Queensland signs MoU with PNG to strengthen cooperation, service delivery

Queensland has strengthened the relationship with its northern neighbour, Papua New Guinea, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today signing a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, the Honourable Peter O’Neill. 

The four-year Memorandum of Understanding outlines priority areas of cooperation developed by Queensland and PNG and builds on successive Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in place since March 1992.

The Premier signed the document alongside Prime Minister O’Neill to coincide with the Papua New Guinea Investment Conference 2018 in Brisbane and said the new MOU would enhance the state’s people-to-people, government-to-government, and business-to-businesses links with PNG.

“Queensland has a long-standing relationship with PNG – our closest international neighbour, with whom we share not just a border, but strong business, cultural and sporting ties,” the Premier said.

“The MOU we have signed today further enhances opportunities for individuals, communities and businesses, with an agreed schedule of cooperative activities for the year ahead.

“With 43.1 per cent of Australia’s total merchandise exports to PNG coming from Queensland, the MOU recognises the desire to further promote our exports and share expert advice on developing agricultural industries within PNG.

“Many activities in the schedule are mutually beneficial in nature and support the Queensland Government’s Our Future State priorities, especially those which centre on trade and health.”

Cooperative activities include:

• Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service officers continuing to provide assistance to the Kokoda Track Authority on track upgrades, slope stabilisation and regeneration.
• Further promoting agricultural exports between Queensland and PNG, and exploring opportunities to provide expert advice on developing a range of agricultural industries in PNG including avocados, pineapples, mangos and beef cattle.
• Queensland Fire and Emergency Services continuing to assist PNG Fire Services with emergency response communications in PNG.
• Exploring opportunities to increase training for PNG women in health care.
• Continuing the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership Placement Program. 

Media Contact:     Susan McGrady 0488 996 667