31st Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum

The Albanese Government will welcome Ministers from Papua New Guinea to Canberra today for the 31st Australia-Papua New Guinea Ministerial Forum. 

The Ministerial Forum co-hosted by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong and Papua New Guinea Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Justin Tkatchenko BEM OL MP, follows the historic signing of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty – the Pukpuk Treaty – by Prime Minister Albanese and Prime Minister Marape.

The Treaty elevates our relationship to an Alliance, and reflects both countries’ commitment to each other and to a region that is peaceful, stable and prosperous.  

Building on decades of close collaboration, the Forum will further our engagement across the breadth of our shared priorities, including: 

  • Progression of the PNG-Australia Alliance through the establishment of a recruitment pathway that will enable PNG citizens to join the Australian Defence Force, and investments in infrastructure and common capabilities to support the Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s training initiatives.
  • A new education and skills package worth over $150 million to support PNG’s productivity, economic growth and human development. Delivered in partnership with the PNG Government and local organisations, the package includes four new investments focused on foundational education (early grades); secondary education; improving retention, particularly for girls; and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
  • A $25 million humanitarian and disaster relief package which includes the construction of new humanitarian warehouses to strengthen PNG’s ability to respond to disasters across the country; a new twinning partnership between Australia’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the PNG National Disaster Centre to enhance capacity building; and scoping for the construction of an emergency command and control centre in Port Moresby to monitor risks and better coordinate disaster response.  

In the year of PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence, we celebrate the deep friendship between our two nations, steeped in shared history and characterised by mutual respect and ongoing collaboration. 

The Ministerial Forum provides an opportunity for ministers across key policy areas to advance shared goals across our comprehensive strategic and economic partnership.

The delegation will also engage with Australian and Papua New Guinean private sector representatives through the Annual Australia-Papua New Guinea Business Dialogue, co-hosted by Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell, and PNG Minister for International Trade and Investment, The Hon Richard Maru OBE MP.  

Acting Prime Minister and Defence, Minister Richard Marles:   

“Our new Alliance is a natural evolution of our close and longstanding defence ties – one which supports sovereignty and safeguards the peace and security of our region.  

“We are working closely together as we move from defence partners to allies, building on decades of growing collaboration under our Defence Cooperation Program. I look forward to furthering those discussions with my good friends and colleagues during this Australia-PNG Ministerial Forum.”  

Foreign Minister, Penny Wong:  

“This is a historic moment in the story of our two nations, Australia and Papua New Guinea; we are the oldest of friends, closest of neighbours, and soon-to-be, newest of allies.  

“Today, we take our first steps on the stewardship of our alliance and nurture our full breadth of interests to shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous Blue Pacific.  

“Australia and Papua New Guinea have never been closer, evidenced through the number of ministers we will have around the table today.”  

Minister for Pacific Island Affairs and Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:   

“We have always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Papua New Guinea. We’re committed to strengthening our close economic, development and security partnership, and working with PNG to improve outcomes in education and training.  

“This Ministerial Forum builds on the momentum from the historic signing of the PNG-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty, our NRL deal, and our Bilateral Security Agreement that have elevated our relationship.”   

Australia to gift Papua New Guinea Defence Force uniforms

In partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea, the Albanese Government will gift 4,500 sets of Australian-made combat uniforms to the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF).

The uniforms will be the same quality and fit as those worn by members of the Australian Defence Force but customized with the unique pattern of the PNGDF. For the first time, uniforms will also be specifically designed for and provided to PNGDF women. 

Initial orders for the delivery of 2,500 uniforms are valued at about $1.4 million.

The uniforms are being designed and manufactured in Australia following a robust procurement process.

This includes the supply of boots by New South Wales-based manufacturer Redback Boots, the supply of socks by Humphrey Law & Co and the supply of shirts, trousers and hats by Australian Defence Apparel, both based in Victoria. 

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“PNG is our closest neighbour and one of our dearest friends, and this gift underscores the strength of our enduring partnership.

“These uniforms will support the Papua New Guinean Defence Force as they build their sovereign defence capabilities.

“As our defence forces continue to train together and improve interoperability, we will proudly see Australian and Papua New Guinean defence personnel standing shoulder-to-shoulder, wearing quality Australian-made combat uniforms.”

Ambassador to Jordan

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Paula Ganly as Australia’s next Ambassador to Jordan.

Jordan is a key partner for Australia in the Middle East and an important anchor for regional stability.

