MoU With Queensland Opens Path for PNG Workers, Energy Exports
Papua New Guinea has secured a major opening for its professionals after Prime Minister James Marape signed a landmark cooperation agreement with Queensland Premier David Crisafulli in Brisbane yesterday.
The new partnership allows PNG’s nurses, aged-care staff, teachers, police personnel and technical workers to access employment pathways in Queensland while strengthening long-term ties between the two jurisdictions.
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| MoU With Queensland Opens Path for PNG Workers, Energy Exports |
The Papua New Guinea–Queensland Memorandum of Understanding 2025–2030 is the first agreement of its type between PNG and the Australian state where thousands of Papua New Guineans now reside. It outlines collaboration in renewable energy, health, education, law and justice, trade, tourism, SMEs, and cultural initiatives.
Marape said the signing deepens a relationship built over decades. “Queensland is Papua New Guinea’s closest neighbour and one of our closest friends,” he said. “Geography and history have placed us side by side, and this MoU ensures that our partnership continues to grow in depth, respect and practical cooperation.”
He expressed appreciation for Queensland’s public recognition of PNG’s 50th Independence anniversary. “We could not have asked for a more meaningful tribute,” he said. “Queensland honoured PNG in a way that reflects our deep friendship, and today’s MoU strengthens that bond for the next 50 years.”
Workforce mobility was a central theme of the discussions. Marape said PNG can help meet Queensland’s growing demand for skilled workers. “PNG has a young, energetic population,” he said. “If we train them to Australian standards, we can help Queensland fill its workforce shortages while strengthening our own capabilities when our citizens return home with new skills.”
The MoU also supports cooperation in policing, emergency-response training and defence pathways. Marape noted Queensland’s progress in law enforcement tools and technology and emphasised the importance of shared capability in the Torres Strait region. “Security in the Torres Strait and northern Australia is linked directly to security in PNG,” he said. “What happens in PNG affects Queensland, and what happens in Queensland affects PNG.”
He also outlined energy export opportunities, saying PNG’s hydropower resources could support Queensland’s renewable transition. “PNG is blessed with vast hydropower and renewable energy potential,” he said.
The agreement further promotes business partnerships, resource-sector collaboration, aviation expansion and sports diplomacy, including preparations for the proposed NRL PNG team. “Rugby league is more than sport for our peoples – it is culture, unity and identity,” Marape said.
The MoU is effective immediately and will be implemented through a joint PNG–Queensland working group.
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