Emerging Leaders, Enduring Bonds: Australia–Papua New Guinea relations

Youth are at the heart of the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG), representing a vital demographic with the potential to shape the bilateral partnership for generations to come.

This report is based on insights from the 2024 Australia–PNG Network Emerging Leaders Dialogue, held in Canberra, 7–11 October 2024. The Dialogue brought together a group of young leaders to explore the opportunities and challenges facing PNG youth in education, employment, and civic engagement. It provides actionable recommendations to deepen collaboration between the two countries. The recommendations are those of the young leaders. The authors of this report were guided by their thinking. By design, the Dialogue did not weigh the financial or policy trade-offs involved in implementing these recommendations.

The report’s findings focus on youth-led initiatives, platforms for youth engagement, and institutional partnerships that facilitate cross-border collaboration. Recommendations formed under these areas aim to empower youth, strengthen economic ties, and foster long-term resilience in the Australia–PNG relationship.

Key recommendations include the expansion of student and teacher exchanges to enhance educational opportunities, alongside vocational and entrepreneurial programs to foster innovation and drive trade. Initiatives such as connecting entrepreneur hubs in both countries and supporting cross-border collaboration in film, arts, and sports would strengthen cultural ties and economic engagement. Addressing gaps in social infrastructure — such as safe houses for women, mental health programs, and assistive technology for people with disabilities — is also critical for inclusive development.

Programs focused on digital literacy and responsible use of social media could help mitigate the spread of misinformation in PNG and enhance opportunities for entrepreneurship. Strengthening youth-led civil society organisations and supporting their participation in politics and national discourse would amplify young voices in decision-making processes.

This outcomes report emphasises that empowering youth is key to driving social and economic progress in both countries. By fostering people-to-people links, strengthening institutional partnerships, and creating pathways for innovation and leadership, the Australia–PNG relationship can be further enriched, with youth as its foundation.

The young leaders brought together in Canberra in October 2024 recommended the following:

1. Dedicate greater resources to exchanges between Australian and Papua New Guinean students and teachers, alongside institutional pairing to encourage collaboration and resource-sharing.
2. Promote trade and investment conferences that showcase young people driving innovation and start-ups to encourage business mentoring and investment. Connect entrepreneur hubs in PNG and Australia to foster cross-border linkages and increase cultural awareness.
3. Consider a regiment in the Australian Defence Force comprised of Pacific Islanders, including a regular rotational presence in PNG.
4. Establish a formal partnership between the PNG National Sports Institute and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) to exchange management staff and athletes. The Australian government could consider sponsoring PNG nationals to train at the AIS in advance of Brisbane’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032.
5. Assist PNG, through Australian financial aid, with data collection on domestic violence, mental and physical health, child wellbeing, and household structure to support implementation of its National Mental Health Policy.
6. Distribute more assistive technology in urban and rural PNG, paired with training and education programs for local village health workers and volunteers in their health posts.
7. Invest in safe houses for women and children, putting safety and protection as the number one priority for gender equality programs.
8. Invest more in youth-led civil society organisations to help them achieve their goals. Both governments should continue to financially support networking events for bilateral and regional youth organisations to deepen people-to-people links.
9. Invest in programs that teach students how to maximise the benefits of social media, including using platforms such as Facebook as tools for entrepreneurship.
10. Develop more pathways for PNG’s artistic youth to study and exhibit in Australia, through institutional partnerships between state galleries and youth artist residences.

Over five days from 7–11 October, young and emerging leaders from Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia gathered in Canberra for the 2024 Australia–Papua New Guinea Emerging Leaders Dialogue. The Dialogue is the annual flagship event of the Australia–Papua New Guinea Network, a Lowy Institute project supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which aims to build links and understanding between Australia and PNG.

In a highly competitive process, hundreds of applicants submitted nominations to the Australia–Papua New Guinea Network team when nominations opened. By design, the shortlisted cohort represented a range of industries, sectors, expertise, and experience, including arts and film, elite sports, government, international development, media, civil society, and social justice and disability services. The biographies of all participants are at the end of this report.

