Five community organisations in Papua New Guinea (PNG) today received new support to tackle pressing justice issues through grants awarded under the Community Justice Fund (CJF), a flagship program of the Australia-PNG Law and Justice Partnership.
The Government is extremely pleased to announce these grants as part of the Attorney-General's first official visit to PNG as Australia's 40th Attorney-General.
As PNG marks 50 years of independence, this is a time for celebration, but also a time to reflect on the deep bond between our nations and our history of collaboration to progress justice, fairness and security.
Today, we put those values in action. The newly funded projects address critical social issues such as gender-based violence, disability-inclusive justice, menstrual health, and restorative justice.
Since its launch in November 2024, the CJF has supported a growing number of locally led, community-based organisations and frontline service providers working to build safer, more just communities across PNG.
These initiatives are delivering measurable improvements in community safety and justice outcomes.
In Hela Province, mental health workshops have helped over 200 young men, many previously involved in conflict, transition to pursue careers in agriculture.
Frontline workers, community leaders, and advocates play a vital role in advancing justice and security in PNG, just as they do in Australia.
Several CJF-supported services will participate in the upcoming World Shelters Conference in Sydney, reflecting our ongoing collaboration under the Australia-PNG Law and Justice Partnership.
These grants are part of Australia's broader commitment to supporting PNG's justice institutions and community-led efforts. These shared values continue to guide our deep and enduring partnership.
Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
"The Community Justice Fund grants show what partnership in action looks like, supporting our Pacific community leaders to drive real change in their communities.
"Australia and Papua New Guinea's relationship is based on our common history, our close geography and our shared values. Together, we are working to achieve a more accessible, more inclusive and more responsive system of justice.
"Partnership means walking side by side. Today, I'm proud that we've taken another step together by supporting communities in PNG that drive change."
