Helping PNG improve border security is in Australia's national interest

Now is the time for Australia to add this vital issue to the 'Pacific step-up' program, as well as the existing development assistance arrangements.

The program needs to be people based and to greatly enhance the recruitment of young men and women and their training and skilling, to strengthen border security right across PNG's vast landmass and islands. Emphasis also needs to be put on getting governors and local leaders fully involved, especially in coastal and island provinces.

But this process needs to go beyond training and skilling. The PNG defence air wing is run down, as is the very limited naval force, and the police need the most modern surveillance equipment available.

If this enhanced engagement is properly constructed and promoted, it will not be seen as intrusive or unnecessary; it will be warmly welcomed not only by the leadership of the PNG police and defence forces, but also by the national political leadership and the eight million people who are our closest neighbours.

PNG police commissioner David Manning has in recent days been frank and honest about the extent of drug trafficking in and around the country. He and his senior officers will welcome greater Australian engagement and assistance with open arms.

The ongoing investigation into the drug haul near Port Moresby will no doubt reveal the extent of PNG engagement, and especially where such a huge quantity of cocaine originated from.

There is every chance that this is not a one-off event.

The Australian border with PNG has long been seen as porous and Australia's northernmost islands are just a few kilometres away.

Shutting down a massive drug-trafficking operation is to be welcomed, but it illustrates the need to urgently help our closest neighbour strengthen its border security. It is overwhelmingly in Australia's interests to do so.