importance of jointly identifying and assessing viable rural logistics, cold-storage networks, and regional processing hubs. Ministers acknowledged the important role of high-quality, inclusive infrastructure in fostering sustainable and inclusive growth. Ministers acknowledged the almost AUD200 million of infrastructure delivered this year and an Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) portfolio and pipeline that includes more than AUD1 billion in grants and loans to support major capital projects in ports (AUD621million), roads (AUD76 million) and electrification (AUD306 million) across PNG.

Ministers agreed to work collaboratively through existing governance mechanisms to address implementation constraints, align investments with national priorities, and ensure long-term asset sustainability and timely project delivery. Ministers supported systematic climate and disaster vulnerability assessments in infrastructure planning, appraisal, procurement and maintenance, in cooperation with Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) and relevant sector agencies, including under AIFFP.

Ministers acknowledged the uplift in the telecommunications and digital partnership between PNG and Australia and agreed on the importance of ensuring the compatibility and resilience of our telecommunication systems to support our Alliance. Ministers reaffirmed the 2025 commitment to improve internet access and affordability in PNG, and assurances to not progress projects that are uneconomic or pose security risks.

Ministers were briefed on the findings of the independent PNG Telecommunications Blueprint by Professor Rod Sims AO, noting it provides a roadmap to deliver a more connected and digitally enabled future for PNG. Ministers recognised Blueprint reforms had the potential to add $27 billion to PNG's GDP over a decade, increase internet adoption from 27 percent to 65 percent by 2031, and lift affordability for 80 percent of the population, up from 24 percent.

Ministers welcomed the completion of the Telecommunications Blueprint, which was provided to the PNG and Australian Governments on 1 October 2026, and agreed it would now be publicly released. PNG acknowledged that the Blueprint presented a clear strategy and undertook to consider adoption of Blueprint recommendations. Ministers acknowledged that the challenge was not primarily about infrastructure, but more access and affordability, measuring success by how many Papua New Guineans can connect, participate and benefit from the digital economy.

Australia confirmed it stood ready to support PNG with implementation at scale, should it wish to adopt the Blueprint recommendations. Ministers welcomed Australia's support for the recent major milestones achieved under the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) regulatory framework, including the September 2026 release of the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum bands, and the implementation of Mobile Number Portability (MNP) to lower switching barriers and stimulate competitive pricing.

Ministers also acknowledged progress in voluntary, industry-led infrastructure-sharing agreements- such as recent co-location and tower-sharing arrangements as well as the licensing of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite operators in April 2026 to expand reliable broadband options for remote and underserved communities. Ministers also noted ongoing legislative reforms being advanced by the Department of ICT (DICT) and NICTA, and the comprehensive review of the National ICT Act 2009 to ensure regulatory frameworks remain fit-for-purpose in addressing emerging technologies, artificial intelligence readiness, and evolving cybersecurity challenges.

Ministers welcomed the formalisation of Australia's support for PNG's digital transformation through the Memorandum of Understanding on a Comprehensive Digital, Critical Technology and Telecommunications Partnership. Ministers noted that cascading from this overarching MoU are four key subsidiary arrangements focusing on: (i) Digital Governance, Data Governance, Cyber, and Online Safety; (ii) Telecommunications, Connectivity, and Infrastructure; (iii) Critical and Emerging Technology Security and Resilience; and (iv) Business Capability and Inclusion.

Ministers welcomed the establishment of regular ICT Senior Officials Talks to oversee these frameworks. Furthermore, Ministers acknowledged progress in establishing a Government Cloud Platform comprising leased and private cloud infrastructure to provide a foundation for secure and scalable government digital services, as well as DICT's release in March 2026 of the draft National Sovereign Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Strategy for public consultation.

Ministers committed to ongoing cooperation on cyber security, cyber resilience and crisis response including through the Cyber Rapid Assistance for Pacific Incidents and Disasters (RAPID) program. Ministers noted with concern the increased risk of cyber-threats and acknowledged that all decisions regarding critical digital infrastructure and vendor selection must be made in a manner that would advance national security and economic interests.

