PNG – Australia discuss cyber security

On the sidelines of the Australia-PNG Annual Ministerial Forum held in Port Moresby, Minister for Information and Communication Technology Timothy Masiu had a bilateral meeting with Australia's Minister for Cyber Security, Clare O'Neil.

During the meeting, Minister O'Neil introduced the new RAPID Program, a significant initiative by Australia designed to provide support to Papua New Guinea and other Pacific Nations during cyber incidents.

Minister Masiu highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the increasing threat of cyber incidents and acknowledged Minister O'Neil's insights on Australia's cyber security journey and the importance of assessing and adopting appropriate technologies.

He expressed confidence that PNG can greatly benefit from Australia's experiences and best practices in this domain.

The discussion also covered the recently signed Australia-PNG Bilateral Security Agreement, under which cyber security is a critical area of cooperation.

Minister Masiu emphasized the interdependent nature of regional security and proposed the upgrading of the current Australia-PNG memorandum of understanding on cyber security.

This upgrade would enhance direct cooperation between functional agencies and to consolidate a regional position on technology adoption.

In line with the recently signed Lagatoi Declaration by all Pacific Countries and Territories, Minister Masiu proposed that Australia consider contributing to the establishment of a Pacific Regional Cyber Security Training Centre.

This centre would serve as a hub for regional cyber security efforts, fostering closer collaboration and more robust defenses against cyber threats.