AFP return

The first batch of Australian Federal Police (AFP) is set to arrive in Papua New Guinea in the first week of November. The 50 law enforcement officials are being deployed in two batches for the first time since the court-ordered collapse of the Enhanced Cooperation Program in 2005. The deployment signals Australia’s ongoing commitment to regional security and bilateral cooperation with its nearest neighbours. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s commitment to his predecessor’s promise to deploy law enforcement officials to PNG complements the “Pacific Solution”, also introduced and rolled out under the previous Labor government. The new cooperation package is focused on building the institutional capacity of PNG’s Royal Constabulary in view of increased law and order challenges.

This article was written by

Dulciana Somare-Brash

Dulciana Somare-Brash has Bachelor Degrees in political science & international relations, and law from James Cook University. Her experience in politics and development ranges from employment with ABC/Radio Australia in Port Moresby, and later as Senior Research Officer at the Australian High Commission there. Most recently Dulciana has been PiPP's deputy executive director and director of operations in PNG.

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