Jordan and Australia celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations this year. Our relationship is underpinned by security and defence cooperation and growing commercial ties, which we look forward to developing further.

Ms Ganly is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently First Assistant Secretary of the Consular and Crisis Management Division.

She has previously served overseas as Australia’s Ambassador to Iraq and through other postings in the United Kingdom, China, Hong Kong, Czech Republic, Republic of Korea, Bangladesh and Venezuela.

I thank outgoing Ambassador Bernard Lynch for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in Jordan since 2021.

Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology

Today I announce the appointment of Ms Jessica Hunter as Australia’s next Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology.

Cyber and critical technology affect all aspects of international relations. They underpin our national security, the protection and realisation of human rights and freedoms, global economic prosperity, sustainable development and international stability. For Australia, cyber and critical technology – including the rapidly evolving domain of artificial intelligence – are foreign policy priorities.

The Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology leads Australia’s international engagement on cyber affairs and critical technology issues, while delivering cyber capacity and resilience building, and incident responses across our region.

Ms Hunter will steer Australia’s international engagement under Australia’s 2023-2030 Cyber Security Strategy, focused on enhancing our role as a trusted and influential global cyber leader in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The Strategy outlines Australia’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of our region and shaping international efforts to meet the evolving challenges of cyberspace.

Ms Hunter has had a distinguished career in cyber affairs, including in the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

She has served overseas as Head of Cyber Threat Operations Technical Teams, National Cyber Security Centre, in the United Kingdom’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ); and was seconded to the United States’ National Security Agency (NSA) as Deputy Australian Liaison Officer.

I thank former Ambassador Mr Brendan Dowling for his contributions to advancing Australia’s interests on cyber affairs and critical technology since 2023.

Funding boost for safer shooting facilities

The NSW Government has announced that NSW shooting organisations can share in $800,000 of funding following the opening of the Safe Shooting Program.

Eligible projects include improvements to storage, security and safety, as well as new equipment, such as electronic targets.

A key focus of the program is to boost participation among underrepresented groups, including women and girls, physically impaired people, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ people.

Individual shooting clubs, shooting ranges and shooting organisations can apply for grants, which range from $10,000 to $50,000.

The program also supports projects which incorporate inclusive design, improved safety, environmental sustainability and climate resiliency.

The funding is part of the Minns Labor Government’s continued commitment to supporting community organisations and uplifting grassroots sports facilities across the state, to ensure more people can access opportunities.

Applications close Friday, 17 November 2025. For further information and to apply for a grant visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/safe-shooting-program

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The Minns Labor Government remains committed to ensuring shooting facilities across the state are safe, inclusive and accessible to all.

“The Safe Shooting Program will improve the safety and quality of NSW shooting facilities, while supporting the development of the next generation of Olympic athletes. The program also aims to increase participation by removing barriers for underrepresented groups.

“Projects that receive funding will play a key role in supporting the next generation of Olympians and ensure Australia’s success at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.”

New creative and performing arts centre opens at Bowral High School

Students and staff at Bowral High School are celebrating the opening of a brand new creative and performing arts centre delivered as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $100 million program of upgrades bringing high potential and gifted education opportunities to schools across NSW.

The new arts centre – nicknamed ‘The Theatre’ – will be a new hub for students to develop production skills, along with dance, drama, music, debating and movie-making opportunities.

Industry-standard facilities include tiered seating, the latest audio-visual equipment, and a mirrored dance studio.

Teachers at the school will receive dedicated professional learning to support the high potential and gifted education programs and opportunities at the school, making full use of the arts centre.

The arts centre will also be shared with local primary schools as a resource for all students in the Southern Highlands.

As part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to ensure students in every school across NSW have access to high potential and gifted education opportunities, the $6 million upgrade at Bowral High School also includes upgrades to specialist classrooms:

  • Hospitality classrooms fitted out to industry standard
  • Visual arts classrooms and science labs
  • Wood and metal work rooms

These upgrades ensure local students are learning in state-of-the-art classrooms, enabling them to achieve their full potential.

Bowral High School is one of the 33 schools across NSW to receive a share of a $100 million investment from the Minns Labor Government as part of the high potential and gifted education partner schools’ program.

The program is delivering upgrades and improvements to facilities such as science and technology laboratories, libraries, creative arts spaces, sporting facilities and design workshops, enabling the schools to deliver talent development and extension opportunities across a range of subject areas.

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The completion of this exciting new facility is the first of several upgrades the Minns Labor Government is delivering to Bowral High School to support every child to reach their full potential.

“Bowral High School is just one of the schools across the state to benefit from our commitment to deliver high potential and gifted education opportunities to all NSW public school students.”

Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan said:

“This major improvement to Bowral High School is a welcome addition to the Southern Highlands.

“I’m sure teachers and students at our local primary schools will relish the opportunity to use this amazing new facility too.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what the students will be able to produce and a greater impact on the community as a result.”

Principal of Bowral High School Safija Bristina said:

“Students at the school are excited and there is a buzz in the air of enormous approval.

“We can bring back dance lessons and develop our students’ talent further, as well using it as a gallery for HSC major works and performances.”

Minns Labor Government delivers landmark motorcycle safety reforms, complementing road safety infrastructure

The Minns Labor Government is today announcing the most significant motorcycle safety reforms in nearly 20 years. 

The reforms include targeted, evidence-based measures to protect novice riders and save lives, while complementing the government’s broader efforts to improve road safety infrastructure across NSW.

Coinciding with Motorcycle Awareness Month, the reforms to the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme (MGLS) form a cornerstone of the Government’s 2026 Road Safety Action Plan – with the long-term vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads by 2050.

The reforms follow extensive consultation, including via the 2025 NSW Motorcycle Safety Roundtable, which brought together more than 70 riders, trainers and safety experts. Their recommendations, captured in an independent Insights Report, have directly informed these reforms and are released publicly today.

The Insights Report found overwhelming support for better rider training and education, protective gear standards and enhanced road infrastructure.

Key reforms include:

  • Mandatory protective gloves for all learner and provisional riders.
  • High-visibility vests for learner riders to improve visibility and awareness on the road.
  • Extended pre-learner course, increasing training with experienced riding instructors, allowing for more and improved learning outcomes and skill development.
  • New online learning modules and knowledge testing, to expand theory requirements.
  • Group on-road coaching and assessment, bringing NSW into line with best practice in other states.

The Insights Report highlighted the growing trauma burden among motorcyclists.

In 2024, 68 riders and passengers were killed on NSW roads, a 34 per cent increase from the previous year. Motorcyclists remain 34 times more likely to die in a crash than other road users.

While motorcycles make up just 3.8 per cent of registered vehicles, they account for almost 20 per cent of road deaths.

Learner and provisional riders face the highest risk on NSW roads, with crash data revealing that learner riders are more than seven times as likely to be killed in a crash compared to fully licensed riders.

The evidence is clear: as riders progress through their licence stages, the risk of fatality falls, demonstrating that structured training and on-road experience save lives.

These changes strengthen that pathway, giving riders more time and support to build safe, confident habits from day one.

The landmark reforms complement the Minns Government’s investments in road safety infrastructure that helps to keep motorcyclists safe, including rub rails on barriers, improved shoulders, safer line markings and targeted road upgrades.

The Government acknowledges that these reforms may place additional demands on riders. However, NSW’s motorcycle training pathway is subsidised to support high-quality training for riders and will remain one of the most affordable in Australia.

The rollout of these reforms will be staged over multiple years to allow for detailed program design, industry-wide communication and preparation of training providers to deliver the enhanced training.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“We are delivering the most significant motorcycle safety reforms in almost two decades.

“These reforms are about smarter, safer riding. They’re grounded in data, evidence-based and shaped by insights from riders and safety experts and proven to work in other jurisdictions.

“The Motorcycle Safety Roundtable gave us strong direction, as is evident in the Insights Report we’ve released today. Riders want safer roads, better training, and more support to build good riding habits, especially for young and new riders.

“These reforms target novice riders because they are over seven times more likely to die in a crash than experienced riders.

“By strengthening training, improving on-road experience and mandating simple protective gear, we’re giving new riders the best possible start.

“We’re taking a whole-of-system approach: safer people, safer roads and safer vehicles. It’s all part of our Towards Zero vision of eliminating deaths and serious injuries by 2050.

“Every life lost on our roads is one too many. We all have a role to play in keeping NSW roads safe.”

Transport for NSW Secretary, Josh Murray, said:

“Each year Transport for NSW issues around 25,000 learner licences with approximately 40 per cent of new riders being under 25. These changes are designed to reduce the risk to this group who are over-represented in motorcycle trauma.

