Australia has announced new support to strengthen online safety across the Pacific as part of Pacific Cyber Week and the PNG Digital Transformation Summit hosted in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
Through the Southeast Asia and Pacific Cyber Program, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will partner with Australia’s eSafety Commissioner to provide government-to-government training and assistance for online safety reform. Australia is providing almost PGK2.7 million (AUD865,000) for this work.
The initiative responds to growing regional concern about online harms as digital connectivity expands. It will support practical engagement with Pacific governments and build on Australia’s existing cooperation with Pacific partners on online safety, technology-facilitated gender-based violence, child online protection and digital inclusion.
“Online safety is fundamental to an inclusive and resilient digital future. This partnership will connect Pacific governments with practical training and regulatory experience to help reduce harm and protect communities,” said Australia’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology Ms Jessica Hunter.
Australia’s eSafety Commissioner Ms Julie Inman Grant also shared that it is hosting an online safety symposium - Safer Online Futures, which will be held on 23 November 2026 in Sydney. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will engage with eSafety to support Pacific representation at this forum.
“Online harms don’t stop at borders, and neither should our efforts to address them. This partnership is about working alongside Pacific governments to share practical expertise, build capability and support locally led approaches that help keep children, families and communities safer online,” Ms Inman Grant said.
Filipe Batiwale, Online Safety Commissioner for Fiji said: “Every child in the Pacific deserves to enjoy the opportunities of the online world safely and with confidence. Pacific Cyber Week brings us together to learn from one another, share what works, and strengthen our collective efforts to protect children online. By working together as a region, we can build a safer digital future for the next generation.”
Australia’s broader regional support includes more than PGK133 million (AUD43 million) through the Southeast Asia and Pacific Cyber Program from 2024 to 2028, focused on cyber governance, incident preparedness and response, digital safety, skills, and laws and standards.
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Minister for ICT Robert Naguri with Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald, Australia’s Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology Ms Jessica Hunters and delegates from PNG and Australia at the Pacific Cyber Week held recently in Port Moresby.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100