The Federal Court of Australia and the National and Supreme Courts of Papua New Guinea are expanding their cooperation through a new PNG–Australia Partnership grant that will support practical collaboration, professional exchanges, and institutional strengthening.
The grant, delivered through the PNG–Australia Partnership, supports the next phase of collaboration under an existing Memorandum of Understanding between the two courts and marks the operational start of a long-term twinning arrangement focused on practical, institution-to-institution engagement.
Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor Elizabeth Le Bas said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to enhancing access to law and justice services.
“Strong and independent courts play a vital role in every society. They provide certainty, uphold rights, resolve disputes, and help maintain public confidence in the rule of law. Partnerships such as this one help ensure courts in both of our countries continue to adapt, learn, and respond to new challenges while remaining grounded in those core responsibilities,” she said.
Delivering remarks at a grant announcement event at the Waigani Court Complex, Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika noted the important role that this partnership will plan in supporting the court.
“For Papua New Guinea, this initiative comes at a significant time. Our courts continue to face growing demands, both in terms of caseload and the complexity of legal issues. Partnerships such as this play an important role in supporting our response to these challenges,” he said.
Activities commencing later this month will include fellowships, workshops, targeted technical support, and reviews of case management practices and court data systems. Judges, court officers and technical specialists from both countries will work together to strengthen capability, improve court administration, and share practical experience.
Justice Sam Vandongen from the Federal Court of Australia, highlighted that the grant expands the existing partnership between the courts into a more coordinated and sustained phase of implementation. “Australia’s Federal Court has had a long-term productive relationship with PNG’s courts. This new phase of our relationship is about expanding how we work together, to share experience and build our joint capability in ways that respond to local priorities and support stronger justice outcomes.”
Australia is proud to support this partnership as part of its broader commitment to strengthening Papua New Guinea’s law and justice sector.
ENDS
Representatives from the PNG Judiciary, the Federal Court of Australia, the Australian High Commission, and the Australia-Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership pose for a photo following the partnership announcement event.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100