Australia and Papua New Guinea have enjoyed a positive and constructive
relationship for more than a century. Although Australia was once a colonial
power in Papua New Guinea, independence in 1974 was achieved in a peaceful and
amicable way with the full support of the Australian Government. The links are
strengthened by the many Australians from all walks of life who have lived and
worked in Papua New Guinea before and since independence.
Today the political, economic and social relationship between the two
countries takes many forms, including:
