Australian Prime Minister Addresses PNG Treaty & Climate Concerns During Port Moresby Visit
During a live interview from port Moresby on September 16th, Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese addressed questions regarding a security treaty with Papua New Guinea adn Australia’s climate change policies. The interview, conducted by Kieran Gilbert, coincided with celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of PNG’s independence.
Gilbert initially questioned the delay in formal Cabinet authorisation of the treaty within PNG, noting Prime Minister Marape’s Cabinet members were dispersed celebrating the Golden Jubilee. Albanese dismissed concerns, explaining the Cabinet lacked a quorum due to members returning to their home regions for the anniversary celebrations. He affirmed Prime Minister Marape’s strong support for the treaty, highlighting the extensive work already undertaken and framing it as a natural progression of the close security relationship between the two nations.He referenced ongoing australian military training support in wewak and the historical ties dating back to World War II, specifically mentioning the Kokoda campaign.
The conversation then shifted to climate change, a prominent issue in the Pacific region. Albanese responded to criticism from members of the Australian Coalition who cautioned against alarming the public, arguing for solutions that don’t unduly burden households. He asserted his government’s commitment to both listening to scientific advice and addressing household concerns, citing previously implemented cost of living relief measures – including cheaper medicines, energy rebates, and student debt relief – that he stated were opposed by the opposition.
When pressed on balancing climate action with economic stability, Albanese confidently stated a transition was achievable, emphasizing the need to address both concurrently. He pointed to recent extreme weather events - floods, algal blooms impacting South Australia’s seafood industry, bushfires, and cyclones – as evidence of climate change’s economic and human cost, even in regions not traditionally considered highly vulnerable.
Concluding the interview, Albanese described the 50th-anniversary celebrations as a “cracker,” praising the event as a festivity of PNG’s diversity and democratic values. He noted the notable international attendance, including the US Assistant Secretary of State and His Royal Highness Prince Edward, representing the royal Family, underscoring the importance of the occasion.
The interview concluded with Gilbert praising the importance of the day and the beauty of PNG, and a handover to studio host, Pete Stefanovic.
