JAMES MARAPE, PRIME MINISTER OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA: Alright, thank you very much. And to Papua New Guinea, happy 50th anniversary. Yesterday was reflection, yesterday was our commemoration of our 50th anniversary of democracy, a free market economy, freedom of religion, freedom of worship and existing as an independent state.
Papua New Guinea and Australia have agreed on the text of a Mutual Defence Treaty, which will be signed following Cabinet processes in both countries.
The signing of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Mutual Defence Treaty – the Pukpuk Treaty – will elevate the defence relationship between Papua New Guinea and Australia to an Alliance.
The core principles of the Pukpuk Treaty will include:
PETER STEFANOVIC, HOST: Well, Independence Day celebrations have taken place in Papua New Guinea this morning. Our chief anchor, Kieran Gilbert is there right now alongside a special guest, the Prime Minister.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: It's a great honour for me as Australia's Prime Minister to be here to celebrate 50 years of the birth of this great nation of Papua New Guinea. Prime Minister Marape gave a powerful and inspirational speech this morning where he spoke about the fact that the Australian flag 50 years ago was lowered, it wasn't torn down. Australia was partners in what was an effective and peaceful transition, to the great credit of those great leaders, led by Mr. Somare, of whom a statue is placed outside Parliament House here in Port Moresby.
BRIDGET BRENNAN, HOST: Good morning to you, Prime Minister. I think I can nearly wave at you from the Torres Strait. How's the mood there in PNG?
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Well, you can. If you’re on Saibai, you could swim, because you can see PNG from that island.
KARL STEFANOVIC, HOST: The Prime Minister's landmark defence deal with Papua New Guinea seems to have hit a last minute snag.
SARAH ABO, HOST: To discuss, the PM joins us live now from Port Moresby. Prime Minister, good to see you. So, do we have a deal or not?
MATT SHIRVINGTON, HOST: The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, joins us live in Port Moresby. Great to have you with us.
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning, good to be with you.
SHIRVINGTON: Let's go through this. So, we understand St Clement’s, the church, of course, has ended the lease. They've made their decision. But you abandoning your office, is it setting a dangerous precedent?
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?