Morobe Province is taking steps to improve community safety and justice by bringing together provincial and district leaders in Lae to drive stronger, more coordinated justice services, according to the Australian High Commission.
Supported through the Australia–Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership (APLJ), the session gathered provincial officials and District Administrators to discuss the most pressing law and order challenges facing communities in Morobe.
These challenges include conflict and sorcery accusation-related violence, gender-based and family violence, illegal land grabbing, youth underemployment, increased crime, and the need for government and community land to support justice services.
With 85% of local-level governments located in remote areas, delivering justice services in Morobe is not without challenges. The determination to overcome these obstacles demonstrates resilience and leadership, and Australia is proud to support Morobe’s efforts to build safer, more resilient communities through strong partnerships and inclusive governance.
Morobe’s Deputy Provincial Administrator, Robin Bazzinuc, welcomed the partnership and applauded Australia’s support. He highlighted its role in reaching remote communities through court circuits, GBV and SARV awareness programs, and ongoing Village Court inspections that help ensure accessible village and land mediation services.
The discussions lay the groundwork for a more comprehensive reflection and planning workshop in early 2026, which will bring together newly elected Local Level Government managers to strengthen coordination and justice service delivery across remote communities in Morobe Province.