Participants explored the theme of youth in relation to the Australia–PNG relationship, focusing on development and human security issues. Session themes spanned from the development partnership to sports, mental and physical health, media, defence, and arts and culture.

Throughout the week, the group raised issues of leadership, belonging and identity, employment and education opportunities, upskilling and training, business and trade, migration, connectivity and exchange, and religion and culture. These views were raised with Australian and Papua New Guinean government officials, giving the Emerging Leaders a platform to express their views, ideas, and hopes for a stronger and more prosperous bilateral relationship, with decision-makers in both countries.

Activities included tours of the Australian War Memorial and the Australian Institute of Sport, “Chatham House” roundtables at the Papua New Guinea High Commission and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and panel sessions with Pacific academics at the Department of Pacific Affairs and the Pacific Security College at the Australian National University.

The Lowy Institute also co-hosted a reception with the Kokoda Track Foundation, bringing the diplomatic corps, policymakers, academics, media, and the Papua New Guinean diaspora together with the Emerging Leaders to hear a keynote speech from the Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles MP.

A media session with high-profile Pacific-focused journalist Stephen Dziedzic offered an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities of media in Australia and PNG. An arts, culture, and film session with a Pasifika film director and academic Eliorah Malifa brought to life the importance of cultural heritage and performance for bridging the ties between the two countries, forming a sense of belonging and identity in Australia, and expressing and advocating for issues close to the hearts of youth.

This outcomes report is a summary of the discussions held. All participants contributed to the compilation of this report. Notes have been provided on a non-attributable basis. Participants’ recommendations for the Australian and Papua New Guinean governments and the business community are driven by an imperative to improve links between the two countries.

The Lowy Institute’s Dr Jessica Collins, Project Director of the Australia–PNG Network; Mihai Sora, Director of the Pacific Islands Program; and Oliver Nobetau, FDC Pacific Research Fellow, convened the Dialogue. Additional support was provided by Chae Jeong, Research Assistant for the Australia–PNG Network, and Laura Salt, First Nations Fellow on secondment from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Design of the report is attributable to Josh Goding, former Digital Producer at the Lowy Institute.

With 60 per cent of Papua New Guinea’s population under the age of 25 and Australia’s increasing focus on Pacific Islands engagement, youth represent a critical demographic in the bilateral relationship. Their participation is essential for addressing shared challenges such as economic development, social cohesion, and resilience.

This report, reflecting the collective insights of the 2024 Emerging Leaders cohort, focuses on five key areas of collaboration:

1. Education
2. Employment and entrepreneurship
3. Integration and regional cooperation
4. Sport, health, and wellbeing
5. Civic engagement and cultural exchange

By addressing these areas, the report aims to highlight pathways for strengthening the partnership between Australia and PNG and empowering youth to be catalysts for transformative change.

Early learning, school, and tertiary education

Participants discussed the challenges faced by PNG’s children in accessing quality education, including limited early learning opportunities, inadequate infrastructure, untrained teachers, and inaccessibility of schools. Around one-quarter of PNG’s children aged six to 18 are not attending school, and many fail to meet key education milestones.

Australia already contributes significantly to PNG’s education sector. But greater and sustained investment in basic education is needed to ensure consistent support and long-term outcomes.

Early learning

Early childhood education is crucial for cognitive, social, and emotional development, laying the foundation for academic and lifelong success. A robust early education sector equips children with essential skills, contributing to a skilled workforce and a prosperous future.

While Australia’s early learning programs are well established and yield positive results, PNG’s early learning sector continues to face substantial challenges. Teachers are underpaid and under-resourced, and early learning centres often operate with minimal support.

Participants noted that a potential solution lies in fostering partnerships between Australian and Papua New Guinean early learning centres, akin to sister-school programs. Australian centres could fundraise, provide resources, and offer professional development opportunities through online platforms. Additionally, Australian government-sponsored upskilling programs for early childhood educators could bridge gaps in training.