Ministers thanked PNG for its leadership of the Pacific Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology Principles and welcomed the Pacific Islands Forum's (PIF) endorsement as the region's first collective regional position on AI and responsible digital technologies. Ministers reaffirmed commitments from the 2024 and 2025 Ministerial Forums and 2024 budget support loan to work together to build stronger investment screening structures in PNG that encourage foreign and domestic investment in critical infrastructure that is economically viable and secure.

Ministers welcomed the progress made by PNG officials, led by Specialist Adviser Mr Jack Kariko, to strengthen PNG's policy and decision-making processes, and noted the final recommendations had been provided to the PNG Government. Ministers acknowledged Australia's support for PNG's macroeconomic stability and noted PNG's successful progress under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility Program.

PNG acknowledged Australia's AUD3.1 billion, or PGK9.9 billion, in budget support lending since 2020, provided as a critical short-term measure linked to PNG's own economic reform agenda. PNG is expected to repay AUD224.5 million in interest and principal on this budget support in 2026. Ministers noted PNG was the only country to which Australia had repeatedly provided International Monetary Agreements Act loans and agreed this demonstrated their shared commitment to PNG's prosperity.

Ministers reflected on PNG's ongoing commitment to the budget support loan assurances, including maintaining social expenditure and promoting economically sound investment decisions. Ministers welcomed PNG's declining need for budget support due to its effective fiscal management and budget repair. Ministers acknowledged Australian-funded technical assistance has supported critical improvements to debt and budget management, fiscal sustainability, governance, and coordination.

Noting that the IMF-supported program concludes at the end of 2026, PNG formally sought Australia's commitment to continue support through the provision of technical assistance to ensure vital structural governance and financial management reforms are fully embedded. Ministers commended the commitment from the Australian and PNG business communities to advocate for the policies and investment needed to foster business confidence.

Ministers thanked representatives from the Australia-Papua New Guinea Business Council and the Business Council of Papua New Guinea and reflected on the constructive discussion at the annual Australia-Papua New Guinea Business Dialogue held on 20 October 2026. They recognised the Dialogue as a cornerstone of business engagement in the bilateral relationship. Ministers welcomed the successful meeting of the Australia-Papua New Guinea Business and Senior Officials Working Group in Port Moresby on 29 September 2026 and agreed that senior officials and business representatives convene ahead of the next Dialogue to explore opportunities and address shared challenges.

Ministers recognised our joint success over the past year to grow PNG's labour mobility participation and its mutual benefits for PNG and Australia. Ministers agreed new opportunities for PNG to continue to participate in a second phase of the early childhood education and care pilot, a new Care Skilling program, and access aged care work in metropolitan areas.

This will support Ministers' commitment to continue to diversify, expand and grow PNG's labour participation across Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme sectors, and to build a competitive workforce through skills development and training. Ministers acknowledged PNG's ambition to accelerate growth in its participation in PALM and agreed to continue working together to support this, through implementation of priorities under the PNG PALM Growth Plan.

Ministers noted shared interest in translating skills acquisition into domestic economic opportunities including in agribusiness for returning Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme workers to support community development. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the peace process between PNG and the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the economic development of Bougainville.

CSEP Pillar 4 – Strategic Cooperation for Security and Stability Ministers acknowledged the significance of the entry into force of the Pukpuk Treaty and noted the positive progress made by both countries to operationalise the Treaty, including through two priority Implementing Arrangements that will provide a framework for enhanced Australian Defence Force (ADF) presence and streamlined operational access and clearance for defence cooperation activities between PNG and Australia.

Ministers acknowledged the Agreed Facilities and Areas Implementing Arrangement text has been finalised, and the Movements Implementing Arrangement continues to progress well. Ministers agreed to convene the Senior Officials Bilateral Security Dialogue by the end of the first quarter of 2027. Ministers welcomed the launch of the historic recruitment pathway for PNG citizens to join the ADF, which would see applications opening on 16 November 2026 for the first intake of candidates.

