Emergency Management agencies from Papua New Guinea and Australia have met this week in Port Moresby to discuss ways of strengthening crisis coordination, strategic planning and emergency management arrangements.
The two-day Crisis Management Workshop, led by Australia’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in partnership with the Papua New Guinea’s National Disaster Centre (NDC) included training on Australia’s crisis response systems co-delivered with the Queensland Fire Department.
The event brought together government officials from the Geohazard Management Office, National Maritime Safety Authority, PNG Fire Service, PNG Defence Force, IOM and representatives from diplomatic missions including NZ and the US. Participants worked through case studies and scenario-based exercises, including responses to earthquakes, major power outages and volcanic eruptions, to build practical skills for managing complex disasters.
This training is an initiative under the PNG–Australia Partnership and forms part of Australia’s AUD$25 million Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) support package, announced at the 2025 PNG–Australia Ministerial Forum. A key component of this package is the establishment of a long-term institutional partnership between NEMA and the NDC.
NEMA’s Director Crisis Planning, Agata Imielska, said the partnership demonstrates the value of practical cooperation between Australia and PNG.
“Working side-by-side allows us to share experience, test approaches, and build the trusted relationships needed during crises.”
The workshop marks the beginning of expanded cooperation between NEMA and the NDC under the PNG–Australia Partnership, with further activities to support institutional strengthening, capability development and coordinated national response arrangements.
Australia remains committed to working alongside Papua New Guinea to strengthen disaster preparedness, response and resilience, and to support safer communities across the country.
ENDS
Lead from National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Agata Imielska, Director of Crisis Planning.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100