Wednesday, 7th May 2025
Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Hon. Timothy Masiu, hosted the Australian Deputy High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea His Excellency Mr. Andrian Lochrin, on his first official bilateral engagement with PNG, at the Department of ICT on Wednesday 7th May, 2025.
The meeting came shortly after a separate courtesy visit by Austrian Ambassador to Australia and the Pacific, H.E. Elisabeth Kogler.
Mr. Lochrin noted that his engagement with DICT marked his first official visit to a PNG government agency since taking office, a gesture that Minister Masiu acknowledged as a “strong symbol of our enduring bilateral commitment.”
Minister Masiu expressed his gratitude to the Australian Government for their continued leadership and support for PNG’s digital government priorities.
“Your support across our key digital programs has been instrumental in deepening sectoral collaboration and aligning our strategic outcomes. I look forward to continuing this partnership with you as we enter an important year of delivery for our digital government priorities.”
The Minister also extended congratulations to H.E. Mr. Ewen McDonald on his appointment as the incoming Australian High Commissioner to PNG, expressing confidence in his leadership to further regional digital cooperation.
Minister Masiu announced his intention to visit Canberra in the coming month to engage with Australia’s new Ministers responsible for communications and digitalization.
He emphasized that his visit will “reaffirm commitments under the Lagatoi Declaration and expand practical cooperation on the digital transformation agenda.”
Minister Masiu stated that PNG is focused on delivering four digital priorities in the lead-up to its 50th Independence Anniversary—each aligned with the regional goals of the Declaration:
- Strengthening the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC):
Reform and expansion of NBC to support credible and inclusive public media. The Minister noted PNG’s successful National Media Summit over the weekend, where Australia contributed significantly. - Launching SevisPNG by September 2025:
PNG’s flagship digital ID initiative, designed to unlock e-government services and inclusive development. - Investing in Critical Digital Infrastructure:
Expanding access to affordable and reliable internet to underserved communities to promote equitable growth. - Strengthening Cybersecurity Readiness:
Developing a national cybersecurity framework to protect digital systems, institutions, and citizens.
“These initiatives resonate with Australia’s development priorities in the Pacific,” Minister Masiu added.
“They offer meaningful avenues for continued collaboration—technical, diplomatic, and financial.”
Minister Masiu thanked Mr. Lochrin for his leadership and affirmed Papua New Guinea’s commitment to working alongside Australia to implement “scalable, secure, and inclusive systems.”
“I look forward to continued collaboration with you and your team, and to formally presenting our progress to H.E. Mr. McDonald during his upcoming engagements,” he said.
Deputy High Commissioner Lochrin reaffirmed Australia’s dedication to the partnership, emphasizing that Australia remains committed to supporting Papua New Guinea in its ICT and digital transformation efforts. He expressed pride in contributing to PNG’s journey toward a more connected, secure, and digitally empowered nation.
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