17 May 2013
Senator Feeney's Visit to Papua New Guinea
Australia’s Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator the Hon David Feeney, begins a four day visit to Papua New Guinea from 20 May. This visit is Senator Feeney’s fourth visit to Papua New Guinea as Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, and continues his long affiliation with the country.
On the visit, Senator Feeney will meet with Papua New Guinea Government Ministers and senior officials to discuss recent developments in the Australia-Papua New Guinea defence relationship. This includes the recent signing of a Defence Cooperation Arrangement by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Prime Minister Julia Gillard. This Arrangement provides for an enhanced Defence Cooperation Program to further strengthen the defence relationship by deepening practical cooperation.
Australia’s Defence Cooperation Program with Papua New Guinea is Australia’s biggest, with the commitment for Financial Year 2012/13 being approximately AUD 19.5 million (almost PGK42 million). The recently released Australian federal budget indicates the DCP will grow to AUD 27 million (over PGK58 million) for Financial Year 2013/2014.
Through the DCP, Australia supports PNGDF maritime and air transport capability, conducts infrastructure improvements for PNGDF barracks across the country, and provides extensive training for PNGDF and Department of Defence personnel in Papua New Guinea and Australia.
Head of Australia Defence Staff, Colonel Dick Parker, said “This week’s visit provides an excellent opportunity for Australia to reaffirm its longstanding commitment to Papua New Guinea, and in particular its Defence Force. Senator Feeney’s visit comes at an opportune time, with the recent release of Australia’s Defence White Paper and the continuing increase in our Defence Cooperation Program.”
As part of his visit, Senator Feeney will also walk the start of the Kokoda Track from Ower’s Corner to Goldie River. This experience will allow him to reflect on the personal sacrifices made by Australians and Papua New Guineans during World War Two.