Media release
31 August 2009
For immediate release
Australia gives military field equipment to PNG Defence Force
An Australian Government funded Goodwill Package of 900 complete sets of soldiers’ field equipment for the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) will assist the PNGDF as it participates in Exercise Olgeta Warrior.
The package of military field equipment, known as the Goodwill Package, is worth approximately K2.4 million.
The Goodwill Package is an important part of the Australian Government’s commitment to supporting the PNG Government’s Defence Reform Program.
Head of the Australian Defence Staff in PNG, Colonel Luke Foster, officially handed the equipment to the PNG Defence Force’s Support Commander, Colonel Joe Fabila, in a ceremony at Murray Barracks on 17 August 2009.
“With Exercise Olgeta Warrior about to begin, the delivery of this Goodwill Package is timely,” Colonel Fabila said.
Colonel Fabila expressed his thanks for the Goodwill Package and said it complements the uniforms and field equipment purchased under the in-house arrangement procurement program through PNG’s Central Supply and Tenders Board.
“Uniforms and equipment, among other operational critical equipment, are vital components for the PNGDF to carrying out its national and international obligations. On behalf of the Commander, I thank the Australian Defence Force for its continued support and assistance to our reform program under the auspices of the DCP,” he said.
Colonel Foster, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Houston, congratulated Commodore Peter Ilau and the PNGDF on its success with the Defence Reform Program.
“Since the program began in 2002, the PNGDF has worked hard to become a more professional, affordable and sustainable force. These efforts have resulted in the PNGDF making positive contributions to regional security, especially through its continuing participation in the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands, RAMSI”, Colonel Foster said.
The Goodwill Package will be allocated to units across the PNGDF.