Ministers recognised this initiative as a demonstration of the deep trust and enduring partnership between PNG and Australia, made possible through our shared commitment to the Pukpuk Treaty. Ministers recognised Australia's increased engagement and investment across the breadth of PNG Defence Force capability, including infrastructure, people and assets, reflecting the growing depth of defence cooperation between the two countries.

They noted Australia's commitment of more than PGK300 million over four years to build infrastructure in PNG to enhance cooperation, interoperability and collective readiness between the PNG Defence Force and the ADF. Ministers noted that following confirmation from the National Weather Service of a strong El Niño, the PNG Minister for Health and National Disaster Services declared the drought a national humanitarian emergency on 7 October 2026.

With 20 of 22 PNG provinces affected and over 5.5 million people at risk, Ministers acknowledged that the Government of PNG has released PGK10 million to each province and PGK5 million to each district under NEC Decision 154/2026 for essential water, food and health support. To ensure transparency and accountability, Ministers highlighted that the Department of Finance has put in place a specific Finance Instruction governing the proper use and acquittal of these relief funds.

Ministers expressed their deep concern at the devasting impacts of El Niño on communities, economies and critical services in Papua New Guinea and Australia. Backing PNG's response, Ministers welcomed Australia's commitment of AUD7 million to support community water infrastructure; supplies; agriculture; humanitarian logistics reaching remote communities; and support for schools in specific locations to keep students fed and learning.

Ministers reaffirmed the importance of enduring partnerships, and Pacific regional approaches to managing climate and disaster risks that affect the stability and prosperity of our region. Ministers noted the current El Niño event highlights the importance of investing in longer-term adaptation including through water security, climate-resilient health and education services, food security and locally accessible early warnings, coordinated with CCDA, the National Disaster Centre, the National Weather Service and provincial authorities.

Ministers reflected on Australia and PNG's close and longstanding cooperation on humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR). They noted that Australia and PNG stood side by side and responded together in crises, as demonstrated by the humanitarian relief supplies and technical assistance provided to vulnerable communities following Tropical Cyclone Maila in April 2026.

Ministers welcomed the update on delivery of the 2025 commitments including the commencement of a twinning partnership between Australia's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and PNG's National Disaster Centre (NDC), with an expert deployment initiated to build institutional capability, including to support response to El Niño impacts. Ministers noted short-listing of potential sites for construction of a humanitarian warehouse in Port Moresby, and to enable the scoping and design of a national emergency operations centre for the NDC.

Ministers highlighted the importance of strengthening drought resilience, food security, and nutrition systems across PNG, welcoming cooperation in these areas. Ministers welcomed the recent cooperation between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) to transport essential food supplies to Tabubil at the request of PNG's National Disaster Centre, aboard an ADF C-27J Spartan aircraft.

Ministers reflected on Australia's strong track record as a capable first responder in PNG, which has established Australia as PNG's lead partner for disaster preparation and response. Ministers also noted important partnerships between PNG and Geoscience Australia and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology and the deployment of six Australia Assists humanitarian experts to PNG in the last 12 months to further strengthen capability and disaster response.

Ministers supported strengthened community observation systems, climate information services and impact-based multi-hazard early-warning systems, including last-mile communication and preparedness. Ministers underscored climate change is the single greatest threat to the security, livelihoods, and wellbeing of the Pacific people. They welcomed progress in enhancing climate risk screening in public investment programs and the capacity building of the CCDA Climate Finance Secretariat.

Ministers agreed to strengthen governance by integrating climate risk screening into public investment programs, and to seek to link Climate FIRST (2024-2028) with PNG's broader green and blue finance initiatives. Ministers welcomed opportunities under the AIFFP ReNew Pacific Program and other relevant partnerships to expand renewable energy and reliable essential services in remote PNG communities.