Elementary, primary, and secondary education

Public schools in PNG face significant hurdles, including overcrowded classrooms, outdated teaching resources, and undertrained teachers. Seasonal flooding often renders schools unsafe, while families struggle to provide necessities, limiting attendance. Addressing these challenges requires targeted investment in infrastructure, teacher training, and curriculum development. Australia provides crucial support to these initiatives through the aid program. Partnering Australian schools with Papua New Guinean schools can also encourage resource sharing, such as providing rain gear and other essentials. Hosting high-achieving Papua New Guinean students in Australia through billeting programs could further strengthen people-to-people links and expand opportunities for young leaders.

Extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities are integral to developing teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. However, PNG’s schools often lack the resources for activities such as swimming or athletics carnivals, which are common in Australia. Participants suggested that establishing partnerships with Australian schools could create opportunities for Papua New Guinean students to participate in exchange programs, school sports, and cultural activities, enriching the educational experience for both cohorts.

Teacher training and exchange programs

One of PNG’s most pressing issues is the need for better teacher training. Teachers often manage large classes with minimal resources, impacting the quality of education delivered. A teacher exchange program between Australia and PNG can help address this gap, the Emerging Leaders suggested. Such exchanges would improve education outcomes in both countries and contribute to stronger bilateral ties.

Cultural integration and citizenship classes

As PNG rapidly urbanises, traditional knowledge, language, and culture practices are at risk of being lost. Integrating cultural education into schools — tailored to regional and local traditions — can help preserve PNG’s rich heritage. The Emerging Leaders said elders could play a key role by teaching storytelling, traditional crafts, and cultural practices, fostering intergenerational learning and cultural pride. In Australia, Indigenous studies are incorporated into the curriculum in many states.

In addition, Papua New Guinean students have expressed concerns that their curriculum does not focus enough on parliamentary laws and systems, their national constitution, and citizen rights. Incorporating civic education can strengthen nation-building efforts and promote informed political engagement, particularly at election time. Civil society actors such as Transparency International PNG are critical partners when delivering these programs and educating communities on issues of national importance.

Tertiary education

Building on the success of the Australia Awards program in cultivating people-to-people links and educational and career outcomes for Australian and Papua New Guinean students, Australia’s aid program can dedicate greater resources towards expanding student exchanges and research collaborations between universities in both countries. While studying in Australia is highly valued in PNG, more Australian students should be encouraged to pursue studies in PNG through initiatives such as the New Colombo Plan, Dialogue participants said.

Vocational skills

Around four-fifths of PNG’s population works in the informal sector. To drive broad-based economic development, participants agreed that greater investment is needed in skills development for PNG’s youth. Expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) pathways for high-school students and young adults seeking alternatives to university education is critical. These initiatives should be prioritised in Australia’s aid programs and among private sector partners operating in PNG.

The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) has equipped thousands of Papua New Guinean youth with practical skills for industries such as construction and hospitality. However, given the scale of challenges, particularly in rural areas, further investment is needed. Complementary services to connect TVET graduates with meaningful employment opportunities are equally important.

Internship and exchange programs between Australian businesses, government institutions, and Papua New Guinean youth are a great way to build the skills of young Papua New Guineans. For example, the Australian High Commission could offer internships for Papua New Guineans aspiring to careers in the public sector or foreign service. Both governments should also expand funding for joint vocational training programs targeting underserved areas in PNG.

International trade and business

There was consensus among the Emerging Leaders that international trade and business opportunities should not remain limited to large companies. A more hands-on approach is needed to support small and emerging businesses with export potential in both countries. Start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises often lack the resources to explore bilateral trade opportunities, and addressing this gap could unlock substantial new trade and business links. Bilateral youth or innovation-focused investment conferences could ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of young people in both countries, helping them navigate the complexities of cross-border trade.

Regulatory support from the Australian government could assist PNG in further developing the Port Moresby Stock Exchange, enabling locally registered companies to attract more private foreign investment. This would also boost investor confidence.

An innovative way to encourage youths to start businesses is to develop entrepreneurship hubs in PNG, linking them with hubs in Australia through a “spoke-and-wheel” system, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, trade, and mentoring. This would help young entrepreneurs in PNG access Australian markets and expertise, bolstering economic ties and people-to-people links.

