As part of the celebrations of 50 years of Papua New Guinea’s independence, Australia will support the construction of a new ministerial wing for Papua New Guinea’s National Parliament.

This gift recognises our common understanding of the democratic principles that underpin the modern Australia-PNG relationship, and the role of our parliaments in reflecting the voices of our people.

The concept of yumi stap wantaim — side-by-side, step-by-step — will be incorporated into the design and delivery of the new ministerial wing.

PATRICIA KARVELAS, HOST: The Prime Minister is in Papua New Guinea for a week of celebrations for the nation's 50th anniversary of independence. He joins us now from Port Moresby. Prime Minister, welcome to the program.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good afternoon, Patricia.

KARVELAS: You're in PNG. You're about to sign a historic agreement. Will it fully integrate the Australian and PNG military forces?

KIERAN GILBERT, HOST: Great to be here in Port Moresby. The Prime Minister is with me, as you say, and it's the golden jubilee. It's a big moment in the history of this nation. Why is it important? And why is it an important part of our history as well?

MARK GIBSON, HOST: Well, you know it's a big announcement when the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese comes to town along with his Deputy PM and Defence Minister Richard Marles. Yesterday they were at the Henderson shipyard south of Perth, which will be turned into a global defence precinct, building and servicing naval ships and submarines. Now this morning, the PM is flying to Papua New Guinea to sign a defence treaty between the two nations. But first he's in the 720 ABC studio to talk to you. Prime Minister, good morning.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Today I am pleased to announce my Government will provide $12 billion in new funding to the Henderson Defence Precinct right here in Western Australia. This brings our additional investment in defence over the next decade to $70 billion. When complete, this precinct will deliver continuous naval shipbuilding and AUKUS here in WA. And today's investment is another way we're delivering record defence funding to bolster Australia's capabilities. We're investing in our capability and we're investing in our relationships.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea from 15 to 17 September to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Papua New Guinea’s independence.

Australia is proud to participate in this milestone celebration. 

Papua New Guinea is not only one of our closest neighbours but also the truest of friends. 

Our unique relationship has been forged by shared history, mutual respect and ongoing collaboration.

The Albanese Government will provide $12 billion towards delivering a Defence Precinct at Henderson to deliver continuous naval shipbuilding and AUKUS in Western Australia.

Alongside the Albanese Government's record investments across shipbuilding and AUKUS in the West, these commitments will support 10,000 direct jobs over the next two decades as well as providing opportunities for small and medium sized businesses across the state.

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Thank you for joining me this afternoon. And today, I'm very pleased to be here with the Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, Aftab Malik, and to release his report, A National Response to Islamophobia. And we're also joined by the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Anne Aly.

MATT SMITH, MEMBER FOR LEICHHARDT: Good morning. My name is Matt Smith. I'm the Federal Member of the Leichhardt. With me is Senator Nita Green, Assistant Minister for Tourism, the South Pacific and Northern Australia. And, of course, the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese. Prime Minister, thank you for coming along and joining us. He just hopped off the plane from the South Pacific.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Meeting in Solomon Islands from 10 to 11 September.

Prime Minister Albanese joined Pacific Leaders in signing the Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty, establishing the first Pacific-led regional climate financing mechanism.