The Australian Federal Police (AFP), alongside Pacific Police Chiefs, has officially launched two advanced training and development facilities in Queensland, marking a significant milestone in the Pacific Policing Initiative’s (PPI) commitment to strengthening law enforcement across the region, including Papua New Guinea.
Representatives from Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Island nations gathered in Brisbane today (10 December 2024) to witness the opening of the PPI Development and Coordination Pinkenba Hub and the state-of-the-art Pinkenba Training Centre. The facilities were unveiled by AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw and Australia’s Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP.
RPNGC Commissioner David Manning, who has been instrumental in the PPI’s design, highlighted the importance of these facilities in fostering regional collaboration and building capacity.
"The Pacific Policing Initiative ensures that no matter the size of a jurisdiction, we can leverage our shared expertise and resources to secure our communities," he said.
“Through the PPI, police forces across our region are committing our resources and police officers to jointly combat our shared challenges and secure our communities.”
The Pinkenba Hub will serve as the central headquarters for the Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG), a multinational rapid-response unit that has already proven its effectiveness, including a deployment to support Samoa's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October 2024.
The Pinkenba Training Centre also offers advanced training facilities, including simulated environments designed to replicate real-world scenarios. Since July 2024, over 200 Pacific police officers, including officers from Papua New Guinea, have participated in training programs such as operational safety, public order management, investigations, and close personal protection.
These facilities provide valuable opportunities for PRPNGC officers to gain specialised skills, strengthen leadership capabilities, and engage in regional collaboration. Secondments for officers from PNG and other Pacific nations are also part of the initiative, fostering a shared approach to tackling regional security threats.
Today’s launch featured a ceremonial flag-raising of the 22 Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) member nations, underscoring the region's collective commitment to enhancing security.
AFP Commissioner Kershaw lauded the Pinkenba Hub as a symbol of shared values and collaboration.
“The AFP is incredibly proud to be part of the official opening of the Pinkenba Hub under the Pacific Policing Initiative and to deliver such a significant milestone in our efforts to support and enhance policing operations in the Pacific region,” Commissioner Kershaw said.
“This is a state-of-the art training facility that will boost the collective law enforcement capabilities of our policing partners across the region through crucial collaboration and learning opportunities.
“The Pinkenba Hub symbolises our unwavering commitment to enhancing security and law enforcement capabilities across the Pacific region based on shared values and shared cultures.”
Commissioner Kershaw said the facility provided a crucial space for the collaboration of law enforcement across the region to overcome current and future challenges across the Pacific.
“Sharing knowledge and resources, along with building stronger joint capabilities and existing relationships with our Pacific law enforcement partners is vital for enhancing the security of communities across the region and for collectively countering evolving regional security threats.
“On behalf of the AFP, we look forward to the results of the incredible work and training provided to all of our past, current and future participants at the Pinkenba Hub.”
The Pacific Policing Initiative, endorsed by Pacific Islands Forum leaders in August 2024, represents a unified approach to policing in the region. Commissioner Manning reaffirmed that Papua New Guinea remains a key player in this effort.
“The challenges to policing across the Pacific are complex and evolving, and the PPI provides a critical platform from which our Pacific policing family will combat these challenges together,” he said.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100