A shift from aid-driven initiatives to trade-focused partnerships could support PNG’s small-to-medium enterprises, while strengthening trade and investment corridors.

Labour mobility

The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme is still building its profile in PNG but has immense potential to provide job opportunities for the country’s youth. Remittances sent under the program contribute significantly to the communities receiving them, with an estimated 40 per cent of income sent home from workers on the PALM scheme.

Expanding the scheme to include skilled and semi-skilled workers trained by Australian-accredited institutions such as the Australia Pacific Technical College would open doors to employment in specialised fields such as aged care, childcare, disability services, and community care, participants said. This important intervention could contribute gains for both economies through regular remittances and increased productivity in Australia.

Another idea posed by the leaders was having a government office focused on accountability, staffed by qualified Papua New Guineans, to improve PNG’s ability to meet Australia’s labour needs while ensuring fair treatment and transparency for workers.

Young people should seize the opportunity to develop their skills as aged care workers in Australia. However, reintegration into PNG’s workforce remains a challenge given the severe lack of formal aged care facilities. PNG’s aged care sector therefore needs national policy implemented by the PNG government.

Extending the PALM scheme to include the nursing sector could further strengthen the partnership. Supporting PNG nurses to train and work in Australian hospitals would help alleviate Australia’s nursing workforce shortage while providing PNG youth with critical experience. Encouraging these nurses to return to PNG could help address the country’s own healthcare challenges, provided complementary investments are made to support healthcare infrastructure and career pathways in PNG.

Migration

Participants discussed the establishment of a dedicated visa pathway for skilled PNG citizens seeking permanent residency in Australia, noting that this would strengthen people-to-people links and demonstrate the uniqueness of the relationship between the two countries. Unlike the existing Pacific Engagement Visa, which operates via a lottery system and includes other Pacific Island countries, this pathway would be exclusively for Papua New Guinean citizens who can demonstrate their ability to address critical gaps in the Australian workforce. Such a program would underscore the special bilateral relationship while fostering economic and social ties.

Participants added that reciprocal visa-waiver arrangements could simplify travel for tourists and transit passengers, reducing the administrative burden of visa applications. This would promote greater cultural exchange, business opportunities, and tourism between the two countries, further deepening the connection at a grassroots level.

Defence

The enduring defence relationship between Australia and PNG is often framed by their shared history in the Second World War, which forged a bond of mateship that remains strong nearly eight decades later. However, the defence partnership extends far beyond the memories of past conflicts, encompassing a shared commitment to safeguarding the region’s peace and stability for future generations.

The current integration and institutional trust between the Australian and Papua New Guinean militaries form the foundation of this cooperation. Participants discussed the establishment of a Pacific Islands Regiment within the Australian Defence Force, with a regular rotational presence in PNG, to strengthen this relationship further.

The presence of such a unit would deepen strategic trust between the two countries through regular collaboration and shared operations. The unit could provide critical support in responding to natural disasters and requests for assistance during regional unrest or conflict. An increased regional Defence presence would contribute to a sustainable, long-term source of employment for PNG’s youth, addressing unemployment challenges while enhancing defence capabilities.

In addition, the establishment of a PNG-based company would be accompanied by much-needed infrastructure upgrades and investment in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, improving its operational capacity and readiness. Such a partnership would demonstrate Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting PNG’s security and stability, while also contributing to regional peace and prosperity.

Sport

The sporting relationship between Australia and PNG is deeply rooted, with partnership spanning rugby league, rugby union, netball, football, AFL, cricket, and Olympic/Paralympic sports. Australian development funding, delivered through PacificAus Sports, is evenly distributed between women’s and men’s sports, reflecting a commitment to equity. Programs such as Team Up further extend support to community-based initiatives, ensuring women, girls, and people with disabilities benefit from access to sport.

While these programs have achieved significant outcomes, there is room for more investment, especially in grassroots sports. Sports play a pivotal role in fostering social, economic, and leadership skills, as well as building community cohesion.

