Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Politics
Paul Osborne

Australia offers help with PNG prosperity

Australian farmers and producers benefit from the expertise of PNG workers, Anthony Albanese said. (Dan Peled/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Australia will support a push by Papua New Guinea to increase the number of workers taking part in a scheme to provide labour for farms and other industries.

PNG nationals are among people from 10 nations taking up jobs in Australian agriculture, fisheries and horticulture under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the PNG parliament there are many opportunities to boost trade, investment, jobs and incomes in the two nations, representing a "new generation of prosperity" for the northern neighbour.

"Australian farmers and producers benefit from the expertise and industry of your people," Mr Albanese said in the historic address on Thursday.

"Just as importantly, the people of PNG earn good wages and develop new skills that they can use to support their families, educate their children and invest in opportunities that will deliver further prosperity for themselves and PNG.

"And, Prime Minister Marape, my government backs your ambition to significantly increase the number of PNG workers who take part in this program in Australia and contribute to the future prosperity of both our nations."

Mr Albanese named coffee, cocoa, fisheries and tourism as key trade industries which could be boosted in coming years.

Australia's private sector investment in PNG stands at $24 billion, which is more than the nation invests in India, Indonesia or Malaysia.

"Our government also stands ready to assist PNG to improve your biosecurity regime to enable your farmers and producers to access international markets," Mr Albanese said.

There were also opportunities in the "green economy" and ensuring more women and girls took part in education and employment, he said.

"Equality for women is fair, it is right and it is powerful economic reform," Mr Albanese said.

"It boosts productivity, participation and drives growth, because it means drawing on the talent and initiative and enterprise of the whole population, not just half of it."

Australia and PNG are cooperating on a number of major infrastructure projects including upgrading ports, improving roads and bolstering the communications network.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.