Gillard, O’Neill to discuss range of issues

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Thursday 9th May 2013

 AUSTRALIAN Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who will visit Papua New Guinea from today till Saturday, is likely to discuss a raft of issues with her counterpart Peter O’Neill.

“Prime Minister Peter O’Neill is expected to discuss the setting up of a permanent processing facility for asylum seekers with Gillard,” according to a PNG government source.

“Asylum seekers and illegal immigrants is an issue for Pacific region and not just Australia. 

“O’Neill is also expected to raise tough visa rules with Gillard.

“The prime minister will also raise with Gillard the government’s desire to have the (Australian) aid programme (AusAID) realigned with the programmes and priorities of the O’Neill government. 

“The government would like to see the aid money fund selected priority projects in a budget cycle rather than having it spread thinly every year, making little impact.”

In Port Moresby, Gillard will meet O’Neill and his cabinet to discuss priority bilateral interests and cooperation on shared regional challenges.