A formal partnership between the PNG National Sports Institute (Goroka) and the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) could further strengthen bilateral ties, participants argued. Exchange programs for management staff and athletes would enhance skills development and foster cross-border relationships.

In anticipation of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Australian government could subsidise training opportunities for Papua New Guinean nationals at the AIS. This investment would prepare Papua New Guinean athletes for the Games and build capacity within PNG’s sporting institutions.

At the elite level, Papua New Guinean athletes often face significant mental pressures, particularly due to socio-cultural obligations to support family. Injuries or retirement from sports can lead to depression and anxiety, as athletes lose their ability to contribute financially. Australia could collaborate with the Papua New Guinean government to invest in mental health support systems tailored to the unique challenges faced by PNG’s elite athletes, ensuring their wellbeing during and after their sporting careers.

Mental health

Mental health remains a pressing issue in both Australia and PNG, compounded by domestic violence and social and cultural pressures. To address this, participants suggested that Australia could use official development assistance (ODA) funds to support a nationally representative data collection initiative in PNG. This data would cover key areas such as gender-based violence, mental health, child wellbeing, and household structures, providing a foundation for targeted interventions.

Mentorship was a recurring theme during the Dialogue. Many young people in PNG face challenges such as social anxiety, family pressures, and grief, yet lack access to mentorship or support systems. Establishing mentorship and resilience programs in schools, workplaces, sporting teams, and churches could transform the mental health landscape for PNG’s youth.

The rise of social media has also contributed to increased mental health challenges, including online bullying and heighted societal expectations. Introducing age-appropriate restrictions and education programs, modelled on Australian initiatives, could mitigate these effects. Collaborative efforts in both countries could teach young people how to navigate social media safely and maximise its benefits while protecting their mental health.

Disability

Leaders discussed cultural beliefs in rural PNG, which often lead to discrimination against people with disabilities, excluding them from family and community life. Advocacy and awareness programs in schools and communities, supported through the bilateral relationship, could help reduce discrimination and foster inclusion.

Improving access to assistive technology (AT) is another important area for development. AT enables individuals with disabilities or the elderly to perform tasks more easily or safely. Given the expected rise in non-communicable diseases in PNG and the Pacific over the next 50 years, demand for AT will also increase dramatically.

Collaborative programs between Australia and PNG could establish sustainable AT distribution systems, ensuring the equipment meets the specific needs of individuals rather than relying on charity-based or second-hand solutions. Permanent AT facilities throughout PNG, coupled with training programs for local health workers and volunteers, would build capacity for AT provision and inclusive practices.

Women

Gender equality is essential for sustainable development in PNG. Programs such as Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development and PNG Women Lead have provided frameworks for progress in areas such as gender-based violence, economic empowerment, and women’s leadership. However, significant gaps remain, particularly in the areas of safety and political participation.

PNG faces a severe shortage of safe houses for women and children escaping domestic violence. Participants argued that Australia’s bilateral aid program should prioritise funding for this essential infrastructure, ensuring survivors have access to shelter and support services.

Women’s political participation also requires greater support. Civil society groups such as Seven Sisters Foundation and Transparency International PNG play a vital role in voter education and leadership development. These efforts must be sustained throughout the five-year parliamentary cycle to prepare women and constituents for future elections.

A sister program to Australia’s Women for Election initiative could provide rural and metropolitan women in PNG with the tools to network, develop campaign skills, and learn from current and former politicians. This would help break down barriers to political engagement, ensuring more women can lead and influence decision-making.

Media and civil society

Media is a powerful tool for youth and civil society to engage freely and actively in social and political issues. For traditional media to thrive, a robust civil society is essential to advocate for free speech and guard against governmental overreach. At the same time, it is critical to equip emerging journalists with the skills and ethics training necessary to fulfill their roles effectively and with integrity.

There are strong links between the Australian and Papua New Guinean media, creating the foundation for cross-institutional and cross-border ties well into the future. Programs such as the ABC International Development initiative play a vital role in supporting PNG’s local journalists, offering professional development opportunities and career progression pathways. Continued investment in such initiatives will ensure that both countries benefit from a vibrant and independent media environment, participants said.