They encouraged coordinated delivery with CCDA, the PNG National Energy Authority and relevant agencies, including support for schools, health facilities and water systems, recognising PNG's reliance on diesel generation and the need for an affordable and equitable energy transition. Ahead of COP31, Ministers highlighted the vital importance of climate action, acknowledging Australia's role as President of Negotiations and the outcomes of the Pacific Pre-COP hosted by Australia, Fiji and Tuvalu which profiled Pacific climate issues on the global stage.

They acknowledged the role of Mr Ruel Yamuna of PNG as COP31 Pacific Envoy for Access to Climate Finance, focused on unlocking climate finance for small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs), particularly in the Pacific. Ministers welcomed the Pre-COP endorsed Taku Pakasoa Declaration, a Pacific-led call for unity to continue to act on climate change, calling on the world to unite behind those in the front lines of the climate crisis.

Furthermore, Ministers welcomed Australia and PNG's contributions to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), a Pacific-owned and Pacific-led solution aimed at enhancing regional resilience, disaster preparedness and adaptation. Aligning on these priorities, Ministers committed to anchoring the global climate agenda firmly to keeping 1.5 °C within reach, supporting specialised regional advocates such as Envoy Yamuna, and encouraging efforts to improve access to climate finance for SIDS and LDCs to translate shared commitments into equitable, tangible outcomes.

CSEP Pillar 5 – Social and Human Development Ministers welcomed the long-standing development partnership between Australia and PNG, with an estimated AUD680.5 million in total Official Development Assistance (ODA) to PNG in 2026-27. Ministers welcomed continued commitment to delivering the Development Partnership Plan (DPP), aligned with goals set out in PNG's Vision 2050.

Ministers emphasised the importance of aligning Australian development assistance closely with PNG's upcoming MTDP V priorities, strengthening development coordination through the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, and ensuring measurable development outcomes. Ministers committed to resolve taxation issues impacting Australian ODA, acknowledging the reciprocal commitment of both nations to ensure efficient and effective use of Australian ODA, in line with the Treaty on Development Cooperation.

Ministers acknowledged the need for timely application and compliance with respective treaty commitments and issuance of PNG Designated Aid Status Certificates to implementing ODA organisations. Ministers reflected on the role of education in effecting lasting change in both countries. To this end, Ministers welcomed the commencement of the PNG Secondary Education Program, focused on improving teaching and learning outcomes as well as leadership at secondary schools including National Schools of Excellence, and PNG's landmark World Bank International Development Association (IDA) loan in education, which will expand Australia's Partnerships for Improving Education program.

Ministers confirmed their continued commitment to growing the number of skilled workers to enable Papua New Guineans to seize economic growth opportunities domestically and internationally. Ministers welcomed the achievements recorded under the Joint Statement of Intent on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to improve TVET outcomes, upskilling and job access in PNG.

Ministers welcomed the commencement of the Strongim Wok Long TVET program (PNG-Australia Strengthening TVET program) and the Pacific Australia Skills program. Ministers noted that these programs are supporting delivery of PNG's TVET reform priorities, including enhanced quality assurance, delivery of quality and industry-responsive training, stronger links with industry, practical job-training pathways, and partnership and learning across public and private stakeholders.

Ministers acknowledged Australia's longstanding investment in PNG's health sector, supporting sustainable access to and use of essential health services in every province and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Ministers welcomed Australia's commitment to deliver a renewed Primary Health Care Program, a commitment of up to AUD360 million over 10 years, to support integrated primary health care, centred on maternal and child health.

They acknowledged ongoing Australian investment in health infrastructure as critical to strengthening PNG's health system and improving the delivery of quality health services. Ministers welcomed support for PNG's polio response and efforts to strengthen routine immunisation, including Australia's contribution of AUD1 million through UNICEF to support PNG's roll out of the human papillomavirus vaccine to protect women and girls from cervical cancer, and reaffirmed HIV and tuberculosis services as shared priorities.

