4 Dec 2003

Australian police officers to upskill PNG police

11:33 am on 4 December 2003

A Papua New Guinea Cabinet Minister says Australian police officers are being brought into the country to train local police rather than directly focus on restoring law and order.

PNG police have confirmed several hundred Australian police are to be sent to the country under a deal to be formalised next week.

Sam Akoitai says the Australians will have a supportive role and be responsible for upskilling local police.

"It's not an issue of restoring order, the real issue here is capacity building or support within the police force. In terms of law and order problems, which country has never had any problems in law and order."

Mr Akoitai says for the operation to be effective, it will depend on how well the two police forces work together.