A thriving civil society is the backbone of democracy, holding governments accountable and driving social progress. But PNG’s civil society organisations struggle to maintain basic operations and meet overhead costs. Many are run by volunteers — most often young people — and lack resources needed to maximise impact.

Dialogue participants said that, with targeted support from both governments, PNG’s civil society organisations could significantly enhance their capacity to drive social change. Increased funding and capacity-building programs would empower these organisations, particularly those led by youth, to fulfill their mandates and address the unique challenges facing PNG’s communities.

In PNG, opportunities for youth to participate in politics or contribute to national discourse are scarce. While organisations such as The Voice Inc — a youth-led not-for-profit group — provide valuable platforms, their reach is limited. Expanding programs that amplify youth voices and foster engagement, facilitated by youth who embody the values for which they advocate, is essential for building a generation of informed and empowered young leaders.

Social media

Social media is an indispensable tool for youth in PNG, offering a platform for free information, connection, and entrepreneurship. However, it also poses challenges, such as the spread of misinformation, online harassment — particularly targeting women in politics — and scams.

To address these issues, the Emerging Leaders argued that PNG must develop and implement robust cyber laws while integrating digital literacy programs into school curriculums. Educational initiatives can teach young people how to navigate social media safely, and responsibly leverage its benefits. Programs focused on online entrepreneurship could also enable young people to grow businesses and start-ups, creating economic opportunities in PNG’s growing digital economy.

Culture

Connection to culture is fundamental to individual identity and national pride. For both Australia and PNG, preserving Indigenous languages and traditions is crucial amidst the pressures of globalisation.

With more than 800 languages in PNG and around 250 Indigenous languages in Australia, a bilateral initiative to create a shared online database of languages could raise awareness and celebrate cultural diversity. Such a project would deepen Australians’ understanding of PNG’s rich heritage and vice versa.

One Emerging Leader suggested that Australian universities could expand Tok Pisin language programs to supplement the Pacific Engagement Visa resettling process. Subsidised course fees or scholarships could encourage greater participation, particularly among Australians interested in PNG relations. Targeted groups, such as New Colombo Plan alumni, could benefit greatly from such initiatives, fostering long-term connections.

Film and arts 

Film and arts offer powerful platforms for youth to express their views and address social issues. Despite PNG’s immense artistic talent, government support for the creative arts is minimal, limiting opportunities for young artists and filmmakers.

Scholarships for emerging Papua New Guinean creatives to study at leading Australian institutions could bridge this gap, participants suggested. Additionally, two-way exchange programs in cultural forums and the arts would foster people-to-people links while developing PNG’s creative industries.

Cross-border partnerships

Youth-led regional and bilateral organisations are vital to strengthening Australia–PNG relations and empowering young people in both countries. Groups such as the Youth Professional Network of PNG, the PNG Australia Alumni Association, and the Pacific-Australia Youth Association (PAYA) are already driving initiatives that foster cross-cultural exchange and policy alignment.

For example, PAYA’s large member base in PNG promotes knowledge-sharing and collaboration, creating a vibrant Australia–PNG community within a broader Pacific context. Dialogue participants noted that networking events hosted by these organisations and the Australia–PNG Network can deepen people-to-people ties, empowering youth to pursue their goals and contribute to bilateral and regional development. Partnerships between the parliaments of Australia and PNG could also enhance cross-border collaboration, fostering trust, democratic resilience, and shared opportunities for young leaders in both countries.

Elizabeth Aribi

Elizabeth is Civic Engagement Lead at Transparency International Papua New Guinea, where she heads the youth programs. Previously, Elizabeth was Youth Secretary at the Catholic Bishops Conference and volunteered with the Jubilee Catholic Secondary School. With more than 16 years’ experience in the youth sector, Elizabeth is committed to helping students grow in their personal capacities and continually works with her local parish youth group.

Natalia Beghin

Natalia is Senior Consultant at Alinea International, where she advises on development investments such as the Australia–PNG Partnership and Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific. Previously, Natalia worked as Strategic Adviser within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C), where she directed Australia’s international gender equality team and managed aid and development projects for the Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian government. Natalia also represented Australia in multilateral negotiations at the G7, G20, UN Human Rights Council, and UN General Assembly.