They also recognised ongoing Australian investment in health infrastructure as critical to strengthening PNG's health system and improving the delivery of quality health services. Ministers recognised our connection through a shared ocean, migratory species and interconnected ecosystems, and the opportunities to elevate the essential role of the ocean in stabilising the world's climate and minimising the impacts of climate change at COP31.

They reaffirmed their commitment to protecting, restoring and sustainably managing the natural environments that support the wellbeing, prosperity and cultural identity of our peoples and agreed to establish a Memorandum of Understanding to support collaboration in conservation and environment protection. CSEP Pillar 6 – Near Neighbours, Global Partners Ministers underscored the role of the PNG-Australia Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) as a mechanism within the bilateral architecture to provide oversight across the CSEP and the BSA.

Ministers recognised the SOM works to harmonise high-level political commitments and ground-level delivery. Ministers noted that the 31st SOM would be hosted by Australia within the first quarter of 2027 to oversee implementation of the outcomes from the 2026 Ministerial Forum. Ministers noted that 2025 marked the five-year midpoint of the CSEP established in 2020.

Recognising that significant institutional superstructures- such as the BSA and the Pukpuk Treaty- have evolved alongside the partnership, Ministers agreed to commence a collaborative CSEP Mid-Term Review in early 2027 overseen by the SOM. To manage the intersection of security commitments, Ministers agreed the SOM would consider ways to ensure alignment and establish a working group if necessary with recommendations to be reported at the 33rd Ministerial Forum.

Ministers emphasised the critical role of the PIF, as the apex of the regional architecture in delivering our shared vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. Ministers reflected on the joint role PNG and Australia play as regional leaders to support and highlight the importance of PIF unity and deepened regionalism as a path to seizing opportunities and managing challenges facing the region over the coming year.

Ministers underscored that Pacific regionalism is strengthened by the sovereignty of Members and their collective right to determine their own priorities, shape their own agenda and choose their own partnerships. They reflected on the importance of Forum Partners and their alignment with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the Blue Pacific Principles for Dialogue and Engagement.

Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and to a world where all countries, regardless of their size or power, can determine their own future. They emphasised the importance of Australia and PNG continuing to work together through multilateral institutions to address global challenges and welcomed PNG's support for the Australian-led Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.

In a time of global instability and military build-up, Ministers reaffirmed the importance of the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration as the guiding light for the promotion of peace and security in the Blue Pacific Continent. Ministers expressed their determination to act collectively to give practical effect to the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration and emphasised that only through consistent application of its principles would Members and global partners make an enduring contribution to the region's peace and security.

Ministers registered concern on the recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test which overflew a number of Pacific Island Countries without adequate notice. Ministers called on all States undertaking ICBM tests to ensure transparency and reassurance including through the provision of advance notification of at least 24 hours in accordance with international practice.

They emphasised the importance of all States conducting ICBM tests to do so consistently with the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration, Treaty of Rarotonga and in respect of the sovereignty of Forum Members. Ministers rejected actions that were destabilising and which undermined the peace, security and stability of the Pacific and the region. Ministers reaffirmed Australia and PNG's longstanding commitment to addressing the region's shared security challenges through Pacific-led responses.

They welcomed PIF Leaders' agreement to Waqa Moana, a Pacific-led maritime security mechanism to counter illicit drug trafficking. They acknowledged PNG's continued leadership of the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI) and its signing of the PPI Memorandums of Understanding to support deployments and institutional arrangements. Ministers commended the growing strength of the PPI Pacific Police Support Group, demonstrated through its fifth and largest deployment of 119 personnel in support of the PIF Leaders Meeting in Palau, including members from both Australia and PNG.

Ministers agreed to further elevation of Pacific policing cooperation through a regional arrangement. Declaration This Joint Communiqué reflects discussions at the 32nd Papua New Guinea-Australia Ministerial Forum held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea on 20 October 2026. Agreed at: Port Moresby, 20 October 2026 For the Government of Papua New Guinea Hon Justin Tkatchenko MP Minister for Foreign Affairs For the Government of Australia Senator the Hon Penny Wong Minister for Foreign Affairs