Aust assures it will look after Manus asylum centre

Main Stories, National
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The National, Thursday February 6th, 2014

 AUSTRALIA and Papua New Guinea are committed to ensuring that the Manus asylum seekers’ centre runs smoothly.

Foreign Affairs Ministers Julie Bishop and Rimbink Pato made the assurance after meeting in Port Moresby to discuss several matters pertaining to both countries.

“We’ve been through a number of issues including a discussion about Manus Island and the processing centre there,” Bishop said.

“And I want to place on record again the Australia government’s appreciation for the leadership shown by Papua New Guinea, both regionally and in working with Australia.

“We’re determined to dismantle the people smuggling trade that exists in our region. And through the cooperation from PNG, we’re able to achieve these aims.

“We’ve discussed a range of other matters as well.

“The Defence White Paper that we certainly welcome will be a blueprint for security purposes for PNG. And our Defence Cooperation Programme will help underpin that change.

“We discussed a number of trade issues, but we’ve also been focusing on the people-to-people links, and on the seasonal workers’ programme which is open to Papua New Guineans who want to take part in seasonal work in Australia.

“We certainly encourage people to become involved in that programme and our work and holiday visa – that’s 100 places for young Papua New Guineans to undertake a working holiday in Australia and we would encourage that kind of exchange.”

Pato said the PNG government would ensure that there were no disruptions at Manus.

“The normal systems and processes will apply,” he said.

“We will take necessary steps to ensure that there are no disruptions. 

“Those who break the law will be dealt with according to the law.

“The government, in the spirit of partnership, has taken steps under its law in ensuring amendments are brought to our Constitution and these constitutional amendments go before Parliament.”