Communities across Papua New Guinea are set to benefit from safer neighbourhoods and stronger justice services, with the Department of Justice and Attorney General (DJAG) and the Australia–PNG Law and Justice Partnership collaborating to deliver a new training program.
The first five-day workshop was held in Daru last month, with 25 Volunteer Probation & Parole Officers (VPOs) building practical skills to support people serving community sentences, make positive changes and avoid reoffending.
As community-based officers, VPOs work closely with Probation & Parole Services, courts, parole boards, families and local leaders.
They support offenders to meet their responsibilities and return safely to their communities, making them an important part of Papua New Guinea’s justice system.
Australia and PNG share a commitment to safe and strong communities, and building local capacity is one of the best ways to improve community safety.
When community law and justice representatives have the right skills and confidence, they can support people to make better choices and reduce the risk of further harm.
During the training, participants learn about interviewing, case management, monitoring and supervision, home visits, record keeping, report writing, ethics, basic counselling, and how to respond when someone does not follow their probation and parole conditions.
They also explore ways to encourage positive behaviour change and help people rebuild their lives.
Elizabeth Mirio from DJAG said the training was already strengthening justice services at the local level.
“VPOs are often the first point of contact between the justice system and the community. This training helps them work safely, fairly and effectively, while supporting rehabilitation and protecting the public,” she said.
More training is planned for other provinces throughout 2026, focusing especially on remote and hard-to-reach areas.
The program reflects the shared commitment of Papua New Guinea and Australia to building a justice system that is fair, effective, and focused on safer communities for all Papua New Guineans.
ENDS
VPO Training Participants proudly display their certificates.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100