On the way to PNG Prime Minister Albanese will stop over in Cairns as part of regional Qld tour

The PM is taking in a whirlwind tour of Mackay, Rockhampton and Cairns before reaffirming Australia’s ties to Papua New Guinea. Read about who’s heading north with Anthony Albanese.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is on his way to Papua New Guinea and will be stopping over in Cairns tonight as part of a tour of regional Queensland.

In Cairns tonight he and Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for International Development and the Pacific, will meet with Senator for Queensland Nita Green, who will accompany them to PNG.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Rockhampton yesterday. Picture: Annette Dew

It will be the Mr Albanese’s first visit to Papua New Guinea as Prime Minister, and he will meet with Prime Minister James Marape in Port Moresby.

The Prime Minister will also be the first foreign leader to address Papua New Guinea’s parliament.

He is expected to sign a revised defence treaty during the two-day stop in PNG.

“We recognise the strong relationship between Far North Queensland and Papua New Guinea,” the Prime Minister said.

“The proximity of Cairns to the Pacific means it is strategically important to our efforts in the region.

Senator Nita Green, on her way to PNG with the Prime Minister tomorrow. Picture: File

“That is why I have asked Senator Green to participate in this important visit.”

Senator Green said she was honoured to be part of the trip.

“Most Australians might not realise that Cairns is closer to Port Moresby than it is to Brisbane,” she said, “and we share economic, cultural and sporting ties with PNG”.

The PM was in Rockhampton and Mackay today before heading to Cairns, all a part of the government’s reaffirmation of the importance of regional Queensland and the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Originally published as On the way to PNG Prime Minister Albanese will stop over in Cairns as part of regional Qld tour