The Pacific Response Group (PRG) is helping Pacific countries, including Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia, work together to respond quickly when humanitarian disasters occur across the region.
The PRG is a Pacific-led, multinational military team including PNG, Australia, Fiji, France, New Zealand, and Tonga. It builds on the strong tradition of Pacific countries supporting one another in times of need.
The PRG supports civilian-led Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, such as responses to cyclones, earthquakes or other emergencies. Each PRG country contributes a small team of skilled personnel, with expertise in areas such as logistics, engineering, communications or air and maritime planning.
The PNGDF has played an important role in the PRG from the beginning, working with regional partners since 2023 to help establish it and guide its growth. PNGDF personnel have been based at PRG headquarters in Brisbane and new personnel will support the rotation of leadership as PRG headquarters moves from Australia to New Zealand in July.
PNGDF members have also supported operations and training, including deploying to Vanuatu in December 2024 to assist after major earthquakes. In the second half of 2026, the PRG will continue training across the region, including in French Polynesia and Samoa.
Australia is proud to work side by side with PNG and Pacific neighbours in the PRG, who share strong history of cooperation and commitment to regional security and stability.
Quote attributable to PNGDF Major Daniel Orim, Pacific Response Group Deputy Commander:
“The Pacific Response Group is a very good platform for Pacific military personnel – to share knowledge, understand their capabilities, understand the culture and traditions – it’s a family which brings us together to serve our region.”
Quote attributable to ADF Lieutenant Colonel Scott Hill, Pacific Response Group Commander:
“The Pacific Response Group allows the members of the Pacific to take that responsibility for the Pacific, for their people, for their region, for their home, and when your neighbour puts up their hand on their worst day, you’re in a position to answer and get out there and help a Pacific neighbour when they ask for it and they need it most. That's what the neighbourhood does and that’s what the Pacific Response Group is about.”
ENDS
The Pacific Response Group members at the Maritime Essential Services Centre near Suva, Fiji.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100