Senator Jim Molan AO DSC

We are saddened to hear about the death of Senator Jim Molan AO DSC and send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues on this difficult day.

Senator Molan has been a fierce advocate for the people of New South Wales in this Parliament since his election to the Senate in 2017. During that time he contributed vigorously to the national security debate, a contribution many will remember for years to come.

Senator Molan is also remembered for his four decades of service to this country in the Australian Army.

Papua New Guinea-Australia Bilateral Security Agreement

We reaffirm our commitment to further enhance strategic cooperation between Papua New Guinea and Australia through the development of a Bilateral Security Treaty (BST), pursuant to the 2020 Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP).

As near neighbours, close friends and equal partners, Papua New Guinea's and Australia's defence and security is deeply connected. We share a mutual strategic interest in a safe, stable, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. We have a proud history of working together in the interests of the region.

Opening remarks - Papua New Guinea-Australia Leadership Dialogue

JAMES MARAPE, PRIME MINISTER OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA: I just want to appreciate you, once again, for coming by. On our side, our Ministers are assembled in the order of our agendas for discussion today. We represent a full Cabinet. I want to acknowledge that this is the first meeting between Australia and Papua New Guinea leadership for some time now, especially in a formal setting like this. We sincerely appreciate it, but we also take on board, we're coming out from the COVID-19 induced restrictions.

Address to State Dinner - National Parliament of Papua New Guinea

I would like to acknowledge the Indigenous landowners of the land on which we gather tonight. I pay my respects to the Motu Koitabu people.

Prime Minister Marape, distinguished guests.

Gutpela nait yupela olgeta
[Good evening to you all]

Thank you very much for those kind words of welcome at the end of what has been a moving and memorable day.

To be the first foreign Head of Government invited to address your Parliament was a great honour.

And not just for me personally – but for the country I lead and the people I serve.

Press conference - Port Moresby

JAMES MARAPE, PRIME MINISTER OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA: We just concluded a very thoughtful leaders dialogue. In fact, this is the fourth PNG-Australia Leadership Dialogue. And it was fruitful, it was very meaningful, especially sitting in a room talking to the leader of a nation that has a very close affinity with Papua New Guinea. It is one that is mutual. A meeting that you could expect from a brother or a sister nation.

Doorstop Interview - Wewak, Papua New Guinea

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: I also thank the traditional owners for giving us permission to be here today. Can I particularly think, as well, the Somare family for the welcome that we have received here this morning. And to my good friend, Prime Minister Marape. We've been talking about this visit here for a period of time now, since I had the great honour of being elected Prime Minister of Australia.

$65 million boost for Nowra bypass

The Australian Government is announcing an additional $65 million for the Nowra Bypass planning project, bringing the total joint commitment with the New South Wales Government to $105 million.

The additional funding will allow robust planning and preparatory works to occur on this priority project for the people of Shoalhaven.

A bypass is expected to ease traffic congestion, reduce travel times, improve safety for all road users and increase amenity for the community and businesses of Nowra.