Heather Burnie

Heather is a Graduate Research Officer at the National Security College of the Australian National University, where she provides research support to the Executive and Policy Teams and coordinates and delivers professional development programs for national security professionals. Heather is passionate about increasing awareness of and strengthening Australia’s relations with Papua New Guinea, as well as lifting Pacific literacy in Australia’s national security workforce. As a young professional, Heather is committed to increasing youth representation and participation in regional diplomacy and security discussions and advocating for a greater youth voice.

Shaun Cameron

Shaun is an Australian public servant and defence force reservist. He holds postgraduate qualifications in international relations and national security, public administration, and psychology. Shaun has worked in Southeast Asia for several years and authored articles with varying publications in the field of international affairs and security. Previously, he was Branch Councillor for the Australian Institute of International Affairs and volunteered with an NGO based in PNG. Shaun currently lives and works in Canberra.

Michael Gorogo

Michael is the Co-founder of the Future Ancestors Program — a leadership program designed to empower and support Pacific youth to be agents of change. Previously, he worked across warehousing, quality assurance and heavy machinery. Michael has been involved in the Management Committee of the Pacific Islands Committee of Queensland (PICQ) since 2016 and was previously the PICQ Youth Representative and PICQ Vice President. As a Papua New Guinean and Indigenous Australian man from Western Australia, Michael is deeply interested in contributing to a meaningful relationship between Australia, Papua New Guinea and the broader Pacific region. Michael is from Meanjin (Brisbane).

Theckla Gunga-Jogo

Theckla is a broadcast journalist and Producer for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) based in Port Moresby. Theckla has covered major news events on international security, politics and the region in her ten years of experience. Prior to joining the ABC, Theckla was an online journalist at Inside. The highlight of her career at the ABC was producing a Foreign Correspondent documentary in the Sepik Region. Theckla believes the key to a strengthened Australia–Papua New Guinea relationship is youth advocacy and empowerment.

Thatcher Ivarato

Thatcher is a Policy Officer at the Department of Defence, serving as the US Desk Officer in the International Policy Branch. In her role, she manages bilateral relations, coordinates defence policies, and facilitates communication between the Defence Department and the United States government on security and strategic issues. Previously, Thatcher was the Senior Defence Committees Secretariat, coordinating high-level meetings from the Defence Council to the National Executive Council (NEC). Thatcher holds a degree in political science from the University of Papua New Guinea.

Luke Jackson

Luke is Senior Export Manager for Pacific Islands International, where he leads the International Project Division. Luke is also on the Executive Committee for the Australian Pacific Islands Business Council and Committee Member for the Bishop Michael Putney Fellowship Program, which raises funding for research into preventing suicide amongst youth athletes. He is aware of the role of youth leadership in leading and shaping meaningful international partnerships.

Tecklah James

Tecklah is a filmmaker operating her film label in Port Moresby. Tecklah’s film Wan Dei was an official selection in the 2018 Papua New Guinea Human Rights Film Festival, and Narcissist won three awards in the 2021 Digicel PNG 2 Minute Film Competition. Her work on Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) is shown on the local TV channel, TVWAN. Outside of commercial productions, Tecklah has a passion for teaching filmmaking skills to underprivileged youths and uses film as a tool for human rights and social justice advocacy. Tecklah enjoys boxing and trains with the Team PNG boxing team.

Paul Kaletsis

Paul is Policy Officer at the Department of Defence. Previously, he worked in sustainable development, disaster response and youth leadership in Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Tonga. Paul is currently Chair of the Pacific–Australia Youth Association, where he delivers programs promoting youth engagement, leadership development and cross-cultural understanding. With a strong commitment to enhancing Australia’s relationships with the Pacific, and especially Papua New Guinea, Paul believes young voices are central to solutions that address challenges of the Blue Pacific.

