PNG, Australia to increase border security
Updated
Tougher controls on traditional border crossings between Papua New Guinea and Australia are being put in place
The governments of both countries want to stem the number of PNG citizens illegally gaining access to health clinics in Australia's north eastern state of Queensland
Under the existing treaty, only 13 villages are legally allowed free movement between Australia and PNG to carry out traditional activities.
But a ministerial forum held in Madang last week was told the number of border crossings is much higher than that and the serious concern is transmissible diseases like a highly resistant strain of tuberculosis.
The governor of Western Province, Bob Danaya, has told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program, the changes will ensure traditional border crossings are more efficiently policed.
"Certainly no illegal immigrants will be allowed to get across the Torres Strait border to Australia and I think that will certainly be enforced vigorously," he said.
"At the same time on the Papua New Guinea side of the border, we want make sure we do a lot of awareness to ensure people comply with the laws that exist at this point in time."
