PNG Cannot Fund Basic Services Despite Aussie Aid, Pledges $2 Billion Infrastructure Spend

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (R) greets Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape before a signing ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra on October 6, 2025. Australia and Papua New Guinea signed a long-awaited mutual defence treaty, as Canberra seeks to deepen ties with Pacific nations and counter Beijing’s rising influence. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty ImagesPapua New Guinea’s (PNG) budget, presented earlier this week by Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey, has raised questions about Australia’s aid.Australia’s financial assistance will total $707 million (US$458 million) in the current financial year, and support for a PNG NRL franchise will run to another $600 million over 10 years.