“Training and protective gear can save lives. Gloves reduce hand and wrist injuries by almost half, and high-vis vests make riders easier to see. These commonsense measures also improve safety appreciation from the start for novice riders.” 

Motorcycle Council of NSW Chairman, Vinnie Bee said: 

“The Motorcycle Council of NSW (MCCNSW) acknowledges and broadly supports initiatives aimed at improving rider safety, including proposed changes to protective gear requirements and the rider training scheme for novice riders.

“The MCCNSW is committed to working through these reforms with all relevant stakeholders to make sure these changes will improve safety for riders and to ensure the demand for an increase in training and supervision can be met while remaining affordable. 

“We await further detail as the proposals are finalised, and will continue to advocate for practical, evidence-based measures that genuinely enhance rider safety.”

Minns Labor Government strengthening law to aid crime, corruption investigations

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its efforts to strengthen integrity and crack down on corruption across New South Wales.

Amendments to the Surveillance Devices Act 2007 to be introduced to Parliament on Tuesday will strengthen the law by allowing investigative agencies to receive crucial evidence of crime and corruption.

The reforms will introduce a public interest exception so individuals or organisations who come into possession of unlawfully made surveillance recordings, but were not involved in making them, can share them with investigative agencies without fear of prosecution, provided they act promptly.

Currently, there is no such protection for people acting in the public interest to report crime or corruption.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption already has an exemption by way regulation under the Surveillance Devices Act 2007. But this bill will enshrine it in legislation for all statutory investigative agencies.

Recording someone without consent or committing offences such as trespass will remain illegal under these changes.

These reforms will help investigators expose and prosecute corrupt and criminal behaviour while upholding strong privacy protections. It will allow bodies such as ICAC to receive and rely on evidence that it would otherwise be impossible for them to use.

They follow extensive consultation with investigative agencies, legal experts and privacy bodies, and will bring NSW into line with other states.

Attributable to Attorney General Michael Daley:

“The NSW Government will allow investigative agencies to obtain and rely on evidence of criminal or corrupt conduct that would otherwise be unlawful.

“These changes will mean someone who comes into the possession of an audio or visual recording that has been obtained unlawfully will not face prosecution if they provide it promptly to authorities in the public interest.

“This reform has been carefully designed to aid investigations into suspected criminal or corrupt conduct while maintaining important privacy considerations.”

$6 million to support sick and vulnerable kids

For the fourth year in a row, the Albanese Government is backing Western Australia’s most iconic fundraising event – committing $6 million to the Channel 7 Telethon Trust to help build a brighter, healthier future for children and babies across the state.

Funds raised through Telethon go directly towards medical research, essential health services, and life-changing programs that support sick, disadvantaged and vulnerable children and their families.

Over its 58-year history, Telethon has raised more than $688 million to give kids the care, treatment and opportunities they deserve.

The 26-hour televised appeal now supports 161 children’s charities and organisations, transforming lives through the power of generosity.

The Government’s contributions have already supported dozens of groundbreaking research projects into childhood cancer, mental health and gut health, as well as the purchase of vital medical equipment for hospitals and health services.

This continued investment ensures children can access the best possible care today and for generations to come.

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles

“The Telethon is a wonderful West Australian tradition that brings communities together for an extraordinary cause.

“Our government is proud to once again support this important initiative, which continues to improve health outcomes for children with life-threatening illnesses and complex medical conditions.

“Every year, we’re inspired by the big-heartedness of Australians who dig deep to support Telethon.

“Every donation, big or small, helps change a young life for the better.”

CCTV released from armed hold up – Port Stephens-Hunter PD

Detectives have released CCTV footage as they appeal for public assistance in relation to an armed hold up that occurred last year in the states Hunter region.
Shortly after 8pm on Thursday 18 April 2024 officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District responded to reports of an armed hold up at a café on Gan Gan Road, Anna Bay.
Police were informed that two men entered the store armed with a machete and a shortened baseball bat and stole a quantity of cash.
The men left the location in a red two-door hatchback that was driven from the location by a third unknown person.

There were no reports of any person being injured.

Strike Force Merson was established to investigate the incident.

As inquiries continue investigators have released CCTV of two men who maybe able to assist police.
The first man was wearing a black balaclava, black hooded jumper with the word EVERLAST written in white across the back, black gloves, blue jeans and red sneakers. He was also carrying a green shopping bag.
The second man was wearing a grey beanie, white jumper with a fluorescent yellow hood, black gloves, white pants and white sneakers.