QLD Premier Newman signs memorandum with PNG leader

Qld Premier Campbell Newman and PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill in Port Moresby.

Image credit: ABC News

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman says he has discussed health, policing and business opportunities during a two-day trade trip to Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Mr Newman has signed a memorandum of understanding with PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill.

The two leaders have agreed there will be face-to-face talks between Queensland and PNG every six months.

Among the topics covered was the possibility of PNG importing live cattle from Australia.

Mr O'Neill says as his country grows, so does the potential to buy live cattle.

"The economy is growing, there is more disposable income for families to now spend money on getting better quality food," Mr O'Neill said.

Policing was also on the agenda.

Mr Newman says they have agreed to an exchange program for up to 150 officers from each country.

"They have to be volunteers of course," he said.

"We have to sit down and negotiate the terms with the [Police] Union."

Mr Newman also says Queensland will also provide advice on building a new hospital at Daru in PNG's Western Province.

"They will pay for these things, they simply want the technical expertise out of Queensland," he said.

Mr O'Neill wants Queensland to reopen tuberculosis clinics in the Torres Strait, where PNG nationals seek treatment.

The Queensland Government says it wants to expand on the treatment regime already established at Daru.

During the visit, Mr Newman visited a dry dock development for which a Brisbane firm provided technical advice.

"There is a great opportunity for professional services companies in Queensland to provide professional support on a business basis into PNG so you can see it happening here in Port Moresby," he said.

ABC News