Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs Richard Marles will welcome former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, to Parliament House this evening to deliver the inaugural PNG Independence Day Oration.

Mr Marles said it was an honour to have Sir Rabbie share his perspective on PNG’s progress over the past 36 years and his country’s relationship with Australia.

"This oration provides us with an opportunity to better understand our nearest neighbour and, in doing so, ensure the prosperity and welfare of both our nations," Mr Marles said.

"PNG lies just a few kilometres across from our most northern communities in the Torres Strait yet the importance, depth and complexity of our ties with PNG are not always given the attention they deserve in our national debate.

"PNG has changed dramatically since Independence. It has one of the fastest growing economies in the world, thanks to its natural resource wealth.

"But the last 36 years have also brought challenges, including providing basic services to a growing population and translating PNG’s mineral wealth into higher living standards.

"Sir Rabbie will help us to understand the changes, the challenges and opportunities they are bringing, through PNG eyes".

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