Programs & Projects

The Aus-PNG Network

The Aus-PNG Network

The Australia-PNG Network builds links and understanding between two countries that share close ties in history and geography. We work to strengthen connections across the broadest range of areas, including business, sport, education, civil society, arts and culture, religion, media and development.

The Network evolved from the first joint dialogue between emerging leaders from the two nations which was hosted by the Lowy Institute in 2013. The success of the event was embraced by the Australia-PNG Ministerial Council which supported the Emerging Leaders Dialogue to become an annual event held in December each year. This is supported by a range of issue-focused workshops and regular networking events that promote a strong relationship between both countries. The Network regularly publishes the outcomes of these gatherings as a shared online resource.

Learn more on the Aus-PNG Network website.

Experts
Latest publications
News and media
Pacific links: Climate change, China in PNG, Fiji self-censors and more
Pacific links: Climate change, China in PNG, Fiji self-censors and more
By Harriet Smith, an intern with the Lowy Institute's Melanesia Program. New research has shown that droughts and flooding rains in the Pacific are likely to increase as a result…
Pacific Island links: 2017 predictions, PNG uni places, internet cables and more
Pacific Island links: 2017 predictions, PNG uni places, internet cables and more
Tess Newton Cain has outlined her 2017 predictions for the Pacific region, a busy year that will bring elections in Papua New Guinea and France (the latter of which may affect…
Pacific Island links: Tourism in PNG, gender-based violence, bans on home births, and more
Pacific Island links: Tourism in PNG, gender-based violence, bans on home births, and more
Plans to bring Cuban doctors to work in remote areas of PNG are being discussed by the two countries' respective leaders. PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has proposed a…
2016 GE Australia-Papua New Guinea Emerging Leaders Dialogue Outcomes Report
Reports
2016 GE Australia-Papua New Guinea Emerging Leaders Dialogue Outcomes Report
The Lowy Institute hosted the fourth annual Australia – Papua New Guinea Emerging Leaders Dialogue on 22-23 November 2016 in Brisbane. Jonathan Pryke , Anna Kirk , Harriet Smith
The future of Papua New Guinea: Old challenges for new leaders
Analyses
The future of Papua New Guinea: Old challenges for new leaders
Papua New Guinea’s next generation of leaders should take a new approach in seeking to turn around negative trends in law and order, education, and health. Emerging leaders could…
The Embarrassed Colonialist
Lowy Institute Papers
The Embarrassed Colonialist
Forty years after independence, Papua New Guinea is the largest single recipient of aid from Australia. Yet Australians seem to be largely ambivalent about the country. Few…
2015 Australia-Papua New Guinea Emerging Leaders Dialogue: Outcomes Report
Speeches
2015 Australia-Papua New Guinea Emerging Leaders Dialogue: Outcomes Report
In this Report, the Lowy Institute’s Melanesia team summarises the outcomes of the third annual Australia-Papua New Guinea Emerging Leaders Dialogue. The Dialogue assembled…
Papua New Guinea in 2015: at a crossroads and beyond
Reports
Papua New Guinea in 2015: at a crossroads and beyond
2015 is a significant year for Papua New Guinea.  The country will mark 40 years of independence from Australia, host the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting and the…