Marles to host Indo-Pacific defence talks with PNG

Discussions are expected to cover Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s integration into Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023, Papua New Guinea and Australia co-hosting regional Exercise Longreach, the joint humanitarian support to the Autonomous Bougainville Government following the Mt Bagana eruption, and inaugural deployments of Royal Australian Air Force C-27J aircraft under the Defence Pacific Air Program.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said the discussions will also include Australia’s continued support to Papua New Guinea’s sovereign defence capabilities.

“I look forward to welcoming Minister Daki to my hometown of Geelong for our annual Defence Ministers’ Meeting today. Papua New Guinea is very close to my heart, having visited more than 20 times.

“Papua New Guinea and Australia share a unique defence partnership but we can always do more together. I look forward to discussing ways to deepen our close partnership.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.