Amy Kuli

Amy serves as a Foreign Service Officer at Papua New Guinea’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Through interactions and engagements in bilateral border and maritime security dialogues, she has broadened her understanding of the management and coordination of internal and external international issues and developments. Amy’s interest in youth empowerment stems from her participation in the Kokoda Track Foundation Archer Fellowship Program in 2015.

Pala Leka

Pala is Founder of KumulCare, a not-for-profit organisation advocating for greater inclusion and empowerment in rural villages, through disability awareness and education. He has also held several roles across organisations delivering social impacts and witnessed the power and potential of young people to transact change. With passions in combatting health and social inequalities, Pala believes establishing connections and fostering resilient youth networks is pivotal to further developing the Australia–PNG relationship. Pala is of Rigo and Motu-Koita heritage.

Mijica Lus

Mijica is a Juris Doctor candidate and Research Assistant at the University of Canberra, broadening her knowledge of the Australian legal system and policy frameworks that assist Pacific migrants and refugees with settlement. Mijica is ACT Branch Director for the UN Young Professionals Network and ACT National Council Representative for the Australian Red Cross. In 2024, she was recognised as the ACT Young Woman of the Year for her volunteer work across education, media, healthcare and human services. Mijica is from Papua New Guinea and lives in Canberra.

Saikio Pius

Saikio is a Policy Planning and Monitoring Officer at the Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council. He gives his spare time to community service, especially supporting the Morata Youth Association where he mentors young people to be leaders in the community. Saikio is passionate about making a difference and aspires to transition into a political role where he can advocate for social justice, equity, and sustainable development.

Noella Scully

Noella Scully is Founder and Head Educator of a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing free educational programs for children in Buitbam, Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. With a background in education and museum industry, Noella aims to empower Papua New Guinean children and youth by offering equal educational opportunities and helping them to achieve their goals. She also seeks to collaborate with Australian teachers, enhancing local educators’ professional development and facilitating volunteer opportunities, thereby strengthening the Australia–PNG relationship and expanding educational opportunities across PNG.

Rhonda Tevlone

Rhonda is a Senior Legal Officer at Papua New Guinea’s Department of Justice and Attorney-General, within the International Law Division of the Office of the State Solicitor. As a lawyer, she provides legal advice and clearance on international arrangements, including security, nuclear terrorism, climate change and fisheries. Rhonda is committed to identifying areas of Papua New Guinea’s diplomatic relations that require strengthening and developing solutions for improvement that promote and protect PNG’s national interests.

Stanford Tokoya

Stanford is an Adviser at the Office of the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, where he manages the restoration program at the Porgera District in the Enga Province. Stanford leverages transparency and accountability in the district to work towards eradicating corruption, financial mismanagement, unfair wealth distribution and unequal participation in business activities. Stanford aims to empower rural communities to meaningfully participate in mining activities and be part of community development initiatives.

Aidan Toua

Aidan is a Business Development Manager at Ruswin Integrated Solutions. As a former elite athlete, he has played rugby union for the Queensland Reds, Australian Capital Territory Brumbies, Australian 7s team, Sporting Union Agen (France), and Honda Heat (Japan). Aidan is an Ambassador for Capital Rugby Union in Port Moresby and believes that sport can be used as a vehicle to strengthen communities and motivate young people. After spending most of his adult life abroad, Aidan is excited to leverage his learnings in Papua New Guinea and inspire the next generation of PNG’s leaders.

Sheridan Ward

Sheridan is Program Coordinator for ABC International Development Papua New Guinea (PNG), working on the Media Development Initiative with various media organisations in PNG. Previously, Sheridan worked for the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) as a Pacific Business Liaison Researcher. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Security from the Australian National University, and a Master in Sustainable Development and Diplomacy from the United Nations Institute of Training and Research and The University for Peace, based in Costa Rica. Sheridan’s research interests include non-militarisation and countries without sovereign military institutions, security dynamics in the Pacific region, and traditional governance and bilateral security partnerships in Pacific Island countries.

This Report is published under the Australia-Papua New Guinea Network project, part of the Lowy Institute’s Pacific Islands Program, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The views expressed in this publication are those of the Dialogue participants and not necessarily the views of the Lowy Institute or the Australian government.