Senate debates

Tuesday, 10 September 2019

Questions without Notice

Papua New Guinea: Defence Cooperation Program

3:01 pm

Photo of Linda ReynoldsLinda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for that question, and yes I can. During the visit, I saw that, as maritime nations and near neighbours, Australia is working with PNG to address our shared maritime security challenges. During this visit, I travelled to Lombrum Naval Base on Manus Island, where Minister Soloma and I opened a new wharf facility that was funded through the DCP.

It was a joyous occasion, where I learned that my Manusian dancing style is probably not quite up to scratch! But it was a joyous occasion. This wharf will enable the PNGDF to berth and maintain its new Guardian class patrol boats and also enhance its capability to protect its borders and its maritime resources. Our increased cooperation in Manus is a natural extension of our assistance and work together under our Pacific Maritime Security Program, a 30-year program to build Papua New Guineans' maritime capability.

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