Visit to Papua New Guinea
Today, the Attorney-General will travel to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to attend the opening of the Waigani New National Court Complex.
This is an incredible achievement for PNG. The New National Court Complex is a fitting pillar of PNG’s modern law and justice system.
As PNG marks the 50th anniversary of its independence, this visit offers an opportunity to reflect on the shared history of our two nations, celebrate our contemporary partnership and to look ahead in our longstanding and close friendship across our legal professions, courts and institutions.
During the visit, the Attorney-General will meet with her counterpart, the Hon Pila Niningi MP, PNG’s Minister for Justice and Attorney General, as well as with Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika of the Supreme and National Courts of Papua New Guinea.
These meetings will celebrate the longstanding institutional partnership between our governments and our courts, and will reaffirm our shared commitment to advancing the rule of law. The Attorney-General will offer her congratulations on the momentous occasion of the Golden Jubilee of PNG’s independence, and reflect on the enduring strength of the relationship between PNG and Australian courts and judicial officers.
The Attorney-General will also connect with the future leaders and community groups who are shaping the future of law and justice in PNG. This will include graduates and alumni of the University of Papua New Guinea, the Legal Training Institute and the Business Coalition for Women’s Senior Executive Women’s Leadership Program, and recipients of the Australia-PNG Law and Justice Partnership’s Community Justice Fund grants.
This visit underscores the enduring friendship and collaboration between Australia and PNG as we look forward to shared progress in justice and governance for the next 50 years and beyond.
Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
"This visit to Papua New Guinea is an opportunity to reflect on our shared histories and to celebrate the strong partnership that has developed between our countries, courts and legal institutions.
"Together, we are committed to supporting a justice system that serves all fairly and effectively.
"This visit reaffirms Australia’s commitment to work with PNG to advance justice, equality, and the rule of law."