MoU between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a Comprehensive Digital, Critical Technology and Telecommunications Partnership establishes a strategic framework for cooperation between the Governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) in advancing digital transformation, critical technologies, telecommunications, and cybersecurity. It positions Australia as PNG’s preferred ICT partner and strengthens bilateral collaboration across key digital sectors.

Key Highlights

1. Strategic Partnership

The MoU creates an overarching cooperation framework to support PNG’s digital development goals and strengthen Australia-PNG relations in digital technologies, telecommunications, and cyber security. It consolidates and replaces previous ICT and cyber cooperation agreements between the two countries.

2. Lead Agencies

The partnership is led by:

• Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), supported by agencies including Defence, Home Affairs, DITRDCSA, and the Digital Transformation Agency.
• PNG’s Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), supported by DFA, Defence, PNG Defence Force, and NICTA.

3. Main Areas of Cooperation

The MoU focuses on:

• Expanding affordable, secure, resilient, and trusted digital connectivity and communications infrastructure.
• Strengthening cyber security cooperation and protection of critical infrastructure.
• Supporting digital government transformation and improved public service delivery.
• Developing laws, policies, and regulations that enable digital growth and safety.
• Enhancing telecommunications governance and regulatory frameworks.
• Building skills and technical capacity through training, exchanges, secondments, and advisory support.
• Collaborating on emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, 5G, and the Internet of Things.
• Advancing regional digital transformation across the Pacific.

4. Implementation Mechanism

The Participants may develop additional Subsidiary Arrangements to implement specific initiatives and priorities. These arrangements can be updated as priorities evolve and do not create legally binding obligations.

5. Governance and Oversight

Senior officials from both countries will meet twice annually to:

• Review progress and achievements.
• Address implementation challenges.
• Identify new cooperation opportunities.
• Monitor agreed priorities and objectives.

6. Legal Status

The MoU represents a mutual understanding and cooperation framework rather than a legally binding treaty. Any disputes will be resolved through consultation and dialogue, and the MoU can be amended through mutual written consent.

This MoU establishes a comprehensive Australia-PNG partnership to accelerate Papua New Guinea’s digital transformation through improved connectivity, cybersecurity, digital government services, telecommunications development, and emerging technologies. It provides a structured framework for collaboration, capacity building, policy development, and regional digital leadership, while reinforcing Australia as PNG’s key strategic ICT partner.