Statement on Papua New Guinea

THU 26 JANUARY 2012

Prime Minister

The Government is very concerned about developments today in Papua New Guinea and is monitoring developments closely.

PNG is a close friend and partner of Australia’s.  We want a PNG which is politically stable and economically successful.

The military has no place in PNG politics.

It is critical therefore that this situation be resolved peacefully as soon as possible, with the PNG Defence Force chain of command restored

Our High Commissioner in Port Moresby is conveying those points to PNG’s political leadership.