Prime Minister Albanese's Anzac Day Address in Papua New Guinea
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will address the crowd at an Anzac Day dawn service in Papua New Guinea, expressing Australia's enduring gratitude for the support provided by the people of PNG during World War II.
Albanese's visit to PNG marks the culmination of a two-day, 16-kilometer journey along the Kokoda Track with PNG Prime Minister James Marape. This shared experience underscores the deep historical connection between the two nations forged through the shared sacrifices of war.
Speaking at the Isurava Memorial Site, a location of intense fighting during the war, Albanese will acknowledge the bravery and resilience of Australian and Papuan soldiers who fought against the Japanese forces. He will also pay tribute to the invaluable assistance provided by the people of PNG, who risked their lives to support Australian troops.
"We thank every one of them who helped Australians in the face of retribution and sometimes unfathomable cruelty," Albanese will say. "The villagers who risked their own lives to feed and guide and shelter Australians in desperate need. The stretcher bearers whose courage was matched only by their kindness."
Albanese will reaffirm Australia's commitment to never forgetting the sacrifices made by the people of PNG during the war. He will also honor the service of Australians who fought in other conflicts and express gratitude to all veterans for their contributions.
"We have seen what horrors Australians have defeated. We have seen the difference Australians have made in the world – and continue to make," Albanese will say.
In his own Anzac Day message, Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton echoed the sentiment of national unity and sacrifice. He highlighted the enduring impact of the Anzac spirit on Australian identity and its role in shaping the nation's response to challenges throughout history.
"Just as the Anzac spirit shaped our national soul, our national soul sustained the Anzac spirit," Dutton said. "And since the First World War, it is a spirit which has characterised Australians whenever and wherever they have served and sacrificed.